37 A-List Braid Styles For All The Plait Hairstyle Inspo You Could Ever Need
Braids everyday.
Second only to our obsession with all things weddings, braid styles and plait hairstyles are basically what we spend our life pinning.
When we're not finding out how exactly Kate Bosworth nailed that backwards parting plait, or following step by steps of how to do a dutch braid IRL, we're spending way too much time imagining all the different intricate braids and super subtle plaits we could be doing.
From French and fishtail, to halo, ponytail and boxer braids, there's almost too many A-list plait hairstyles we're into. Do Pinterest boards have a maximum limit??
'Braids are a great way to experiment and be more creative with your hair,' says TONI&GUY Creative Director, Cos Sakkas. 'In 2022 we’re seeing a move on from the traditional three strand plait into a more complex braid. Whether this is by adding more strands, incorporating fabric, or braiding around the hairline, leaving the ends loose.'
Sakkas' celeb plait inspo? 'Zendaya looks amazing with a plaited hairstyle – she looked stunning with her waist-long box braids at the Critics’ Choice awards.'
So next time you're considering a braid, plait or basic updo, check out our edit of the best red-carpet styles because we've got all the braid inspo you could ever need right here.
Kendall Jenner
Proving you're never too old for pigtails, Kendall's adorable centre-parted plaits are perfect for summer.
Millie Bobby Brown
Channel your inner hippy with two micro plaits a la Millie Bobby Brown.
Zendaya
Zendaya confirmed classic cornrows are a timeless red carpet look.
Blake Lively
How to keep a crown in place all night long? Opt for a Blake Lively style secret dutch braid.
Hailey Bieber
Hailey Bieber brought the clean girl aesthetic to the red carpet with her super simple loose plait.
Zendaya
Zendaya served up yet another next level braid look wearing her hair in plushy jumbo box braids to attend the 2021 CFDA awards. The Dune actor looked incredible with her XXL braids that reached all the way to her waist courtesy of hair stylist Antoinette.
Gigi Hadid
Hadid gave plaits a new twist (sorry not sorry) for her 26th birthday by bubble braiding the two front strands of her recently copper-toned hair. We're not sure the model's hair could be any more on trend right now.
Amanda Gorman
The poet and activist wore a full head of embellished twists swept up and adorned with a bright red Prada hairband to speak at the inauguration of President Joe Biden.
Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga made a statement at the inauguration of the 46th President with a crown of platinum blonde Dutch braids interwoven with a black ribbon.
Lady Gaga
The singer's braids were finished with a cluster of red flowers at the nape of her neck and were, in fact, a second day hairdo that Gaga had previously had styled the day before by go-to stylist Frederic Aspiras.
Kerry Washington
Kerry Washington adorned her XXL twists with gold and pearl ornaments.
Janelle Monae
Monae embellished her braided pigtails with real . hair bows and Chanel brooches to attend the fashion house's AW20 show in Paris.
Rihanna
Rihanna won more than just the Urban Luxe prize at the Fashion Awards 2019, taking home our award for the best Fulani braids to hit the red carpet, well, ever. Dressed in a seafoam tulle dress by her own brand Fenty, the entrepreneur looked next level amazing.
Yara Shahidi
The actress stepped out for the 2019 BET Awards working a pair of XXL embellished rapunzel braids courtesy of hairstylist Kendall Dorsey.
Yara Shahidi
Yara Shahidi served up traditional sculptural braids on the red carpet.
Millie Bobby Brown
Millie Bobby Brown channelled Dior at this year's Golden Globes with a seriously slick bun that revealed a secret trio of braids at the back. Created by celeb hairstylist Blake Erik, the plaited updo added a sneaky bit of unexpected to the actress' pared back black ensemble.
Billie Eilish Suffered Blonde Hair Identity Crisis
Gwen Channels Cher With Peroxide Waterfall Hair
You Need To See Anne Hathaway's Pixie Crop
ELLE Edit: 11 Volumising Shampoos For Fine Hair