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Beyoncé’s braided looks provide a tapestry of trend.
This mane prowess comes as no surprise: a childhood spent in mother Tina Knowles’s Houston hair salon coupled with a career spanning decades allows plenty of opportunity to play with protective styles.
From the undone and highly texturized box braids favored during the new millennium to her near-eponymous “Lemonade braids,” those inspired by the interminable, side-oriented cornrows that star in the single’s music video, Bey is consistently one step ahead of the woven aesthetic, often setting more trends than she follows. With the launch of her own hair-care line, Cécred, Beyoncé has brought things full circle—and the entire journey has been punctuated by a parade of plaits that evolve along with the singer’s style.
Here, 15 of Beyoncé’s best braid looks, from the early aughts to today.
Bombshell Twists
Featuring woven blonde and undone ends, these diminutive twists have big bombshell energy. Worn loose and raked to one sides, the kinked and slightly undone twists are worthy of the stage—or an island getaway.
Half-Up Twists
Same day, raked-back twists. A half-up knot showcases the all-out volume of Bey’s texturized baby twists, the off-kilter bun showcasing a set of oversized silver hoops.
Coil Crown
This organic tiara is downright regal. A deeply parted cap of baby braids gives way to a crown of outward-facing pinned curls, the remainder of Bey’s blonde blown straight and left to fall down her back. The most noteworthy aspect of this partial pin-up is the medley of compositions, the mixture making Bey's hair itself the accessory.
Golden Cornrows
For an appearance on TRL, Beyoncé’s mane of teeny tiny braids are built of a brunette base run through with golden strands, resulting in a two-toned cornrow finished in the illusion of sparkle. A set of diamante hoops echoes the texture and finish.
Barely There Braids
A cascade of brushed-out beach waves is better with a covert braid detail. Rather than ditching her baby braids completely, Beyoncé allows the foundational weaving to add some intricate intrigue to her side part. The addition of a floral accessory gives the style a romantic southern feel.
Braid-Part Blowout
The same braid-part approach as above translates to an entirely different look when lengths are blown straight. The '00s were all about spirited glam, and this highlight-heavy blowout is certainly more fun with the added texture of a braided detail.
Micro Braid Pony
Micro braids worn courtside (and for a playful date night) are best pulled into a sporty high ponytail. Though Beyoncé’s ponytail features a high-slung collective of caramel curls, the crown comes adorned in neat teeny tiny micros.
Banded Braid
A mane of easy blonde beach waves pushed back with an era-specific fabric headband gets additional decorative detailing with baby braids that disappear into the accessories similarly woven coverage.
Braid-Bordered Bun
This updo is all about pretty polish. A neatly combed and entirely outsized midi bun comes with 1960s flair, the style finished by a knot-framing plaited detail. The updo is a confection of shine, a timeless style that would fit well in any era.
Side Braid
Side braids were a mainstay in the 2010s, and Beyoncé’s interpretation of the trend hits all of her favorite notes. From the side part glamorous swoop to a swirl of caramel and golden blonde, Bey's braid is as aspirational as it is easy to execute.
Sci-Fi Style
Bey's lifted updo is framed by braided details that converge into a single plait that falls neatly down her back. Viewed in its entirety, the style is decidedly sci-fi in its utility and intricacy.
Rapunzel Braid
An extra-long blonde braid makes the sort of statement that Beyoncé is known for. Secured with a binding of baby braids at the base, Bey's plaited pony is woven with platinum and gold, the down-to-there style finished in a quartet of black beads.
Noir Cornrows
Beyoncé's medium cornrows—styled low-positioned tie-back—are striking enough on their own. But topped with a black sculptural hat by Nicolas Jebran, the look becomes an ode to noir romance.
Two-Toned Redux
Knotless braids have become a signature, and these baby braids pay homage to the multi-hued styles that marked the singer’s start. Bey’s contemporary take is understated and chic, the collective of tiny braids creating a cohesive mane delicate enough to tuck behind each ear.
Swirling Cornrows
The premiere of The Lion King called for an appropriately illustrious hairstyle. Fortunately, Bey (aka Nala) was up to the task. Her wavy, swirling cornrows skewed sculptural and slightly '20s-inspired, the effect bold enough for modern royalty.