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2020 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Radhika Jones - Arrivals

Source: Karwai Tang / Getty

Braids have evolved into more than just a summer hairstyle. Now you can catch just about any high profile celebrity (black, white, and in between) stuntin’ on them, on the red carpet with their hair in the protective style.. 

We have come a long way. There are kids in school that are still fighting for the right to wear braids while on campus. What is viewed as unprofessional in the real world, is rapidly becoming a go-to style on the red carpet. Hair braiding is heavily engraved in black culture and the black experience. It’s representation in mainstream media is needed to enforce that this style is not only a harmless way to do your hair, it is professional and glamorous enough to be worn with couture ball gowns. 

Over the years, many celebrities have traded in their silky Brazilian hair for some braided inches. No matter the prestige of the event, our ladies represented the culture with their unapologetically black hairstyles. 

If you’re in need of some hair inspo, or you just want to gaze at the beautiful black and brown women who have worn their braids with pride on the red carpet, then this post is for you. Here are 10 celebrities who kept it cute with their hair braided on the red carpet.

 

1. KEKE PALMER AT THE IFP GOTHAM AWARDS, 2019

2019 IFP Gotham Awards Source:Getty

Keke Palmer did it up at the 2019 IFP Gotham Awards. I love that she paired her feathered frock with a full head of waist-length braids.

2. RIHANNA AT THE FASHION AWARDS, 2019

The Fashion Awards 2019 - Roaming Arrivals Source:Getty

Rihanna does no wrong, ever. She served serious hair goals at The Fashion Awards. This wasn’t a typical look for the fashion and beauty mogul.

3. ZENDAYA AT THE 25TH ANNUAL CRITICS’ CHOICE AWARDS, 2020

25th Annual Critics' Choice Awards - Arrivals Source:Getty

Zendaya gave us the business at the 25th Annual Critics’ Choice Awards. The actress is not afraid to “go there” with her hair when it comes to high-profile red carpet events.

4. GABRIELLE UNION AT THE VANITY FAIR OSCAR PARTY, 2020

2020 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Radhika Jones - Arrivals Source:Getty

Gabrielle Union looked flawless at the 2020 Vanity Fair Oscar Party. She styled her braids to the side while showing off her laid edges.

5. EVA MARCILLE AT BRAVOCON, 2019

BravoCon - Season 2019 Source:Getty

Eva Marcille has 2 main looks. Her cute pixie cut and her butt-length braids. She stepped it up a notch at BravoCon with braids that fell to her knees.

6. KELLY ROWLAND AT THE SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL, 2020

2020 Sundance Film Festival - "Bad Hair" Premiere Source:Getty

Kelly Rowland showed off her good hair at the “Bad Hair” premiere during the 2020 Sundance Film Festival.

7. SKAI JACKSON AT MARIE CLAIRE’S CHANGE MAKERS CELEBRATION, 2019

Marie Claire Change Makers Celebration - Arrivals Source:Getty

Skai Jackson slayed her box braids at the Marie Claire Change Makers Celebration. She kept half up in a bun, and let the rest fall down her back.

8. TRACEE ELLIS ROSS AT THE FASHION AWARDS, 2019

The Fashion Awards 2019 - Red Carpet Arrivals Source:Getty

Hair guru Tracee Ellis Ross arrived at The Fashion Awards with two gorgeously structured braids.

9. TESSA THOMPSON AT THE ACURA FESTIVAL VILLAGE AFTER PARTY, 2020

Acura Festival Village Hosts After Party For "Sylvie's Love" At Sundance Source:Getty

Tessa Thompson loves to experiment with her hair. Braids on the red carpet is one of her favorite looks. The actress attended the after party for “Sylvie’s Love” at Acura Festival Village with waist-length braids that framed her face.

10. DRAYA MICHELE AT THE BILLBOARD MUSIC AWARDS, 2019

2019 Billboard Music Awards - Arrivals Source:Getty

Look back at it! Draya Michele attended the 2019 Billboard Music Awards with butt-length box braids. This isn’t a typical look for the designer/actress.

For 2024’s iteration of MadameNoire and HelloBeautiful’s annual series Women to Know, we knew we wanted to celebrate the people who help make the joys of film and television possible. To create art is to create magic. This year, we spotlight Hollywood Executive’s changing the face of cinema.