From Goddess Locs To Twists And Cornrows: All The Stars Slaying Protective Styles This Summer

Need some style inspiration for braids before hot girl summer is completely over? Look no further than the stars. Plenty of your favorite leading ladies and singers decided to switch things up for a few weeks (in some cases, just a few days), and the looks have been some of our favorites. Take for example, Tessa Thompson in her choppy box braid bob that she shared over the weekend:

View this post on Instagram

🕊

A post shared by Tessa Thompson (@tessamaethompson) on Aug 1, 2019 at 2:43pm PDT

Or how about Yara Shahidi’s braided bang that’s giving us Patrice Rushen vibes?

View this post on Instagram

My guide in all that I do 🌟I turn to his words and wisdom everyday to contextualize our social landscape and address our trauma without ignoring the brightness of our light, the beauty of our blackness, and the optimism in community. HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAMES BALDWIN🌟 (shirt @emandahr I 👑 ) #jamesbaldwin #birthday

A post shared by Yara (يارا‎) Shahidi (@yarashahidi) on Aug 2, 2019 at 7:39pm PDT

So many well-known ladies are giving your everyday braids some flair, whether it’s through color, accessories or designs. Hit the flip to see who took their looks to the next level and have us wanting to play around with these unique takes on protective styles.

Source: Nathan Stirk / Getty

Rihanna

The Bajan bad girl jazzed up cornrows with some baby hair and a rich red hue.

Source: Thierry Chesnot / Getty

Solange

The “Don’t Touch My Hair” singer is always innovative, including when it comes to her braided styles. Check out this look, which is more art than simple protective style.

Source: NBC / Getty

Issa Rae

Issa let her edges breathe and went for a blend of brown shades with her box braids.

Source: Rich Fury / Getty

Skai Jackson

The young starlet made her individual twists into three very chic braids, and finished up the look with fresh baby hair.

Source: Jon Kopaloff / Getty

Beyoncé

Let’s not forget that Bey spent a good chunk of her career (the Writings on the Wall days) wearing braids. She has been bringing them back more and more lately, and having fun with the look — like with these cornrows at the Lion King premiere.

Source: Jean Baptiste Lacroix / Getty

Gabrielle Union

The beauty’s box braids are some of the neatest we’ve seen. The look is also parted and braided in a very sleek horizontal direction if you’re thinking about trying it.

Source: Jackson Lee / Getty

Keke Palmer

The newest Strahan and Sara host is bringing braids to daytime, including these simple but very chic straight back cornrows.

Source: Paras Griffin / Getty

Cynthia Bailey

Cynthia took her box braids to the next level with some bold color.

Source: Robin L Marshall / Getty

Meagan Good

The queen of goddess locs brought back the look for the summer with a warm brown shade and her favorite shaven side.

Source: Mike Marsland / Getty

Laura Harrier

The BlacKkKlansman star took her box braids to the next level with Rapunzel-like length and loose, curled ends.

Source: Larry Busacca / Getty

Missy Elliott

The legendary rapper’s blend of very long braid and curl with ornament-like accessories is a bold and beautiful look.

Source: Aaron J. Thornton / Getty

Jill Scott

Leave it to Jilly from Philly to decorate her box braids in some unique and gilded accessories (and is that a side pony?).

Source: John Lamparski / Getty

Brandy

The singer’s brown twists are truly set off by this soft brown hue — and her funky style.