See How These Beautiful Black Celebrities Have Worn Cornrows (So Far!) This Year

These cornrows are anything but boring.

By Jennifer Ford · Updated October 23, 2020

From floor-length ombre braids to technicolored-yarn locs, flamboyant protective hairstyles are having a moment in 2018. Cornrows, the most classic braid of them all, have even been turned up a notch. What’s better is that celebrity hairstylists have taken these next-level braids to even higher heights with some of the most creative variations we’ve seen to date.

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And while it’s unlikely that you’ll get to book an appointment with these Hollywood hair slayers anytime soon, you can at least draw inspiration for your next look from the coolest cornrows worn by your fave stars this year. Check them out below.

Alicia Keys

The beauty of cornrows is that you don’t require many to up your hairstyle’s wow factor. Here, three add a chic flair.

Issa Rae

We love these gorgeous cornrows on the Insecure star.

Lupita Nyong’o

It’s safe to say that the actress has a thing for pineapple, whether it’s in the form of a couture clutch or the braided updo, which is typically styled with free-flowing curls atop one’s head. The star’s hairstylist Michael David reinvented the look with cornrows and intricately pinned braids.

Nafeesa Williams

Playing a superhero is hard work, but the Black Lightning actress handles it with incredible style, thanks to these sleek braids.

Bozoma Saint John

The chief marketing officer at Endeavor has a crown worthy of all its glory.

Ciara

What’s better than getting your strands done in the Motherland? Needless to say, the singer’s French braids and vacation in Cape Town, South Africa, are goals.