If you are searching for a fresh hairstyle that is both eye-catching and stylish, why not opt for Alicia Keys braids? These plaits have been a fashion staple for many years and have recently regained a significant following.
To achieve this style, one or more slender braids are made that cascade down over the forehead and frame the ears. It provides the wearer with an enchanting and alluring appearance.
Alicia Keys is one of the most iconic and successful artists in the world. Having made her mark as a singer, songwriter, producer and actress at the tender age of 19, Keys has been blessed with 10 Grammy Awards – making her one of the most celebrated musicians of all time.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of her most beloved braid hairstyles and the reasons why they are worth emulating.
Iconic Alicia Keys Braids Hairstyle
Alicia Keys is an iconic musician, having sold millions of albums, earned numerous Grammy Awards, and been nominated for a countless number of honors. However, many are unaware that Alicia has had a longtime connection to braids throughout her career.
She has rocked an innumerable variety of braid styles, ranging from cornrows to box braids to ponytails, but eight looks truly stand out as iconic. The following seven hairstyles have made Alicia Keys’ braid styles legendary
1. Trendy and Creative Cornrow Braids
Alicia Keys’ cornrow braids are a testament to her impeccable style and taste. Meticulously and skillfully braided to the perfect amount of tightness and spacing, she exudes an effortless elegance that shows she put in very little effort to look as chic and fashionable as she does. The braids fall at shoulder-length, boasting intricately crafted patterns that are further decorated with delicate beads. There’s no denying that the young star is a true master of her craft and her artfully crafted braids are simply stunning.
We all dream of having these wonderful braids, so to create this style, begin by separating your hair into various sections from the front of your head until you reach your crown, just like when you make a ponytail. Then, divide the section into three even parts: one on top of each ear, and one at the center of the back of your head.
Once you have separated your hair into three distinct sections, begin braiding the part closest to your face first as this is where the most of the weight of your hairstyle will be located when you choose to wear it down. Braid the three sections until they reach the top of your head, where they will be combined into a single, thicker braid. Make sure to finish off the braid with an elastic band or a ribbon, securing it so it stays in place when it dries overnight. Before styling your hair, ensure that the elastic band or ribbon is removed to avoid tangling.
2. Elegant Rhinestone Braided Ponytail
The Alicia Keys Braided Ponytail is a gorgeous, full-bodied hairstyle that works perfectly for any type of hair. Whether you want to display your curls and textures in a professional way, or make a statement with a slightly edgier look, this style has you covered.The braids are separated into two sections – one around the top of the head and the other at the back – which gives the final look a gentle, feminine sophistication. Here we see Alicia with a charming and sophisticated ponytail.
Gently brushing your locks with a paddle brush is the ideal way to begin styling your braids. Starting from one side of your head, plait your hair downwards until you reach the tips. After that, do the same with the other side of your head and join both sides of the braids together. Take the end of either braided sections and wrap it around several times, then secure the braid underneath with bobby pins.
Begin this same process on the other side, so that each side has a thinner braid coiled around it at an angle. Then take one end from both the mini braids and wrap them around their original braids several times. To secure the braids in place, insert additional bobby pins underneath the large braid on each side.
When you’re finished, you need to pull out the small, woven sections from beneath their bigger braid counterparts, securing them together with an elastic band or clip. That way, the ends won’t become entangled as you’re wearing them – and don’t forget to add the yellow rhinestone to your style, just as Alicia Keys did with her hair.
3. Simple and Neat Braided Pigtails
Alicia Keys has a talent for pulling off a myriad of fashionable looks, but it is her signature braided pigtails that always catch people’s attention. The hairstyle is crafted from strands that are slightly longer than the rest of her hair, giving them a tousled and curly texture. Alicia has made a name for herself wearing this look, with some of her most iconic images of the starlet coming from a photoshoot featuring the braided pigtails. If you’re seeking a stylish way to spruce up your own pigtails, the braided look is the perfect combination of classy and sophisticated.
Gather all of the necessary supplies to begin the process. Afterwards, divide your hair into two separate segments on either side of your scalp and tie them up in two separate ponytails at the highest point of your head. Then, braid each section down to the very end and secure each plait with a thin hair elastic, so that it does not become unraveled when you move onto the other one.
Once you’ve finished braiding your hair, use bobby pins to hold the braids in place at the back of your head. This will prevent them from coming undone if you’re active during the day, or through the evening and night. Additionally, for extra hold, you can spray a little bit of hairspray on top of each braid before securing them in place with the bobby pins. This will make sure that your hairstyle stays in place, even with changes in humidity or sweating.
4. Glamorous Braided Updo
This intricate braid is a great choice for women who want to add some style to their hairstyle. With this look, the plaits are twisted back into a ponytail, held firmly in place with bobby pins. Girls with long hair are perfect candidates for this updo, as it displays their hair length and volume without the stress of creating the style. Similar to Alicia Keys’ popular braid, this look will also provide convenience in managing your hair as it prevents flyaways and tangles. Moreover, the style offers relief in warm weather as the braid can keep your hair away from the nape of your neck.
To style your hair in this fashion, start by dividing it into two parts and securing it with a hair tie. Subsequently, bring all your hair up to the top and secure it in a high ponytail with a hair tie. Finally, braid your hair together to ensure it stays in place.
Beginning at the top of your head, divide your hair into two sections and begin to braid the strands down until they reach the rest of your hair at the back of your scalp. As you weave the sections, ensure to hold the strands securely, ensuring that the braid remains intact and no sections are coming undone.
Once you have woven the entirety of your tresses, take out both bands and delicately undo any tangles or snarls that could have occurred while you were braiding by running your fingers through each individual section—this will assist them in joining together more flawlessly when you part them in the end. Then, separate both sides of your scalp where they join one another (simply put, right above where each side commences). Ultimately, don’t forget to add elastic bands to each section of your mane, as you can see in the image, to secure the plaits together.
5. Beautiful Thin Zig Zag Cornrows
This iconic hairdo has long been one of Alicia Keys’ most cherished braids for all women. Its unique zigzag pattern adds a contemporary touch to the classic braid, boasting of extra coils and bends to make it a truly exquisite look. Best of all, it is an ideal option to opt for when wanting to attain length in your tresses without needing to invest in either chemical-laden extensions or add-ons. This pattern adds a playful twist to her style, all while keeping her look tasteful and classy.
Begin styling by first sectioning the hair in half, then taking each side and braiding it separately. This can be achieved by simply using your fingers to part the hair into four sections or, alternatively, a comb or brush can be used to achieve the same goal. Nevertheless, when opting to use a comb or brush, ensure to be gentle and not pull the hair too tight as this can lead to discomfort and, ultimately, reduce the volume of the finished product.
Once you have divided your hair into two even sections, begin plaiting each into zigzag patterns. Make sure to overlap the braids slightly so that when completed there are no breaks between them. As a final touch, add beads at the ends of the braids to accentuate their complexity and magnify the details of the hairstyle.
6. Classical and Unique Bantu Knots
Alicia Keys is renowned for her glamorous and chic aesthetic, and her Bantu Knots exemplify that perfectly. This hairdo is an elegant take on her signature look of weaving her own hair into a bun which she has sported for many years. Her Bantu Knots are a breathtaking, textured design that proudly display her natural tresses. This specific version of the style is perfect for individuals who would like to have their hair out of their face, but don’t have the time to devote to a long grooming routine every morning.
To achieve this stylish hairdo, you must begin with freshly-washed, completely dry locks. Split your hair in two halves, top and bottom, and separate each into smaller sections. Start twisting the sections from each half together, secure the ends with a hair tie or bobby pins, and repeat until all of your tresses are one single big bun!
7. Cute and Blonde Box Braids
Alicia Keys’ gorgeous blonde box braids create an undeniably stylish and trendy look. Her hair is artfully parted down the middle, then braided in a delicate, intricate pattern that gives it a dignified and sophisticated edge, especially when worn to formal events. Rather than disguising her natural curls, she chose to show them off and accentuate them with light blonde highlights. This particular style of braiding makes her hair look more voluminous and gives it lots of body and texture.
Start the iconic look by washing and conditioning your hair with a nourishing shampoo and conditioner. Doing this will help keep your hair strong, shiny, and healthy during the styling process. Then, separate your hair into four distinct sections. You may choose to use an elastic band or bobby pins to keep these sections separate and together when braiding.
After you have separated your hair into four parts, start to weave each of them into single braids. Ensure that each plait is tight and precise – you don’t want any strands that look out of place!
Now that your beautiful braids have been created, use a comb or brush to take one braid at a time and divide it into two smaller portions. Doing this now will be helpful in ensuring that all strands remain accounted for and accessible if you decide to add in hair extensions later.
Frequently Asked Question
What are some of the most iconic braid styles that Alicia Keys has worn?
Some of the most iconic braid styles that Alicia Keys has worn include cornrows, box braids, and ponytails.
How many Grammy Awards has Alicia Keys won?
Alicia Keys has won 15 Grammy Awards throughout her career.
What is Alicia Keys’ real name?
Alicia Keys’ real name is Alicia Augello Cook.
How did Alicia Keys get her start in the music industry?
Alicia Keys began playing the piano at the age of seven and wrote her first song at the age of 14. She signed her first record deal at the age of 15 and released her debut album, “Songs in A Minor,” in 2001.
What is Alicia Keys’ connection to the braids in her hair?
Alicia Keys has a long-time connection to braids throughout her career. She has worn an innumerable variety of braid styles, ranging from cornrows to box braids to ponytails, and has made them a signature part of her image.
Conclusion
Alicia Keys is a highly successful musician known for her powerful voice and innovative music style. Along with her musical achievements, she has also become known for her iconic braid styles, which have ranged from cornrows to box braids to ponytails. These braid styles have become a signature part of her image and have contributed to her legendary status in the entertainment industry.
