If you’re in search of a fresh and captivating hairstyle that’s both trendy and attention-grabbing, consider embracing the charm of Alicia Keys’ braided hairstyles. These braids have long been a fashion classic and are currently experiencing a resurgence in popularity.
To achieve this look, slender braids are skillfully crafted, cascading gracefully down the forehead and framing the ears. This hairstyle imparts an enchanting and seductive allure to the wearer.
Alicia Keys stands as an iconic and highly accomplished figure in the entertainment world. Bursting onto the scene as a singer, songwriter, producer, and actress at the young age of 19, Keys has been graced with an impressive 10 Grammy Awards, solidifying her status as one of the most celebrated musicians of all time.
In this article, we will delve into some of her most beloved braided hairstyles and explore the compelling reasons why they are worthy of emulation.
Iconic Alicia Keys Braids Hairstyle
Alicia Keys, an iconic musician, has achieved remarkable success in her career, selling millions of albums, garnering numerous Grammy Awards, and receiving countless nominations. What might surprise many is her enduring connection to braided hairstyles over the years.
Throughout her illustrious career, Alicia has confidently sported a wide array of braid styles, ranging from cornrows to box braids to elegant ponytails. Among these various looks, eight stand out as truly iconic. The following seven hairstyles have solidified Alicia Keys’ braid styles as legendary:
1. Cute and Blonde Box Braids
Alicia Keys exhibits a stunning and fashionable appearance with her beautiful blonde box braids. These braids are meticulously crafted, featuring a graceful middle parting that adds a touch of sophistication, making them particularly well-suited for formal occasions. Instead of concealing her natural curls, Alicia chose to embrace and enhance them by incorporating subtle, light blonde highlights. This unique braiding technique not only imparts volume but also lends a rich texture to her hair.
To begin creating this iconic hairstyle, start by cleansing and conditioning your hair with a nourishing shampoo and conditioner. This step is crucial in maintaining the strength, shine, and overall health of your hair throughout the styling process. Following that, divide your hair into four distinct sections. If desired, you can use elastic bands or bobby pins to keep these sections separate and secure while braiding.
Once you have successfully divided your hair into four sections, proceed to weave each section into individual braids. Ensure that each braid is executed with precision and tightness to avoid any stray strands.
With your lovely braids in place, utilize a comb or brush to further divide each braid into two smaller sections. This will prove beneficial in ensuring that all strands remain organized and easily accessible, especially if you plan to incorporate hair extensions later in the process.
2. Trendy and Creative Cornrow Braids
Alicia Keys’ cornrow braids epitomize her impeccable style and discerning taste. These meticulously and expertly braided cornrows strike the perfect balance of tension and spacing, exuding an effortless elegance that suggests minimal effort was invested in achieving her chic and fashionable appearance. Cascading gracefully to shoulder length, these braids boast intricate patterns adorned with delicate beads. Undoubtedly, the young star demonstrates mastery in her craft, and her artfully woven cornrow braids are nothing short of breathtaking.
Many aspire to replicate these exquisite braids. To recreate this style, begin by sectioning your hair starting from the front of your head, working your way to the crown, akin to creating a ponytail. Then, divide this section into three equal parts: one on each side of your head, framing your ears, and one at the central back.
These Trendy and Creative Cornrow Braids come to life by initiating the braiding process with the section closest to your face. This section bears the most weight when you opt to wear your hair down. Continue braiding these three sections until they converge at the crown of your head, forming a single, thicker braid. Secure the braid’s end with an elastic band or ribbon, ensuring it stays in place during the overnight drying process. Before styling your hair, remember to remove the elastic band or ribbon to prevent any tangles or snags.
3. Classical and Unique Bantu Knots
Alicia Keys is renowned for her glamorous and chic aesthetic, and her Bantu Knots serve as a perfect embodiment of that style. This hairstyle is an elegant interpretation of her signature bun, a look she has gracefully worn for many years. Her Bantu Knots exhibit a breathtaking, textured design that proudly showcases her natural hair. This particular version of the style is ideal for individuals seeking a way to keep their hair off their face without dedicating excessive time to their morning grooming routine.
To achieve this fashionable hairstyle, it’s essential to start with freshly-washed and completely dry locks. Divide your hair into two halves, separating the top and bottom sections, and further segment each half into smaller sections. Begin twisting the sections from each half together, securing the ends with either a hair tie or bobby pins. Continue this process until all of your tresses are gracefully arranged into a single, voluminous bun!
4. Elegant Rhinestone Braided Ponytail
The Alicia Keys Braided Ponytail is a stunning and voluminous hairstyle that suits all hair types, allowing you to showcase your curls and textures in a professional or slightly edgy manner. This versatile style features braids divided into two sections – one at the top of the head and the other at the back, creating an elegant and feminine sophistication in the final look, as seen on Alicia.
To start styling your braids, gently brush your locks with a paddle brush. Begin by plaiting your hair downwards from one side of your head until you reach the tips. Repeat this process on the other side of your head and then join both sets of braids together. Take one end from either braided section and wrap it around several times, securing the braid underneath using bobby pins.
For an added touch of elegance, create an Elegant Rhinestone Braided Ponytail. Begin the 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 of the mini braids and wrap them around their original braids several times. Secure these braids in place by inserting additional bobby pins underneath the larger braid on each side.
Once you’ve completed these steps, carefully pull out the small woven sections from beneath their larger braid counterparts and fasten them together with an elastic band or clip. This ensures that the ends of the braids won’t become tangled while you wear them. And don’t forget to add the yellow rhinestone, just like Alicia Keys did, to elevate your style to the next level.
5. Beautiful Thin Zig Zag Cornrows
Alicia Keys’ iconic zigzag braided hairstyle has long been a beloved choice among women. Its distinctive zigzag pattern adds a contemporary twist to the classic braid, featuring extra coils and bends that create a truly exquisite look. What makes this style even more appealing is its ability to add length to your hair without the need for chemical extensions or add-ons. This playful twist in her style maintains a tasteful and classy appearance.
Creating these Beautiful Thin Zig Zag Cornrows begins with sectioning the hair into two halves and braiding each side separately. You can achieve this by parting the hair into four sections using your fingers or, if preferred, by using a comb or brush. When using a comb or brush, be gentle to avoid pulling the hair too tightly, as this can lead to discomfort and reduce the final volume of the hairstyle.
After dividing your hair into two even sections, start braiding each section into zigzag patterns. Ensure that you overlap the braids slightly so that there are no gaps between them when you’re finished. To add a finishing touch, incorporate beads at the ends of the braids to accentuate their intricacy and enhance the overall beauty of the hairstyle.
6. Simple and Neat Braided Pigtails
Alicia Keys is known for effortlessly pulling off a variety of fashionable looks, but it’s her signature braided pigtails that consistently capture people’s attention. This hairstyle consists of strands slightly longer than the rest of her hair, giving them a tousled and curly texture. Alicia has become synonymous with this style, with some of her most iconic images featuring her in photoshoots showcasing these braided pigtails. If you’re looking to elevate your own pigtails with a stylish twist, the braided variation strikes a perfect balance between class and sophistication.
To get started, gather all the necessary supplies. Then, divide your hair into two separate sections on either side of your scalp and secure them with two separate ponytails at the highest point of your head. Next, braid each section down to the very end and secure each plait with a thin hair elastic to prevent unraveling as you work on the other side.
For a Simple and Neat Braided Pigtails look, use bobby pins to hold the braids in place at the back of your head. This prevents them from coming undone, especially if you’re active throughout the day or evening. If you desire extra hold, consider spraying a small amount of hairspray on top of each braid before securing them with bobby pins. This added step ensures your hairstyle remains intact, even in changing humidity or with increased physical activity.
7. Glamorous Braided Updo
This intricate braid is an excellent choice for women looking to add some flair to their hairstyle. This look involves twisting the plaits back into a ponytail and securing them firmly with bobby pins. It’s particularly well-suited for those with long hair, as it showcases their hair’s length and volume without the stress of complex styling. Similar to Alicia Keys’ popular braid, this style also offers convenience in managing your hair by preventing flyaways and tangles. Additionally, it provides relief in warm weather by keeping your hair away from the nape of your neck.
To achieve this stylish look, begin by dividing your hair into two parts and securing them with a hair tie. Then, gather all your hair to the top and secure it in a high ponytail with another hair tie. Next, braid your hair together to ensure it stays in place.
For a Glamorous Braided Updo, start braiding at the top of your head, dividing your hair into two sections and braiding the strands down until they reach the rest of your hair at the back of your scalp. While weaving the sections, be sure to hold the strands securely to ensure the braid remains intact without any sections coming undone.
After completing the braid, remove both hair ties and gently comb through each individual section to undo any tangles or snarls that may have occurred during braiding. This will help the sections blend seamlessly when you combine them at the end. Finally, separate both sides of your scalp where they meet above where each side begins. Don’t forget to add elastic bands to each section of your hair, as shown in the image, to secure the braids together.
Frequently Asked Question
What are some of the distinctive braid styles that Alicia Keys has sported?
Alicia Keys has showcased several memorable braid styles over the years, including cornrows, box braids, and elegant ponytails.
How many Grammy Awards has Alicia Keys achieved?
Alicia Keys has achieved an impressive tally of 15 Grammy Awards during her illustrious career.
What is the birth name of Alicia Keys?
Alicia Keys was born with the name Alicia Augello Cook.
How did Alicia Keys embark on her journey in the music industry?
Alicia Keys initiated her musical journey by playing the piano at the tender age of seven. At 14, she penned her first song. Her ascent in the music industry began at 15 when she secured her first record deal, ultimately culminating in the release of her debut album, “Songs in A Minor,” in 2001.
What is the significance of braids in Alicia Keys’ hairstyling choices?
Braids have held a significant and enduring role in Alicia Keys’ hairstyling over her career. She has elegantly sported a diverse array of braid styles, ranging from cornrows to box braids and even ponytails, making them a distinctive and integral part of her iconic image.
Conclusion
Alicia Keys is undoubtedly a renowned and accomplished musician celebrated for her remarkable vocal prowess and inventive musical style. Beyond her musical feats, she has garnered fame for her distinctive and ever-evolving braid styles, encompassing a spectrum from intricate cornrows to fashionable box braids and chic ponytails. These braided hairstyles have seamlessly melded with her public persona and have, in turn, played a pivotal role in solidifying her status as a legendary figure within the entertainment realm.