Who’s the Queen of Braids? Alicia Keys Has 17 Styles to Prove It
Alica Keys has the most multi-hyphenated personality. Alica Keys is a singer, songwriter and entrepreneur. She’s also an actress, author, and, since her debut in 2000, Song in a Minor has become renowned for her hair. Keys Soulcare’s founder, who is known for her protective styles that range from Fulani braids and jumbo twists, has received a lot of attention over the years. #aliciakeysbraids is viewed over 45,000,000 times on TikTok.
We love how Keys makes each braided style her own. Here are 17 of our favourite Alicia Keys’ hairstyles.
Braids and Buns
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Keys’ style proves that jumbo braids can be styled in many different ways. The singer added a small cornrow and rolled up two of her four braids to create a bun. We also love how the gold twine was added to the ends.
Beaded Braids
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Keys enjoys matching her braids with her outfits. She enhanced her shoulder-length, braided lob with silver, pink and blue beads, which complemented her shimmering, blue jumpsuit. Beads add a nostalgic, fun touch to braids. They’re also easy to attach.
Fulani Braids
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Keys, who wore Fulani braids for the video “Falling In,” has been loyal to this style and showcased many variations over the years. Beads add a beautiful (and perfectly-matched) finishing touch to this look.
Jeweled Stitch Braids
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The feed-in method is used to create stitch braids. Extensions are added during braiding. There are many variations of the style, but few are as glamorous and glitzy as Keys’ version with silver beads.
Braided Ponytail
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Keys wore a cape with a skyline design of New York on it at the Met Gala in 2022. She finished the look with a braided extra-long ponytail that featured sparkling disc-like accents and rhinestones along her edges.
Zig-Zag Braids
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Snake braids are cornrows that have been twisted to create a wave pattern. You can make them chunky or thin, and with or without braiding your hair. Keys chose medium-sized braids and left out her baby hairs for a more flamboyant look.
High Ponytail Braid
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It’s easy to change a ponytail to a nighttime style with a few small changes. Keys’ red carpet-ready style is a great example. She used gold chains and structural styling to achieve her look.
Cornrows with a Side Bun
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Keys combined her two signature braid styles at the 2003 VIBE Awards. Keys’ Fulani braids are woven into cornrows and then tied in a bun to create a stylish face framing style.
Large Cornrows with a Low Bun
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Keys’ cornrowed locks were wrapped in a low bun. Check out our favorite edge control products for a perfect finish.
Afro Puffs and Cornrows
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Keys created a playful afro by braiding her hair in the front and leaving out some face framing plaits. Afro puffs can be made in a variety of ways, including with natural hair, by braiding, or using a drawstring.
Zig Zag Braids with a Curly ponytail
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Keys was a frequent user of zig-zag braids in the 1990s and 2000s. You can achieve the style by braiding your hair in a zigzag pattern or by parting it straight and then braiding. The first option is more popular, because it shows the artistry involved in creating the style. Keys combines her cornrows and braids here, before adding some glam to the look by creating a curly hair ponytail.
Fulani Braids with Center Parting
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Keys’s love for Fulani braids is evident. There are several options when it comes to Fulani hair braids. It is common to choose the center part, which looks good on most people. A side part may be better for you depending on your personal taste or face shape.
Braided Ponytail
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Try wetting your natural hair with water and leave-in conditioning before smoothing back the hair with a boar bristle brush. Here are some of our favorite leave in conditioners for curly or wavy hair.
Jumbo Twists
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The jumbo twists can be installed easily, which makes them a great option for those who want a low maintenance hairstyle. Keys’ jumbo twisted hair has been pin back on one side, and let down the other. This shows off the style.
Curls and Cornrows
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Why limit yourself to one style? In this promotional shoot for , Queen Charlotte, Keys pays homage to Regency style with cornrows that are puffed up and natural curls.
Fulani Braids with a Curly High Horse
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Keys is able to pull off a variety of hairstyles including cornrows and curly, curly, and fulani braids. This is the hair inspiration we didn’t know we needed.
Low Twisted ponyail
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When you’re not sure what to do, low ponytails can be a great option. Here, Keys slicked hers back and added one of her favorite hair accessories–rhinestones–to her center part. This look shows that everyday hairstyles do not have to be boring.
