Alicia Keys, the Grammy-award winning singer and pianist, is known for her soulful voice, empowering lyrics, and of course, her signature hairstyles. Her braided hairdos have evolved throughout her career, often inspired by her roots and cultural heritage, and always reflecting her personal style.
Keys has made a name for herself as a trendsetter in the music industry, with her unique sense of style and her ability to switch up her look. Her braided hairstyles have been a constant part of her aesthetic, often drawing attention for their complexity and uniqueness. Let's delve into some of Alicia Keys' most iconic braided hairstyles.
Bohor Braids
Alicia Keys popularized the Bohor braids, which are a traditional protection style from the Fulani people in West Africa. This intricate hairstyle involves cornrowing the hair down to the nape of the neck, then braiding sections of hair along the hairline, creating a unique, asymmetrical design.
Keys has been seen rocking this style on several occasions, often accessorizing it with delicate gold pieces that accentuate her African heritage. It's a bold, cultural statement that she wears proudly.
Half-Up Bohor Braids
Keys didn't stop at the traditional Bohor braids. She also sported a half-up version, where some of her braids are pulled back while the rest fall freely. This style offers a more casual, relaxed look, perfect for everyday wear.
The half-up Bohor braids allow for some of her natural hair texture to show, providing a beautiful contrast to the intricate braids. This style also makes it easier to maintain her hair status while keeping the cultural significance of herprotective style.
Boho Braids with Croc Beads
Another variation of her Bohor braids is adding Croc beads to the ends of the braids. These beads are a protective measure, protecting the hair from breakage and giving the hairstyle a vibrant, playful touch.
Keys' Croc bead-accented braids have been a popular choice among her fans, who often try to replicate the look. It's a great example of how Keys integrates her cultural heritage into her fashion choices.
Box Braids
Box braids are another recurring hairstyle for Alicia Keys. This style, where the hair is braided close to the head in box-like sections, is not only protective but also adds volume and length to the hair.
Keys has been seen in both short and long box braids, often with a pop of color or vibrant beads added to the ends. This style has been a staple for her, and she has worn it in various ways, always looking chic and effortlessly stylish.
Long Box Braids
Long box braids, often cascading down to the waist or even longer, have been a favored look for Keys. This style elongates her face and neck, accentuating her features.
She often wears her long box braids in loose, wavy curls or straight, giving her an edge and accentuating her voluminous hair. This style is perfect for those days when she wants to showcase her length and volume.
Short Box Braids
Keys also wears her box braids short, chopping them to chin-length or even shorter. This style emphasizes her face and increases the boldness of her looks, making her stand out.
Short box braids have been a staple for Keys, allowing her to experiment with different styles without compromising her hair health. This style also compliments her face structure, accentuating her high cheekbones and sharp jawline.
Alicia Keys' braided hairstyles are more than just fashion statements; they are a testament to her cultural heritage, a demonstration of her love for natural hair, and a personal style statement. From her Bohor braids to her box braids, Keys continues to inspire women worldwide with her bold and beautiful hairstyles. So, embrace your hair journey, rock those braids, and let's celebrate the versatility and beauty of natural hair, just like Alicia Keys does.