Alicia Keys's Best Braided Hairstyles Over the Years

Alicia Keys's Beaded Fulani Braids

In 2019, Keys gave a speech at Pride Live's Stonewall Day event about the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ equality and the power that's been achieved by the movement over decades. Of equal significance was her braid style of choice: Fulani braids with colorful beads. Fulani braids consist of cornrows that are braided into a specific pattern and originate from the Fula people, a Muslim community in North Africa's Sahel zone and West Africa. The style was traditionally used as a symbol of marital status, religion, wealth, or origins.

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Alicia Keys's Ponytail Braid

Image Source: Getty / Dimitrios Kambouris

A conversation starter of a hairstyle, Keys's ponytail braid at the 2022 Met Gala perfectly fit the theme of In America: An Anthology of Fashion. Created by hairstylist Fesa Nu, her slicked-back single braid was elevated with black and silver adornments placed throughout to complement her dress and cape from Ralph Lauren.

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Alicia Keys's Cornrow Low Bun

Image Source: Getty / Kevork Djansezian

As the host of the annual Grammy Awards for two consecutive years, Keys had to make a statement at the 2020 event. Hairstylist Nai'vasha Johnson and designer Jennifer Behr collaborated to create this stand-out style, which consisted of expertly laid baby hairs, vertical cornrows, and a soft bun at the nape of Keys's neck with numerous crystals carefully woven throughout. Cornrows are one of the most easily recognizable and versatile protective styles and have a rich history within the Black community. The style has been traced back to 3000 BC, meaning the art of this braid has been passed down centuries.

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Alicia Keys's Braided Messy Bun

Image Source: Getty / Theo Wargo/MTV1617

While presenting for best male video at the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards, Keys let her natural beauty shine when she came on stage with a completely bare face and messy braided bun. The bun appears to be made up of an array of single braids of different widths, all twisted together into this relaxed topknot that perfectly complemented her glowing skin. Before announcing the evening's winner, she took the time to recite Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous "I Have a Dream" speech on its 53rd anniversary.

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Alicia Keys's Mini Cornrows

Image Source: Getty / Scott Gries

For her performance on MTV's TRL back in 2005, Keys stepped out with partial cornrows on the left side of her head that were surrounded by glossy loose curls. Cornrows are tightly braided styles that require detailed technique, focus, and skill.

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Alicia Keys's Ponytail With Zigzag Cornrows

Image Source: Getty / Theo Wargo

In 2005, Keys visited the set of "Sesame Street" for an unforgettable musical appearance, but her intricate braided ponytail was just as memorable. The top half of her head was braided into mini cornrows with zigzag patterns that fed into her curly low ponytail.

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Alicia Keys's Loose Topknot Braid

Image Source: Getty / Stephen Lovekin

An expecting Keys graced the red carpet for the seventh annual Keep a Child Alive Black Ball in New York City with this slicked-back, loosely braided topknot. Keep a Child Alive is a nonprofit organization Keys cofounded in 2003 that aims to help children and young adults in Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda, and India with resources and access to funding, education, and community support.

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Alicia Keys's Cornrow Bubble Braids

Image Source: Getty / Dave Benett/amfAR

Gold Chanel suit? Check. Detailed bubble braids featuring cornrow patterns by hairstylist Nai'vasha Johnson? Also, check. This look from the 2021 Amfar Gala in Cannes, France, was one of the evening's biggest showstoppers.

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Alicia Keys's Double Braids

Image Source: Getty / Jeff Kravitz

At the 2018 Grammys, Alicia Keys looked perfectly put-together with double braids secured by zip ties. The hairstyle was paired with a floor-length velvet gown featuring delicate cutouts.

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Alicia Keys's Ultra-High Braided Pony

Image Source: Getty / Joe Buglewicz

At the 20th Latin Grammys in 2019, Keys stepped onto the scene in an edgy all-black leather ensemble consisting of a relaxed wrap crop top and joggers, but it was her ultra-high single-braid pony that brought the look together completely.

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