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There are seemingly endless ways to wearbraids, fromponytailsto half-up styles.

One of our absolute favorite looks, however, is a braided updo.

it’s possible for you to go for a simple topknot or opt for ultra-coolspace buns.

Actor Marsai Martin with braided space buns

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Ahead, we’ve rounded up 26 braided updos that prove the protective style has no limits.

Take this as a sign not to be afraid to experiment with abstract shapes when it comes toprotective hairstyles.

Letting the curly ends hang out adds another layer of playfulness to the look.

Brandee Evans wearing cornrows with structural braided abstract updo

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Stitched Bun

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You really can’t go wrong with stitch braids.

Tina Kunakey’s perfectly parted braids lead straight back into a middle bun.

This look is a classic, fitting for both formal and everyday occasions.

Willow Smith wearing knotless goddess braids in space buns

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Her braidedBantu knotsand beadedFulani braidsare stunning.

Shaved sides give the chic ‘do some edge.

The crystal gems tucked into her bun enhance the style’s elegance.

Tina Kunakey in straight-back stitch braids leading to a braided bun

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The sleek style is regal and mesmerizing.

Here, the Oscar-winning actress wore microcornrowsleading to a large braided bun.

Draping the bun to the side makes the style even more visually striking.

Alicia Aylies in blonde and brown Bantu knots and Fulani braids

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The grandiose updo is one of our favorite looks from Bailey to date.

Loose Braids Updo

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Paloma Elsesser’s braided updo feels effortlessly elegant.

The actress’ base is slicked back on the sides with four braids at the top.

Tiana Major9 in knotless box braids with high woven bun and swoop bang

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Consider this style if you don’t want to sit through a long braiding session.

Actress Sydelle Noel likes to accessorize her braided bun with a few gold hair rings.

For this red carpet appearance, she went for an updo where the cornrows feed into her high topknot.

Kiki Layne in box braids with chignon and front twist

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A few curly pieces were left out at the temples to amp up the sweetness of it all.

On this occasion, she wore jumbo cornrows tucked under at the ends.

Braided Wreath Updo

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Danai Gurira always impresses us on the red carpet.

Zoe Kravitz in platinum blonde box braids pulled into low chignon

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The gorgeous actress is a stunner in waist-length braids pulled into a structured updo reminiscent of a wreath.

Leave out a few braids to create a beautiful, flowy side bang.

Case in point: her space buns.

Letitia Wright in half-up half-down box braids with high bun and hair gems

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She styled her goddess braids in two buns, leaving a few pieces hanging in the front for balance.

Stacy Ike in half-up half-down box braids with high and low bun

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Bozoma Saint John in box braids sculpted into large side crown

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Alicia Keys in two jumbo braids pulled up for an arch crown

Lupita Nyong’o in micro cornrows going back into jumbo braided bun

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India Amarteifio in small boho braids with French roll

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Tai Beauchamp wears brown and blonde box braids in woven high bun with hair wrapped around the base

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Halle Bailey in large umbo box braids dome bun with braids wrapped around base

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Paloma Elsesser in ponytail with loose individual braids

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Logan Browning in tall braided updo

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Bailey Bass in a simple, elegant bun with loose braids

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Sydelle Noel wears small and medium cornrows with loc rings and braided bun

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Tia Mowry in slicked back loose hair bun with three cornrows at the base

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Courtney Sauls in two jumbo braids wrapped into a halo

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Tracee Ellis Ross in large straight back cornrows tucked at the ends

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Dania Gurira in high structured braided circle updo with long side bang braids

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Marsai Martin wearing half-up, half-down braided look

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