But what are feed-in braids?
Cornrows With Crystals
@quintab
Steal actress Quinta Brunson’scornrowsand crystal-embellished edges for your next special occasion.
“This look is so stunning already,” Hampton says.
@quintab | Design by Michela Buttignol.
Sideswept
@khatrabbani
Here, sideswept braids look natural and seamless thanks to the feed-in technique.
According to Hampton, these braids would look equally chic woven into a crown braid.
Fishtail
@jess_jessy.s
This fishtail-braid pony look has creativity and style to spare.
@lexiwiththecurls
“Add some extra gold rings along the middle of the fishtail braid for some added glamour.”
To switch up the look of this style, twirl your braids intoBantu knots.
“Yara’s hair is already a masterpiece here,” Hampton says.
@quintab
Two-Strand Twists
These chunky feed-in twists withimmaculately styled edgesplay with texture and shape.
Her bum-length braids epitomize her diva status.
“Beyonces side-swept cornrows can be transformed by braiding the lengths into afishtail braid,” Cuthbert says.
@khatrabbani
“These tribal braids by Nara were completed with a braided crown,” Cuthbert explains.
“However, the style looks just as good with the lengths hanging down.”
The bob gives us a cool, protective style option.
@jess_jessy.s
Cuthbert recommends decorating the partings of this hairstyle with stick-on crystals.
“Use eyelash glue and your favorite gems,” he says.
Chunky High Ponytail
@findingpaola
Paola Mathe’s cool braided updo isn’t one-dimensional, Cuthbert insists.
*@pearlthestylist_*
“Paolas braid ponytail can also be worn in a braidedtopknot,” he says.
These skinny braids are also super versatile, lending themselves to all kinds of braided updos, Cuthbert says.
In addition to being low-maintenance, this style is also adaptable, Cuthbert says.
Getty Images
“This braided bob by Tanasia is begging to be fully adorned by all of the hair jewelry.
More ismore,” he emphasizes.
“It easily turns into a chic low ponytail with a side-swept swoop.”
@karrueche
Cuthbert says this “center-parted braided style is the perfect foundation for creatingspace bunsor pigtails.”
“I love the creativity in this look,” Kimble says.
Kimble recommends her Kim Kimble Signature Collection Baby Hair Edge Control for keeping edges in place.
@biancajasminelawson
(We think these braids would look amazing knotted into alow bun a la Zoe Kravitz.)
Accessorized Waist-Length
Love.
These feed-in braids remind us that we can honor traditional African styles while adding a modern twist.
@beyonce
“This hair is breathtaking and the braids are bomb,” Kimble says.
“I would add more color in the braids.”
(Pro tip: Weaving colored beads and ribbons into the hair creates a similar effect to extensions.)
@magavilhas
Yellow-and-White Topknot
@kersti.pitre
Braider Kersti Pitre’s bright yellow-and-white ‘do is the ultimate eye-catcher.
We love the contrast of her alternating thick and thin cornrows.
(TBH, we’d also love to see these braids woven into a traditional three-plait.)
@braidedbytee/@braidluxuryco
Stitch Braids With Undercut
Shelly Acevedo
Thisundercut/stitch braid combo by@shellyafrikhairis geometric eye candy.
“I love this look so much!”
Dutch Braids
@shyinstar
Here is another example proving thatDutch braidswork with the feed-in technique.
@keillah_okari
“This look is so fun and youthful,” Kimble says.
We especially love the chic baby hairs that frame her face.
These wavy cornrows and reminiscent of 1940s finger waves, but with a modern twist.
@beautybynolaj
To keep your braids sleek for longer, see to it to wear a satin bonnet at night.
Braided Updo
Amanda Edwards/Getty Images
Looking for abridal(or any special occasion look)?
Opt for a feed-in updo like Issa Rae.
@kersti.pitre
Style your goddess braids in a half braided updo for your next night out.
Cut the ends in a blunt style for a super chic look.
Generally speaking, feed-in braids will only last about two weeks.
Shelly Acevedo
Pricing also varies by where you live.
In NYC, you could expect to pay anywhere from $65 to upward of $200.
Most feed-in braid styles use synthetic braiding hairthe most popular key in is kanekalon hair.
@shyinstar
Kanekalon looks and feels most like natural hairit both looks and feels like hair after blow drying.
Look for hair that is already pre-stretched to prevent the hair from unraveling at the ends.
Valeria Macon/Getty Images
Rachel Murray/Getty Images
Jean Baptiste Lacroix/Getty Images
Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images
David Crotty/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images
Amanda Edwards/Getty Images
Leon Bennett/Getty Images
Gilbert Flores/Billboard via Getty Images
Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images
Michael Tullberg/Getty Images
Victor Boyko/Getty Images
Gilbert Carrasquillo/Getty Images
Jason Mendez/Getty Images
