Despite their storied history, history deemed braided hair as not buttoned-up enough for formal events. For as long as I can remember, the general guidance was to swap out your braids and plaits for something more “suitable”—a silk press or updo will do. This ethos was reflected in media and entertainment as well; where all of my favorite stars leaned into straightened strands once the cameras and major events came around.

But take a look at runways, special events, and red carpets over the last few years, and you might sense a turning point. Many of Hollywood’s greatest arrive dressed to the nines with their hair in braids—think Doechii, Tracee Ellis Ross, Zoe Kravitz, Zendaya, and Alicia Keys—ushering in an era of unapologetic Blackness by honoring our hair in all its glory.

“Braids have always been an important cultural symbol within the Black community, representing heritage, identity, and resistance,” says Tashana Miles, celebrity braider to the likes of Vogue cover star A$AP Rocky. “Their increasing presence on the red carpet reflects a significant shift towards recognizing and celebrating these cultural roots. Today, braids are not only a fashion statement but also a form of reclamation, highlighting the evolution of beauty standards and pushing against mainstream narratives that have historically marginalized these styles.” For her, it’s a powerful reminder of cultural pride and resilience, allowing those who wear them to reshape the narrative around beauty in high-profile spaces.

The resurgence of braids is a way for Black people to reclaim and reframe the narrative around our hair—to showcase that we can show up in any space with confidence, without the need to conform. “Growing up in ’90s, education around relaxing our textured hair was common but texture was not,” celebrity hairstylist Lacy Redway details. “As we have learned more and started appreciating our styles, we want to make our ancestors proud of how far we’ve come and part of that comes from how we choose to rock our hair.” Braids themselves are not a monolith—as the red carpet styling exhibits, styles range from cornrows and knotless braids to more sculptural wonders—chosen with care to support the occasion or look. “This transformation speaks to a broader societal acknowledgment of different beauty standards where braids are not just accepted but embraced as chic and luxurious elements of high fashion,” Miles adds.

Shanna St. Cyr Alexander, the pro behind Tyla and Victoria Monet’s braids, adds “there’s a newfound understanding that braids can be luxurious, elegant, and red carpet–ready.” Below, five pro braiders weigh in on the resurgence of glamorous braids—from how they find inspiration to the most treasured look they’ve done. And as for what the stylists and stars are cooking up for this year’s Met Gala—an ode to Black dandyism—it’s only a matter of time.

Jawara Wauchope

“[The] beauty ideals to the mass public are changing, which is great, but braids have always been elegant and glamorous, as they were the first signs of celebration and ceremony back in Africa,” celebrity hairstylist Jawara Wauchope, whose clients include Ross, Naomi Campbell, and Anok Yai, insists. For him, achieving a red carpet-worthy look is about doing your research, diving into traditional braid styles for different ceremonies, and giving credit to where that inspiration came from. For example, the braided crown he crafted for Solange Knowles at the 2018 Met Gala is one of his favorite styles he’s done, which drew inspiration from Black and African saints. “All different types of braid styles are in demand for both men and women,” he continues. “I think it’s also amazing when people get creative with the braids and the directions in which the braids can lay on the head.”