From Pigtails To Micro Plaits - 37 Ways To Update Your Summer Braids

Second only to our obsession with all things weddings, braid styles and plait hairstyles are basically what we spend our life pinning.

When we're not finding out how exactly Kate Bosworth nailed that backwards parting plait, or following step by steps of how to do a fishtail plait IRL, we're spending way too much time imagining all the different intricate braids and super subtle plaits we could be doing.

From French and fishtail, to halo, ponytail and boxer braids, there's almost too many A-list plait hairstyles we're into. Do Pinterest boards have a maximum limit??

'Braids are a great way to experiment and be more creative with your hair,' says TONI&GUY Creative Director, Cos Sakkas. 'In 2021 we’re seeing a move on from the traditional three strand plait into a more complex braid. Whether this is by adding more strands, incorporating fabric, or braiding around the hairline, leaving the ends loose.'

Sakkas' celeb plait inspo? 'Zendaya looks amazing with a plaited hairstyle – she looked stunning with her waist-long box braids at the Critics’ Choice awards.'

So next time you're considering a braid, plait or basic updo, check out our edit of the best red-carpet styles because we've got all the braid inspo you could ever need right here.

Proving you're never too old for pigtails, Kendall's adorable centre-parted plaits are perfect for summer.

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Channel your inner hippy with two micro plaits a la Millie Bobby Brown.

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Zendaya confirmed classic cornrows are a timeless red carpet look.

How to keep a crown in place all night long? Opt for a Blake Lively style secret dutch braid.

Hailey Bieber brought the clean girl aesthetic to the red carpet with her super simple loose plait.

Zendaya served up yet another next level braid look wearing her hair in plushy jumbo box braids to attend the 2021 CFDA awards. The Dune actor looked incredible with her XXL braids that reached all the way to her waist courtesy of hair stylist Antoinette.

Hadid gave plaits a new twist (sorry not sorry) for her 26th birthday by bubble braiding the two front strands of her recently copper-toned hair. We're not sure the model's hair could be any more on trend right now.

The poet and activist wore a full head of embellished twists swept up and adorned with a bright red Prada hairband to speak at the inauguration of President Joe Biden.

Lady Gaga made a statement at the inauguration of the 46th President with a crown of platinum blonde Dutch braids interwoven with a black ribbon.

The singer's braids were finished with a cluster of red flowers at the nape of her neck and were, in fact, a second day hairdo that Gaga had previously had styled the day before by go-to stylist Frederic Aspiras.

Kerry Washington adorned her XXL twists with gold and pearl ornaments.

Monae embellished her braided pigtails with real . hair bows and Chanel brooches to attend the fashion house's AW20 show in Paris.

Rihanna won more than just the Urban Luxe prize at the Fashion Awards 2019, taking home our award for the best Fulani braids to hit the red carpet, well, ever. Dressed in a seafoam tulle dress by her own brand Fenty, the entrepreneur looked next level amazing.

The actress stepped out for the 2019 BET Awards working a pair of XXL embellished rapunzel braids courtesy of hairstylist Kendall Dorsey.

This year's way to wear your plait? Woven with sparkling ribbon that matches your dress of course.

Give a classic French plait a 2018 update by twisting it into a chic updo a la Emily Blunt.

Yara Shahidi served up traditional sculptural braids on the red carpet.

A hairstyle of two halves, we're feeling Marion Cotillard's braids on one side, beachy bleach blonde on the other.

Millie Bobby Brown channelled Dior at this year's Golden Globes with a seriously slick bun that revealed a secret trio of braids at the back. Created by celeb hairstylist Blake Erik, the plaited updo added a sneaky bit of unexpected to the actress' pared back black ensemble.

A half up, half down braided 'do perfect for huns everywhere (get it?).

If there's a plait that's not in Lily Collins' elaborate updo we don't know about it.

Does anybody else love Jourdan Dunn with a full on afro as much as we do? Working her natural curls with three cornrows, Jourdan shows braids aren't just for updos.

Ummmm hello seriously pretty bridesmaid hair courtesy of Kate Bosworth.

Who needs a boring old bun when you can have a braid a la Brie Larson?

Even though she's now the proud owner of a pixie crop, we still love Zoe Kravtiz's bleached braids.

Adding a sneaky plait to a simple princess bun, Zoe Saldana looked on point at the Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol.2 photo call.

Why go OTT with an all over braid when you can do two central ones Sienna style?

Turn your braids into a power ponytail a la Yara Shahidi by making them extra long and adding a gold clasp.

Katie Holmes' undone Dutch braid is the perfect example of 'Oh this plait? It was there when I woke up' hair.

Kerry Washington's uber casual side plait says 'Party in the dress, effortless in the braid.'

Popping up with a half up half down halo braid style this time, Kate Bosworth's plait is pancaked to perfection.

Keep things simple and chic, Emily Ratajkowski accessorised her school girl plait with a black ribbon aka the hair adornment du jour.

Effortless, pretty, delicate, it's safe to say we're a bit obsessed with Emma Roberts loose side plait.

We're feeling major space movie villain meets Sporty Spice vibes with Gigi's French plait power pony.

Keeping it classic with a double halo braid is hair chameleon Lupita Nyong'o.

Could Jessica Chastain's red carpet plait bun BE any glossier? Answer - no.

Tracee Ellis Ross oh how we love thee. With cornrow-style braids and chandelier earrings on point, Tracee is forever our style goals.