Poetic braids inspiration: The best celebrity looks

Still not sure if poetic braids are right for you? Check out our list of all the celebs who’ve rocked the poetic justice hairstyles and get inspired!  

If you’re a hair weaving enthusiast, you may have come across the term poetic braids, yet not know exactly what they are. The term was first coined when Janet Jackson debuted her box braid look in the ’90s Poetic Justice film, giving the woven style a new cultural stamp!

Ever since that moment, everyone (including us) became infatuated with poetic justice braids and all the poetic justice hairstyles that followed. And with the likes of Zoe Kravitz and the Knowles sisters sporting poetic justice-inspired braids, it’s no wonder that other A-list stars were quick to follow suit…

8 poetic justice braid styles rocked by celebs

 

tami roman rocking poetic braids with black hat and hair cuffs
Accessorised box braids. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

1. Tami Roman

While no braided hairstyle can compare to Janet Jackson’s original box braids from the Poetic Justice film, we reckon American Actress Tami Roman’s stylish poetic braids come pretty close. Not only is this style fiercely empowering, pretty and protective, it is also flattering for all ages!

We particularly love how Tami has amped up her tresses with a hat and silver hair cuffs, and reckon Janet Jackson would totally approve!

poetic justice hairstyles: keke palmer with red boxer braids in an updo
Box braided updo. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

2. Keke Palmer

Actress Keke Palmer often rocks red poetic justice braids for high-profile events – and we think we know why. The look draws attention to her amazing eyes and face shape, as well as making her woven strands pop!

We particularly love it when she fashions her justice braids into chic updo styles, making for an effortless red carpet look. If you’re not sure how to style box braids, Keke’s hair is definitely one to look to!

keri hilson with poetic justice braids styled into a half up hairstyle red carpet
Half-up, half-down box braids. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

3. Keri Hilson

Now, you may be thinking that poetic justice hairstyles are a little too edgy to be worn in an elegant and sophisticated manner, right? Then you clearly haven’t seen Keri Hilson’s half-up, half-down ‘do! Just one look at her incredible style will make all your doubts melt away, and tempt you to get your braid on.

poetic justice braids styles: imani hakim with top knot box braid hairstyle
Box braids in a hun. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

4. Imani Hakim

When it comes to modern poetic justice braid styles, the hun (AKA the half-up bun) is a red carpet favourite. This effortlessly chic and casual ‘do is ideal for when you can’t take the heat of having a full head of box braids, alleviating the bulk from around your shoulders and face. And as Imani Hakim demonstrates, this style instantly adds an edgy touch to any look!

poetic justice inspired hairstyles: the high ponytail as demonstrated by nicki minaj
Box braids in a side high ponytail. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

5. Nicki Minaj

It’s safe to say that Nicki Minaj is a fan of experimenting with different looks, for both her fashion and hair choices. And when she debuted this super high, Balmain-worthy long ponytail (complete with waved tips) we were utterly amazed! This fierce, fashion-forward take on poetic braids definitely gets our seal of approval.

poetic justice hairstyles: side swept box braids as demonstrated by monique coleman
Side swept box braids. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

6. Monique Coleman

Looking for easy, yet effective poetic justice braids styles to rock? Make like High School Musical star Monique Coleman and channel your inner Hollywood siren, by simply sweeping your ‘do to the side.

We’d suggest topping off the look with a healthy spritz of the Toni&Guy Iluminating Hair Perfume, which will help add some shine to your look and leave your mane with a divine scent!

shayna mchayle with poetic justice braids with space buns
Space buns box braids. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

7. Shayna McHayle

Like everyone else, we’re currently crushing over space buns for all the upcoming festivals we’ll be attending. But what you might not realise, is that space buns can be upgraded with the use of poetic justice braids a la rapper Shayna McHayle.

Simply by wrapping your woven strands into a bun shape on the crown of your head, you can easily create a bold and beautiful ‘do that’ll see you through festival season in style!

model wynter golden with poetic justice inspired braids with a jacket and collar
Super long box braids. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

8. Wynter Gordon

Trends may come and go, but long poetic justice-inspired hairstyles will never go out of style. Just look at singer Wynter Gordon’s glossy long braided mane – she’s definitely got us aching for longer hair!

Editor’s tip: Fancy getting poetic justice braids? Before you do, wash your mane with the Dove Nourishing Oil Care Shampoo and Conditioner. These products will help nourish and soften your hair, making it a lot easier to braid.

 

Loved seeing all these A-list poetic justice braids styles? Great! Then skip on over to our Braids page, where you can find an array of plaited looks to try out now, plus loads of handy how-to guides!

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