Channel your inner Queen Bey with these stunning braided looks.
Beyoncé’s visual album Lemonade wasn’t just a cultural reset—it was a groundbreaking moment for beauty, fashion, and representation. The album’s imagery showcased a kaleidoscope of natural and protective hairstyles, celebrating African culture and tradition. Among these iconic looks, the side-swept Fulani braids Beyoncé wore in the Formation music video became a global sensation, earning the moniker “Lemonade Braids.”
“The Lemonade braids stand out as a phenomenon, with many people embracing the long, sleek cornrows with a deep side part,” says Stacey Ciceron, an Oribe brand ambassador and professional hairstylist. The album’s diverse braid styles offer countless inspirations for protective hairstyles that are as elegant as they are empowering.
Below, we’ve curated 19 stunning braid ideas inspired by Beyoncé’s Lemonade, giving you plenty of options to embody the essence of Queen Bey.
1. Iconic Lemonade Braids
@idaniahopkin
These long, tight cornrows, swept deeply to one side, perfectly recreate the Formation vibe where Beyoncé leans out of a car window, exuding confidence and power. This creator stays true to the style with a modern middle part for a contemporary twist.
2. Goddess Lemonade Braids
@stormreid
Storm Reid elevates the classic Lemonade braids with goddess-inspired details. Loose curls interspersed among the braids create a soft, romantic vibe, perfect for any occasion.
3. Party in the Back
@texturequeens
Anne Juliette’s favorite style features a blend of braids in the front and cascading curls in the back. This seamless combination of textures is both polished and playful, whether achieved with natural hair or extensions.
4. Hold Up-Inspired Braids
@asarafaria
Channel Hold Up energy with two chunky, middle-parted braids that give a bold yet simple aesthetic. It’s a striking look for those who love minimalism with a hint of drama.
5. Side-Swept Sophistication
@narahairbraiding
These swooped braids feature intricate loopy cornrows and perfectly styled kiss-curl edges. The result is a side-swept style with plenty of movement and texture.
6. The Bey-Hive Crown
Drawing inspiration from the Sorry video, this architectural hairstyle features bold, crown-like braids. Stacey Ciceron brought this look to life in a campaign, honoring African culture with regal shapes and silhouettes.
7. Double Twisted Braids
@tinashenow
Tinashe channels Beyoncé’s Sorry look with two long braids. Her version adds a creative twist by intertwining smaller braids for added dimension and texture.
8. Royal Braided Crown
@stormreid
Straight from Formation, this queenly braided updo features a twist at the front for a regal, elevated look. Storm Reid’s interpretation adds a modern touch to the classic style.
9. All Night Elegance
@shei.sfaith
In the All Night video, Beyoncé rocks a soft updo. Recreate this style with loose, unbraided sections pinned gracefully atop your head for a romantic, effortless finish.
10. Nefertiti-Inspired Braids
@vernonfrancois
Kim Kimble’s Lemonade styles often drew inspiration from African royalty, including this Nefertiti-esque crown. Vernon Francois builds on this legacy with a Mangbetu-inspired braided crown.
11. Classic Long Rows
@idaniahopkin
These thick, waist-length cornrows pay homage to Beyoncé’s signature style in Lemonade. Accessorize with gold hoops for an added touch of glamour.
12. Length Queen Braids
@asarafaria
Take a cue from Beyoncé’s ultra-long braids that flow past her waist. Add loose waves toward the ends for a boho-chic touch.
13. Boho Knotless Braids
@marlyshairbraiding
For a carefree alternative, opt for knotless braids with added volume at the top. This style combines boho ease with the essence of Lemonade braids.
14. Bold Side Bangs
@stormreid
Pull your braids into a striking side bang to emulate the Lemonade side-swept aesthetic. This look offers both drama and elegance in one sleek package.
15. Power Ponytail
@shei.sfaith
Mix braids and curls for a stunning high ponytail. Leave a few braided pieces out to frame your face for added softness.
16. Beaded Fulani Braids
@marlyshairbraiding
Middle-parted and accented with eye-catching beads, this Fulani-inspired style highlights symmetry and tradition while staying modern and chic.
17. Fulani Fringe
@oulfabeauty
This creative take shapes braids into a fringe at the forehead, adorned with delicate cowrie shell details for an authentic, cultural edge.
18. Slicked-Back Geometric Braids
@tinashenow
Tinashe’s sleek, geometric Fulani braids feature thick sections braided back, with playful pieces left out to frame the face. This style combines structure with a touch of whimsy.
19. Seeing Red
@stormreid
Storm Reid’s side-swept Lemonade-inspired braids get a fiery update with bold red coloring. This striking style blends passion and sophistication.
Whether you’re channeling Beyoncé’s Formation energy or experimenting with bold twists on classic styles, these Lemonade-inspired braids offer endless possibilities to express your creativity and celebrate African beauty traditions.
