13 Best Alicia Keys Hairstyles

Alicia Keys stormed the beauty world just like she did music. Almost everyone remembers her 2007 hit song “No One”. Not only was this song on everyone's lips, but the pictures of her hairstyles also made a lasting impression.

Alicia Keys is known for her unique cornrow/braids hairstyles. You can’t search for Alicia Keys' hairstyles without seeing pictures of unique cornrows and braids.

If you are looking for Alicia Keys' hairstyle inspiration for your next look, then see our top 13 Alicia Keys hairstyles of all time.

Top 13 Alicia Keys Hairstyles of All Time

Alicia Keys has rocked different hairstyles over the years. However, we can’t overlook some of her most popular hairstyles. Let’s see the top 13 most popular Alicia Keys hairstyles:

1. Alicia Keys Zig-Zag Cornrows (early 2000s “Songs in a Minor”)

Alicia Keys popularized the zig-zag cornrows in the 2000s, around the time she launched her “Songs in A Minor” album. This cornrows hairstyle spread like wildfire all over the world, and people who didn’t originally wear cornrows were drawn to rock this hairstyle.

This hairstyle is called “Alicia Keys”.

This cornrow hairstyle was different from the regular straight cornrow braids because of the unique pattern. It features straight cornrows (which are usually the small braids) and zig-zag braids. The zig-zag braid forms a box-like shape that creates a contrast with the tiny straight cornrows.

If you wanted to look cute wearing cornrows, this was the recommended hairstyle.

2. Alicia Keys Fulani Braids

Alicia Keys also popularized the Fulani braids in the early 2000s by wearing them in her music videos and for public appearances.

This hairstyle features detailed cornrows moving in different directions with individual braids. The ends of the cornrows and braids are usually beaded for a more beautiful appearance.

This hairstyle is originally common with the Fulani tribe in West Africa. However, Alicia Keys popularized it and gave it a more global appeal.

3. Alicia Keys' Braided Ponytails

Alicia Keys is known to wear a simple hairstyle (mostly creative cornrows). Sometimes, she switches things up and shows up in an all-time beautiful yet simple hairstyle, like a ponytail.

Since the music icon loves to wear braids, she has been spotted wearing braided ponytails.

One instance was at the 2022 Met Gala, when she wore a long braided ponytail with sparkling disc-like accessories. The braided ponytail matched her simple yet dazzling vibes without taking away her love for braids.

4. Alicia Keys Cornrows with a Low Bun

When you think of cornrows, Alicia Keys almost always comes to mind. Not only does she rock cornrows gracefully, but she always gives them a new appeal, different from what we already knew about them.

She expresses this through simple, straight cornrows, and many people now wear them even for public events. Instead of leaving the ends loose, she decides to put it in a low bun without forgetting to lay those edges. Adding colored braiding hair extensions can be a good way to add your unique flair to this hairstyle.

5. Alicia Keys Braided Bun with Undercut

Alicia Keys loves wearing cornrows and braids, but that doesn’t mean boring. The star knows how to throw in some vibes and personality to what she already loves, and that’s so beautiful. That is exactly what we can see in this braided bun with an undercut.

This hairstyle is stylish yet simple, and easy for people who love low-maintenance hairstyles without the inconvenience of having hair all over their bodies. Another great thing about this hairstyle is that it is easy to install (say about 10 mins max if you have all you need).

6. Alicia Keys Messy Updo

As much as the pretty music star loves to wear her put-together cornrows and braids hairstyles. We have seen her radiating effortless beauty, wearing a messy bun, and we loved it.

The messy updo always give off the appearance of effortless beauty. You know that feeling of waking up in the morning and still looking absolutely beautiful, yes, that’s exactly what a messy bun does.

You can wear a messy bun in a variety of ways (high, low, half-up, half-down), etc., but this Alicia Keys High “intentional” messy bun is a great start.

7. Alicia Keys Embellished Cornrows

Why won’t we call Alicia Keys the queen of cornrows?

It is not about how frequently she wears them; it is about how she wears them. It feels like she gives them a new meaning every time, and we love it. Who knew that a simple straight cornrow could look this regal?

Alicia Keys once again elevates the cornrow not by creating something new, but by recreating what already exists. The embellished straight cornrow is a winner. This is just wearing your regular cornrows, but adding embellishments like pearls, rhinestones, etc, on every cornrow.

The great news is that you can do this using any embellishment of your choice or playing around with your favourite colors and cornrows. Can you imagine adding embellishment to your stitch braids and cornrows?

8. Alicia Keys Tree Braids

If you think you have seen it all with Alicia Keys' braids and updos, then let’s shock you. Have you heard of tree braids? These braids hairstyles are unique, bold, and show personality without doing too much.

The tree braids feature your regular ponytail updo, but with a twist. The twist is that the ponytail is braided and styled in a tree-like manner to have the effects of branches and stems like the trees. You can take this hairstyle further by adding embellishments, colored twines, etc.

The interesting thing about this hairstyle is its simplicity and bold look. Show up like this for your next event, and you will be sure to get loads of compliments.

9. Alicia Keys Braided Puff

Who doesn’t love Alicia Keys' braided puff? We don’t know.

We bet you love it too, or at least would give it a try. Alicia Keys also popularized this hairstyle in the early 2000s. This hairstyle features detailed, creative cornrows (Alicia Keys' favorites) and full puffy hair.

This hairstyle became popular, especially for women of color, because it allowed them to celebrate and wear their kinky curls with confidence and in style. If you are a natural hair girl who loves to embrace her kinky strands, then this is a top hairstyle inspiration for you.

The creative cornrows give you that natural “babygirl” beauty, while the fluffy puff under adds more volume. You can achieve this hairstyle with your natural hair or with afro human hair extensions.

10. Alicia Keys Curly Half Updo

Alicia Keys' hairstyles are always an inspiration to every curly-haired girl. She doesn’t just wear braids and cornrows; she also knows how to rock her curly hair in style. We see her do just that in this curly half-up, half-down hairstyle.

This Alicia Keys half-up, half-down hairstyle features stylish cornrows at the sides and front with loose hair at the ends and behind.

Half-up, half-down hairstyles always give this effortless beauty, but what makes it even more cute is adding creative, clean, and precise cornrows. You can add your flair to this hairstyle by adding some accessories and playing around with colors.

11. Jumbo Braids

In recent years, Alicia Keys has been fond of jumbo braids; she plays with hair color, little design, hairstyles, and accessories to add the final touch to these hairstyles.

12. Natural Curls

Even if braids are Alicia Keys' iconic hairstyle, she occasionally brings some surprise to us, like embracing her natural curls. This hairstyle frames her face well, and we love how she boosts energy with this hairstyle.

Want to get the same still, visit our afro kinky wig collection to get the same one.

13. Accessorized Hawk Hairstyle

Simple yet powerful, this is what the hawk hairstyle brings to us. Alicia Keys decorated this hairstyle with rhinestones and made it even more sparkly.

Alicia Keys hasn’t captured millions of people with her music, but with her unique hairstyles. However, we know you might have some questions about her hairstyles. Let’s answer some of them.

Frequently Asked Questions about Alicia Keys' Hairstyles

Let’s answer some of your questions about Alicia Keys' Hairstyles:

What are Alicia Keys' Braids Called?

Alicia Keys' braids are called “Alicia Keys” or “Alicia Keys Braids”. That is because she popularized hairstyles like the zig-zag braids/cornrows and the Fulani braids. These hairstyles are often referred to as Alicia Keys.

So, if you go to the hairstylist and tell them that you want to get Alicia Keys' braids, they will most likely think of the zig-zag cornrows or Fulani braids.

What Hair Types Does Alicia Keys Have?

Alicia Keys has a “curly hair type”. This type of hair is characterized by naturally curly hair strands. This hair type is popular among women of color. The curly hair type comes in different forms and curly types.

While some have loose curls, others have tight or springy curls (ranging from 2b - 4c). This hair type makes it easy to braid and weave into a cornrow because of the curl patterns that allow for friction while braiding.

Curly hair is unique and beautiful.

How much are Alicia Keys' braids?

The price of a Fulani braids ranges from $100 to $350, depending on your location, how you want to install it (use your natural hair or hair extensions), and the hairstylist who will help you install the hairstyle.

If you are looking for simple yet cute hairstyles that you can rock as a curly-haired girl, then you can draw inspiration from these Alicia Keys hairstyles.

Which would you be trying out? Let us know in the comments section.