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When the name Zoë Kravitz flashes across my screen on the daily, the first words that come mind include the following: effortless, cool, and artistic. The actress and singer is featured prominently on my Pinterest board on which is seek to pinpoint the equilibrium between ’90s afro-modernism and eclectic boho fashion, and has certainly made frequent appearances in Instagram saves folder dedicated to glowy makeup looks, but it’s her eye-catching protective hairstyles that delivers nonstop inspiration for experimentation.
Despite my fascination with Kravitz’s signature braids, I have a tendency to play it safe. When it comes to getting small/medium knotless braids, I’m a sucker for 1B hair at mid-back lengths with soft curls added from top to bottom. Over the next few months, I’m setting out to discover more looks (protective and otherwise), that will accurately reflect my lifestyle changes and hairstyling preferences…starting with finally cracking the code behind the flowing, romantic braids that Kravitz has popularized in recent months on and off the red carpet.
My investigation into Kravitz’s TikTok-viral protective style began with Seattle-based braider Ange Katompa of Purity K Beauty (who I’ve been going to for my braids since the tail end of the pandemic monthly. Katompa, who recently opened a chic salon location in the city’s buzzy Capitol Hill neighborhood, revealed just how easy the hairstyle is to achieve using the right products, patience, and a steady hand. Below, I’m sharing all the insider intel given to me on these braids, plus everything I’ll be using to maintain mine the next time I’m sitting in a salon chair for this style.
(Image credit: Gilbert Flores/Getting Images; Taylor Hill/Getty Images)
What is the Zoë Kravitz braids trend?
Growing up, I remember spotting Kravitz wearing her sandy brown hair in pin straight, in bouncy, defined curls, and tucked away in faux locs. For the last year, however, I’ve become aware of a protective style that Kravitz has quickly become the main reference for: small or micro-braids blended with bundles of human hair or accented with soft curls for a full, romantic look. In some recent images of the actress wearing this style at red carpet events and on press tours, it’s challenging to know for sure where her hair begins and ends when blended with the braids, or the exact placement of the bundles.
Generally, however, Katompa notes that when people refer to Zoë Kravitz braids as a style, they’re not referring to a technical braid pattern such as the ones used to create Senegalese twists or distinct cornrows. “It’s more about a vibe inspired by Zoë’s hairstyle: soft, boho, and effortless braids that feel lived in and natural, rather than perfectly uniform,” Katompa explains. “It’s less about a set of rules, and more about a look that people recognize and connect with.” Other names have also been attributed to the style (i.e. pick and drop or tree braids, both involving braiding hair and delicate, loose strands sprinkled throughout.
What should I ask my braider for?
When trying any protective hairstyle for the first time, it’s always helpful to bring along images that your stylist can reference. Long before I sit in the salon chair or Katompa’s hands, I share high resolution shots that capture my desired look so she can help determine everything from the colors of my braiding hair bundles to the placements of her sections. If you would like to achieve the soft, boho-inspired micro braids as worn by Kravitz, she recommends describing the details rather than just using the term that has been popularized by social media.
“As a client, I would ask for very small knotless braids that are lightweight,” she says. To recreate the light, airy look of this style, Katompa would also encourage her stylist to minimize the use of extensions to promote a natural-looking finish. “The braids should be mid back to waist length, installed with human braiding hair and finished with soft, loose, and curly ends to create the boho vibe,” continues Katompa. Remember—any added human braiding hair carries weight! Lean into the feathery texture of the protective style by not weighing down your braids.
(Image credit: Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images; TheStewartofNY/Getty Images)
How are these braids created?
To create this luxe hairstyle from the comfort of home (or with the help of your stylist), Katompa recommends starting with a clean, stretched base and installing extra small knotless braids or micro braids while ensuring the parts look effortless rather than uniform and perfectly square for the desired natural-looking finish. “I use lightweight human braiding hair with different textures for the install,” says Katompa. Usually, she braids hair to the mid-back or waist of her client before leaving the ends loose and curly for an airy, boho finish that resembles Kravitz’s signature look.
The actress and singer has also been seen with another variation of this protective style. When she stepped in front of cameras at the Caught Stealing premiere in New York City in August 2025, it looked as if she wore her tresses long, loose, and glossy. Trained eyes will notice that while there is length and body, it appears as if there are micro braids present at the crown that then flow freely into waves. This look can be achieved with braiding hair and bundles installed as a partial weave. It adds subtle texture to shape to an otherwise classic hairstyle.
How long do “Zoë Kravtiz” braids last?
Perhaps one of the biggest misconceptions about these hairstyle is how much time goes into upkeep. Katompa tells us that while the upkeep of these braids aren’t challenging, they do require consistency since this is not a low maintenance style. “The small size and loose ends make dryness, frizz, and build up more noticeable compared to chunky braids,” she says. “The goal is to keep the scalp clean, hair hydrated, and curls soft without weighing everything down.” This helps maintain the no fuss style but ensures they don’t have an old, or worn out look.
Her biggest recommendation for extending the wear time of the style is investing in a lightweight cleanser that removes pesky product buildup right at the roots. You should also use a water-based braid spray to help keep your natural hair hydrated inside the braid as well as a light oil that can be applied to the scalp to combat any dryness. Additionally, using a mousse will help refresh curls. “Using a silk bonnet, scarf, or pillowcase at night is essential for protection. This is non-negotiable if you want the the braids to last,” she says.
According to Katompa, water-based hair products should be your best friends for maintaining this protective style. “Keep the ends and curls hydrated, not coated,” she says. “Use your fingers (not a comb) to gently separate the curls when they’re tangled.” The last thing you want to do is dry out your strands and, which results in frizz, dullness, and knotting. Now that you know which types of products to be on the look-out for, scroll on to discover my top picks for the styling and upkeep of these braids.
(Image credit: Corbis/Getty Images)
Shop The Best “Zoë Kravitz” Braids Essentials
Aunt Jackie’s
Oh So Strong! Shine Boosting Moisturizer
Formulated with biotin, honey, rosemary, and mint, this moisturizer was designed to boost the shine and moisture levels of braids, twists, locs, and other protective styles. It also refreshes and revives dry scalps.
Kitsch
Dual-Edge Brush & Comb
Kitsch’s multipurpose styling tool is suitable for all hair textures and types. Its soft, nylon brush side that lays down baby hairs while the mini comb side that can define and separate short hairs in one motion.
Virtue
Strength & Shield Leave-In Conditioner
This uses a lightweight, leave-in formula that instantly detangles and strengthens all fragile strands while boosting elasticity and protection with a patented keratin, amino acids, vitamins, and more.
Kenra
Anti-Humidity Spray
Say goodbye to frizz for 72 hours! This is a humidity fighting spray that provides long-lasting frizz and static control with a formula that offers thermal protection up to 450° (and no stickiness).
Living Proof
No Frizz Vanishing Oil
Old braids will look brand-new with the help of this ultra-lightweight oil. It hydrates hair while blocking humidity with amaranth seed extract and biomimetic five-oil blend to restore lost lipids.
Cécred
Scalp Refreshing Spray
Cécred’s innovative, no-rinse spray cleanses the scalp and hair using a targeted nozzle to break down buildup and dead skin. It has a cooling effect that also offers an instant relief from itchiness or tension.
This lightweight finishing spray was designed to support the health of your curls and coils, leaving them hair with a radiant. It formula uses a mix of castor oil and plumeria flower extract for ample shine.
Unite Hair
7Seconds Detangler
After your braids are out, use this to strengthen, protect, and restore hair for easier styling. The 7Seconds Detangler has hydrating panthenol and fortifying rice protein that provide heat and UV protection.
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