Beauty then & now: Braids we love

Maid in the Braid

Although she was known for her seductive blond mane, Hollywood legend Veronica Lake opted for classic milkmaid braids when she was off-duty. In a 1941 interview with Life magazine, the screen siren claimed to wear her hair in braids (a style that she says took 15 minutes to complete) or in a turban or net to prevent her long strands from getting in the way.

Dairy Queen

What was a practical style for Lake became a fashion statement by 2007 when devotees of the Boho chic trend (including Nicole Richie, Sienna Miller and the Olsen twins) brought the look on the red carpet. Today's milkmaid braids (as seen recently on Brooklyn Decker, right) are softer and more romantic than their earlier counterparts. If your hair is on the shorter side, start braids higher up by your ears as Decker does.

In a Row

In 1979, Bo Derek's braids may have popularized cornrows (with women paying up to $300 to have them done), but according to the Encyclopedia of Hair: A Cultural History, the style evolved in Africa and the Caribbean long before becoming a trend the U.S.

Elaborate Plans

Like other braids, cornrows have become more intricate, versatile and artistic over the years. Although a full head of cornrows can take hours to complete, once hair is braided, the style is low-maintenance and attention-getting. In addition to being a signature look for stars (like Alicia Keys in 2005), the braids have become a runway favorite. (See this fashion-forward take on the trend at Jean Paul Gaultier's 2010 spring show.)

Amazing Grace

Braids help upgrade a bun from basic to breathtaking. At left, the woven sculptural bun worn by Princess Grace calls to mind a Grecian goddess. Simultaneously dramatic and demure, the look seems synonymous with royalty.

Queen for a Day

Hollywood royalty is no stranger to the braided updo. Because Penelope Cruz's braid-encircled bun has less volume and structure than Princess Grace's version, it's better worn closer to the nape as opposed to at the crown where it may lose its shape.

Quick-Change Artist

What '60s supermodel Twiggy lacked in stature, she more than made up in hair for with this heavy-duty braid, an extension used to transform her iconic pixie 'do.

High & Mighty

The long, high braided pony looks glamorous, but not overly fussy on Blake Lively. While athletes such as Anna Kournikova have famously sported this 'do on the court, Lively gives it a red carpet twist by wrapping strands around her ponytail's elastic.

Looped In

Who needs hair accessories when you have braids? At the 1969 Academy Awards, actress Natalie Wood added a few delicate plaits to her otherwise simple hairstyle. With her bejeweled neckline and cat-eye makeup, the look has a touch of ancient Egypt, where hair was braided for ceremonial occasions.

Hippie Chic

Fast-forward to today. A few select braids look relaxed and free-spirited in tousled hair. Take a cue from Drew Barrymore and tie braids off at different lengths to add to the organic, undone look. And instead of your typical elastic, use a suede or leather cord—available at craft stores—for a truly Bohemian vibe.

Plaits du Jour

Wondering what's next in braids? Everything, as stars continue to inspire with more and more intricate styles and salons such as John Barrett's Braid Bar are offering professionally done plaits.

YOU TELL US: Which of these braids would you wear?

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