We love talking about the many hats Gabrielle Union-Wade wears. It’s hard not to – she’s an award-winning actress, a mom to one of the funniest toddlers in the world and two other outstanding kids, a haircare brand goddess and a best-selling author (You Got Anything Stronger?) still reigns at the top of our best memoirs by Black Women category.
But why is no one talking about this icon’s hair!? Her Instagram page is just a goldmine for Black protective hairstyles – classic box braids with a twist, gravity-defying puff pieces, intricately-held-up soft locs; you name it, she’s probably done it before.
But you don’t have to take our word for it. Scroll through below to find out why Gabrielle Union is and always be the Queen of chic protective styles!
Met Gala Bohemian Braids
Going from an intricately-designed natural hairdo to a head-turning protective style is no easy feat, But Gabrielle Union does so with such poise and refinement. Let her 2023 Met Gala bohemian braids be your inspo for a jaw-droppingly-gorgeous summer-vacay style!
Stitched To Perfection
These Gabrielle Union-approved neatly parted, stitch cornrow braids are so eye-catching – makes us want to hit up our stylist and gatecrash our exes’ party just to show them what they’ve been missing. Always stay petty, sis!
Parisian Prom Braids
Can someone say Prom/Homecoming Queen hair inspo? This curly box braids updo is everything of the sort. And can we talk about the embellished headband? It definitely made her look angelic and ready to hit those Parisian streets!
Jazzy & Artistic Braid Updo
Leave it to Gabrielle Union to pull off one of the jazziest, most artistic braided hairstyles of the 21st Century. She rocked this circular masterpiece (created by celeb hairstylist Isaac Poleon) during the 2022 Strange World London Premiere and left everyone’s jaw dropped.
We can only imagine the amount of gel, hairspray, and bobby pins that went into creating this insanely gorgeous masterpiece. Still, Ms Wade carried her crown of braided wheels with unmatched sophistication.
Top Knot With An It-Girl Attitude
When this Queen rocks a full Prada look paired with a killer top knot, you know it’s about to go down! And when you add a billion-dollar attitude, you know someone’s about to get it!
Half-Up Braids, Half-Down Crocheted Textured Hair
It doesn’t matter if the Flawless by Gabrielle Union CEO goes for simple box braids or a half-up braided, half-down crocheted textured style; everything is just an absolute show-stopper!
Classy, Chunky, & Cornrowed
Gabrielle Union proves you can still be the belle of the ball with simple, low-back cornrows and laid baby hairs.
Bodacious Bantu Knots
Although Bantu knots are practically art in and of themselves, you can always zhuzh them up for a chic, fun look like Gabrielle Union here.
For this look, get your stylist to braid in an incomplete heart-shaped piece and then work in three loosely-coiled large knots perched above perfectly slicked edges and arched brows.
Kaavia is also following in her mom’s footsteps because this braided and beaded pony is just so-damn-pretty!
Jumbo But Make It Jaw-Dropping Braids
These jumbo braids are givin’ summertime vibes – even when it’s 12 degrees outside.
The artfully swooped edges add an entirely new dimension and make this style perfect for a quick Caribbean islands getaway!
Oh, and don’t forget to capture some private jet selfies like Gabrielle here, okay?!
Long Hair Don’t Care Feed-In Braids
Ms Wade had no choice but to Bring It On! While in Milan, and these extra-long feed-in braids certainly delivered! The two jumbo pigtails – created by combining several individual straight-back braids – fell to her thighs, magnificently amping up the drama of the midriff-baring ensemble!
Golden Year Spring Twists
Leave it to Gabrielle Union to step into her golden years (50) in style. The picture-perfect spring twists paired with this sexy gold and black ensemble – just so ethereal!
And is this woman aging backwards because how is this 50? Make it make sense!!
Side-Swept Soft Locs Bun
If they don’t look like this, we don’t want ‘em soft locs! We’ll take the dress and the boss bih attitude, too!
Side-Swept Cornrow Braids
The Perfect Find star’s braids start as cornrows at the side, then cascade sideways to flow freely. Oh, and don’t forget ‘em beads. Place them strategically and win hearts all year long.
Side note…how cute is Kaavia James here? You could just eat her up (not literally, though)!
Half-Up Bun, Half-Down Boho Braids With Curly Ends
Do we even have to talk about this? She bodies every protective style – no matter how popular, simple, or complicated. Gabrielle is undoubtedly the Queen she thinks she is!
Messy Bun With Foxy Face Framing Tendrils
Gabrielle Union-Wade ate this photoshoot and let no crumbs. And she did it all rocking the foxiest messy bun (with some chic face-framing tendrils) and a blazer we’re currently searching for in Macy’s and Target’s aisles.
Bedazzled Straight Back Braids
The fabulous body, the chic hair, everything’s just giving glamorous Gabrielle!
We can’t wait to paint the streets red this summer with these gorgeous Gabrielle Union-approved protective styles. What about you? Which one will be your summer staple?
Let us know in the comment section below!
