Kim Kimble is the people’s champ when it comes to creating iconic looks and elevating her clients. As the celebrity hairstylist to the stars, her iconic work has been featured on the big and small screen with legends like Beyoncé, Zendaya, Halle Berry, and Brandy, just to name a few. Kimble remains the queen of braided looks that blend creativity, culture, and artistry as reflected in Bey’s Cowboy Carter album, her recent Barbie collaboration, and Zendaya’s eye-popping Challenger’s press tour.
As the beauty maven and entrepreneur who has her own styling tools, wigs, and haircare products, it’s only right that we got her predictions for braiding styles that will take center stage in 2025. Read on to discover her thoughts.
What are 2-3 of your favorite braided styles you’ve created during your career?
I worked on Beyoncé’s iconic “Lemonade” album look, featuring cornrows and intricate braided patterns. The long, thick braids in the “Formation” video became a cultural phenomenon and a definitive symbol of empowerment and heritage.
Zendaya’s dramatic braided ponytail on the red carpet is another standout. The sleek, thick braid combined elegance with a modern edge, highlighting how versatile braids can be for high-fashion moments
I have styled Brandy’s signature microbraids, which became synonymous with the star during her “Moesha” era and beyond. These styles have left a lasting mark on the beauty landscape and continue to inspire braided trends today.
Do you have go-to tools and products you always use for your braided styles, or does it change depending on the season, job, or client?
I do have some go-to tools and products that I rely on, but I always make adjustments based on the client’s hair texture, the type of braid, and the desired look. A few staples I always have in my kit include:
Rat Tail Comb: Essential for parting and sectioning hair with precision, especially for intricate braids like cornrows or box braids. It gives me control and allows for neat, sharp parts.
Edge Control: Keeping the edges sleek and controlled is key, especially for styles like braids or updos. I love using a strong-hold edge control to make sure everything stays in place.
Moisturizing Products: Braids can sometimes cause the hair to dry out, so I always make sure to use a moisturizing cream or oil before styling. Products like leave-in conditioners or natural oils (like argan oil) are great for keeping the hair nourished.
Boar Bristle Brush: I use this for smoothing the hair before I start the braiding process. It helps eliminate frizz and leaves the hair looking polished.
As for the season or job, I’ll tailor my approach. For example, in the summer, when humidity is high, I might use stronger hold products to keep everything in place. In colder months, I focus more on hydration and using lighter products to avoid weighing the hair down. Every client and job is unique, so flexibility is key!
Where do you draw inspiration from when creating or ideating on your branding styles?
Inspiration for my braided styles comes from a variety of places. I draw a lot from art, culture, and nature. The intricate patterns in nature, such as the way vines or flowers grow, often spark new ideas for me when designing unique braids. I also look to fashion trends and pop culture, as hair is such an important part of expressing individuality and style. Seeing what my clients are wearing, their personalities, and the vibe they want to project often influences the braids I create for them.
Are there braided styles that are easier to elevate than others? Why or why not?
Absolutely, some braided styles are easier to elevate than others, and it often depends on the style’s versatility and the amount of room for creativity. Box braids, for example, are incredibly versatile and can be elevated with the addition of accessories like beads, gold cuffs, or even colorful extensions.
You can also play with the size of the braids or how they’re styled, such as turning them into a chic updo or adding curls at the ends for a more dramatic effect. Cornrows are a classic style that can be elevated with creative patterns or added details. You can create intricate designs like zigzags and geometric shapes or even mix in different textures. These types of braids naturally lend themselves to adding artistic flair, and they look stunning with a simple styling change or embellishment, like a sleek finish or glitzy pins.
Who are 2-3 trendsetters (celebrities, musicians, etc.) who always elevate braided styles?
Zendaya has been a consistent trendsetter in hair, and her braided looks are always on point. Whether she’s rocking box braids, cornrows, or a jumbo braided ponytail, Zendaya elevates these styles by pairing them with stunning outfits and pushing the envelope with modern takes on classic braids. She also loves experimenting with different textures and lengths, making her a true style icon.
Rihanna has experimented with a variety of braided styles throughout the years. From microbraids to cornrows to intricate braided updos, she’s proven that braids are not only versatile but also a way to express personality and boldness. She always adds her own flair, whether through colorful extensions, beads, or unique patterns, and she never shies away from making a statement with her hair.
Image Source: @kimkimblehaircare
Braids have been synonymous with creativity, culture, politics, and freedom. Do you feel this reflects the current hair industry?
Braids continue to be powerful symbols of creativity, culture, politics, and freedom, and that is very much reflected in the current hair industry. They have a rich history, especially in African and African-American communities, where they were not only a form of artistic expression but also a way to communicate identity, status, and resistance.
Today, we see braids celebrated as a form of empowerment and a celebration of culture, which has definitely influenced the hair industry. They are seen on runways, in music videos, and on red carpets, reflecting how diverse and inclusive the beauty world has become. We are embracing different textures, lengths, and styles, and braids are at the forefront of this evolution. The industry is evolving to reflect these shifts, with more options for braids, greater acceptance of natural textures, and a growing movement toward celebrating cultural styles. As a hairstylist, I feel privileged to be part of that change and to help people use their hair as a form of self-expression.
In the past few years, we’ve seen a surge in the debut of braiding salons. Do you have any favorites with whom you collaborate for your looks?
It’s been amazing to see the surge in braiding salons in recent years. The demand for braiding services has really grown, and it’s great to see so many talented stylists dedicated to perfecting the craft. I’ve had the pleasure of working with some incredible salons that specialize in braids, and I love collaborating with professionals who share the same passion for creating beautiful, intricate styles. In the end, it’s about finding talented braiders who bring their unique flair to the craft, and I’m always excited to collaborate with professionals who bring something new and fresh to the table.
How do you see braiding styles evolving in 2025?
Sustainability will be at the forefront, with eco-friendly materials, biodegradable extensions, and natural hair care products taking center stage. As the world becomes more connected, there will be an increasing appreciation for braids as a form of cultural expression, honoring their rich history while adapting them for modern fashion. In 2025, braids will not only remain a staple but evolve into dynamic, personalized, and sustainable styles that blend technology, artistry, and heritage.
Get ready to elevate your haircare with Kim Kimble’s haircare products and HairUWear wig line.
