Baby Braids are the Next Nostalgic Hairstyle to Make a Comeback
When it comes to makeup and hair trends, we're all about embracing nostalgic looks. First came the return of the butterfly clips, then there were the Blair Waldorf-inspired headbands, and now we're moving onto another new-again trend: baby braids.
These wispy, small braids are typically styled using the face-framing strands. They not only add another layer of interest to any hairstyle, but they also draw the eye toward your stunning face (a major bonus if you're pairing this hairstyle with an epic makeup look). The best part: they look great on all hair types and hair lengths. So long as you have hair long enough to braid, you're all set to sport baby braids.
Meet the Expert
Angela Boswell is a beauty professional who does hair and makeup for television, film, weddings, editorial photoshoots, and more.
Looking for a little bit of visual inspo for how to rock this low-maintenance trend? Here are 12 baby braids hairstyles we're loving.
1. Baby Braids With Beachy Waves
Lean into the retro feel of baby braids by pairing the look with some effortless beach waves just like Hailey Bieber does here. The key here is to ensure that your braids are just a little bit messy. To create an undone feel, try lightly tugging each plait to loosen it up and create a little bit of irregularity.
Hairstylist Angela Boswell recommends adding a bit of texture to your baby braids to make a major impact: "Day-old hair will help prevent your braids from slipping out. Clean hair can be too soft and the braids may come apart. Add a little dry shampoo to the roots to zap extra oil. If your hair is clean or day-old, a texturizing spray is a great product to use to give the hair a little more grip, making it easier to braid."
2. Mini Bubble Braids
Want to take this trend to the next level? Ditch the traditional three-strand braid for Gigi Hadid’s playful bubble-inspired style. All you'll need are some clear elastic bands. Simply, twist the bands in equidistant lengths along a small section of hair framing the face. Once all the bands have been added, use both hands to gently tug at each section of her to loosen up the hair, creating that bubble-like effect.
3. Double Baby Braids
Margot Robbie's red carpet-approved baby braid hairstyle might just be responsible for the revival of this nostalgic trend. Here, Robbie's hairstylist Bryce Scarlett gives the look a modern spin by creating two loose plaits that effortlessly flow from micro braids back into the natural texture of her hair.
If you're looking to also create baby braids without securing them with elastic, Boswell notes that a strategically placed bobby pin can be used "to secure any loose ends or prevent any pieces from becoming too undone." You might also try adding a bit of pomade to the ends to keep the plait from coming undone.
4. Embellished Baby Braids
Want to add even more allure to your statement-making braid style? Try adding in some embellishments like braid rings or other accessories like butterfly clips. For those with box braids or deadlocks, you might bring more attention to the face-framing strands of your natural hair by adding deadlock beads.
5. Baby Braids + Slicked Pony
Make your baby braids the center of attention by pulling back the rest of your hair into a slicked baby updo. To add even more interest to this braided look, try creating a diamond-shaped part like Bella Hadid does here.
To achieve a super-defined part with a crisp, straight line, Boswell has a key tip: "If you are doing two braids, use a tail comb to make perfect parts. If your braids are a bit messy, a clean part will make them look much more purposeful."
6. Natural Hair + Baby Braids
Looking to give your natural hair texture a little something extra? We're digging this pairing by Chloe Christian. While the face-framing micro braids add interest around the face, the natural texture allows the rest of her hair to shine as well. If you have curly hair, try leaving the ends of the braids longer so that they also show off your natural texture.
7. Baby Dutch Braids
At the Dion Lee AW '20 fashion show, conceptual hairstylist Eugene Souleiman styled the models in all different types of baby braids. What really set this set of braided looks apart: they were all tiny versions of Dutch braids. As these braids are secured to the sides of the head, they work super well when paired with a low pony—or leave the hair down to permanently keep your hair tucked behind the ears.
To make sure your braid has this floating type of effect you'll want to make sure you're in the know about how a Dutch braid differs from a French braid. Boswell explains, "The main difference is that, in a French braid, you cross pieces over the middle section and, in a Dutch braid, you cross pieces under the middle section."
8. Mini Wrapped Braid
Why stop at one Y2K hair trend? At Max Mara's Fall/Winter 2020 show, stylists take a major trip down memory lane, pairing statement-making baby braids with subtle hair wraps. At this show, the hair wraps are minimalistic and slightly rustic, which you could copy at home for a modern take on the trend. Or you could whip out some bright-colored string to take you straight back to the days of Lizzie McGuire and Limited Too.
9. Twisted Braids
In this cheeky selfie, Dua Lipa debuts a fun alternative to the three-stranded plait. Instead, her "braids" are actually tiny rope twists. To make sure your twists look rope-like, start by slipping the hair into two equal sections. Then as you twist, twist each strand to the right before twisting it under the other strand. Make sure you twist both strands in the same direction to create a rope braid that will maintain its definition.
10. Micro Braids
If you're looking for a new protective style, why not go for a full head of baby braids? One glance at Zoe Kravitz is all the evidence you need to see how chic it can look. With a full head of baby braids there are a million ways to accent them: pull the hair up into a high ponytail or a low ponytail and allow two strands to remain free in front. Add some fun mini braid rings throughout. Or add a clip in the back to create an effortlessly chic half-up half-down style with face-framing braids.
11. Chunky Baby Braids
Not nearly as tiny as Zoe's micro braids, but also not as thick as your average braid, these chunky braids fall somewhere in between. They're still delicate enough to look flattering around the face, and yet they also have a bit more weight and drama to them. Plus, if you have statement-making highlights like FKA Twigs does here, the hair will look gloriously marbled when braided.
12. Curtain Bang Braids
So you got curtain bangs and now you're not sure how to style them as they grow out. Baby braids are a super fun (and easy) way to style this section of hair when your bangs have reached that "not quite bangs but not quite long layers" length. Plus, braiding these shorter strands will help to keep them out of your face.
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