How beauty-obsessed are you?
This will help us personalize your experience.

Baby Braids are the Next Nostalgic Hairstyle to Make a Comeback

baby-braids-hair-trend-thumbnailbaby-braids-hair-trend-header
Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

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.


About 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

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Clover (@idfwuchloe)

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

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Clover (@idfwuchloe)

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

A photo of a model being dolled up backstage for Dion Lee during New York Fashion Week: The Shows
Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

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

A close-up shot of Kaia Gerber on the runway during the Max Mara fashion show as part of Milan Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2020-2021
Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images

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

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by DUA LIPA (@dualipa)

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

A photo of actress Zoe Kravitz at the 2015 Vanity Fair Oscar Party
Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

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

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by FKA twigs (@fkatwigs)

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.

Want to discover all the best products to help you take on the latest hair trends? Take our Beauty Quiz now to get started. Already an Ipster? Refer your friends to earn points, which you can use toward products. Either way, don’t forget to check us out on Instagram and Twitter @IPSY.

Like this article? Share it with your friends by clicking the icons below!

About the author
cortney-clift-headshot
Cortney Clift
Cortney is a New York-based freelance writer who has written about beauty and wellness for more than six years. She was previously the senior writer and special projects editor at Brit + Co where she covered a wide range of news and lifestyle topics.
Share Article
Article Last Updated December 9, 2021 12:00 AM