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Get your hair ties ready.
By
Hana Hong
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ScreenShot2022-08-17at5.17.04PM-a32439802d504cf5bfc3a6dbb1555f2d.png "Bubble Braids Are Back—Here's How to Create the Playful Hairstyle (1)")
Hana Hong
Hana Hong is the beauty & fashion editor at RealSimple.com. She has been a writer and editor in the beauty and fashion industry for more than six years, sharing her expansive knowledge on skincare, hair care, makeup, fashion, and more. In addition to her broad network of beauty experts, she uses her family's background and training in skin science and cosmetic chemistry to differentiate between effective skincare formulations and marketing jargon.
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Updated on April 03, 2024
While we can all appreciate the aesthetic of a good fishtail or French braid, most of us don't have the time, energy, or know-how to whip up a complex twist at a moment's notice. If you love the look of braids but consider yourself braid-challenged, let me introduce you to the foolproof bubble braid.
What Are Bubble Braids?
Bubble braids are actually a bit of a misnomer. These easy-to-achieve plaits consist of fluffed-out sections of hair divided by hair ties. The best part? Unlike other pigtails, this is an Insta-worthy hairstyle you don't need a pro to perfect.
"Bubble braids are essentially a modern and playful update to standard ponytails, so it's way easier to achieve than a traditional braid," says Miko Branch, hairstylist and CEO of Miss Jessie's. "This look typically consists of a high ponytail, with strategically placed elastics tied throughout, which encourages hair to puff out and appear like a bubble." Translation: If you can do a ponytail, you can do a bubble braid.
This style makes you look like you put way more effort into your hairstyle than you did and is an ideal hack for hiding slightly questionable, second-day (or third, no judgment) roots.
5 Best Braids for Thin Hair, Plus How to Do Them
Bubble Braid Benefits
"Bubble braids are great not only because they work for most hair types, but they can also be styled in different ways," says Branch. "Some of my favorite bubble braid styles are pigtails, which can either sit at the side of or toward the back of the head, or as a single bubble braid in the back with hair pulled through over and under, which adds some fun dimension."
Another bonus? Just like with regular braids, bubble braids are a great way to achieve heatless curls the next day. However, since elastics can cause strain and tension on the hair (contributing to breakage), Branch recommends prepping hair with a leave-in conditioner first. "Once hair is damp, apply a styling gel or styling lotion to tame frizz and promote hold while the style is secured. After leaving them in for a few hours, you should be left with beautiful heatless curls."
Materials
- Leave-in conditioner
- Styling cream
- Hair elastics
- Hair spray
Instructions
How to Do a Bubble Braid Yourself
Interested in trying this low-maintenance, high-glam hairstyle? Here's a step-by-step tutorial, courtesy of Branch.
Prep your hair
Use styling cream to set a uniform, frizz-free foundation perfect for styling. This lightweight formula helps to hold the style and makes it easier to tease out for increased volume as a last step.
Create your ponytail
Place your hair into a slicked-back ponytail at your desired height, and secure with an elastic at the highest point and as close as possible to the scalp.
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Start placing additional elastics
Wrap another elastic hair tie a few inches down your ponytail. Elastic placement largely depends on the length of the hair, and keeping an equal distance between each bubble is the best way to ensure a great result.
Create your bubbles
Once all elastics are placed, use your fingers to tease and pull at each section. This loosens the hair between elastics and creates multiple "bubbles," with the option of customizing your look depending on how voluminous or teased you want them. Optional: To add some dimension, pull out some wispy tendrils around your face.
Hold it all in place
Finish with a lightweight hairspray to tame flyaways and create extra staying power.
Bubble Braiding Tips
Want to make sure that your braid looks its best? Try these tips:
- Choose your perfect part—bubble braids can work beautifully with center or side parts.
- You can create bubble braids with pigtails or a ponytail.
- Don't skimp on the styling products. Hair spray and gel can help keep everything smooth and polished.
- Choose gentle hair ties like silk scrunchies to help minimize hair damage from the bubble braids.
