How To Master Bubble Braids At Home
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4 months ago
If you can tie a ponytail, you can nail a bubble braid
Bored of traditional braids? If you’re craving something a little different, TikTok might have the answer. Bubble braids are taking the app by storm this season, and we’re ready to be swept away by the movement.
What Are Bubble Braids?
‘Bubble braids are essentially ponytails that are sectioned off and pulled out to create “bubbles,”‘ explains Eva Goulding, a stylist at Nicola Clarke at John Frieda Salons. ‘This means that, despite the name, they’re not technically braids. They use a different technique and tend to have a bolder look.’
The hairstyle has been slowly creeping its way through the trend circuit since the 1980s, when it first hit mainstream media, and in recent years has found fame through celebrity wearers like Griff, Blake Lively and Gigi Hadid. ‘This style can also be seen on multiple characters in Euphoria, which generally has had a massive influence on hair, makeup and fashion,’ adds Eva. She also credits the popularity of bubble braids to festival season. ‘I think it’s become more popular this season, especially with the return of festivals. People love experimenting with fun hairstyles for large-scale events, like festivals, concerts and fairs.’
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They’re also a source of inspiration for millions of creators on TikTok, who take to the platform in droves to share hair inspiration and tutorials focused on bubble braids. It’s here that the trend has really taken off in recent months.
How To Create Bubble Braids
Fancy giving bubble braids a go at home? While they might look somewhat intricate, they’re surprisingly easy to do. Here’s our step-by-step guide to nailing the look:
1. Prep Your Hair
Before putting your hair up, you’ll want to prep strands with a styling cream. This will help smooth out frizz and prevent fly-aways, holding the look in place.
2. Create A Ponytail
Depending on the size of your bubble braid, you can take all of your hair up into a ponytail or just take a small section of hair and tie off with an elastic. You want to secure the highest point as close to the scalp as possible.
Note that, if you’re creating more of a ‘braid’, you’ll want to start further up the head with a smaller section. Add more pieces of hair beneath the initial elastic as you go further down, like you would with a usual braid. (See the video below for a demonstration.)
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3. Section It Off With Elastics
Use more elastics to create evenly spaced sections along the ponytail. How many elastics used will depend on personal preference and the length of your hair.
4. Create Your Bubbles
With all the elastics in place, you can now create some bubbles. Use your fingers to tease and pull at each section, loosening the hair between the elastics to make the signature bubble shape. Experiment with volume and shape until you’re happy with the result.
5. Hold It Together
You can apply a lightweight hairspray to hold everything together and keep your look solid. Now you can enjoy your bubble braids all day.
Hair Inspiration
Classic Slick Pony
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Mini Bubble Braids
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Bubble Braid Bunches
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French Plait
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Half-Up, Half Down
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What Next?
While certainly a striking look, Eva can see bubble braids becoming part of daily life in the future. ‘I think that bubble braids will eventually evolve into a more subtle look,’ she says. ‘One that can be worn more day to day, slightly more casual.’
Featured image: Berlin Fashion Week SS25 Streetstyle (c) Denis Grigorev
