How to Try the Baby Braids Trend on Your Hair Type

Styles from the ’90s and early 2000s have been ruling the trend cycle as of late, especially when it comes to beauty. Baby braids are the latest to make a comeback , making appearances on the red carpet (and most likely all over your Tiktok For You page).

Some of the re-emerging hair trends are a little more drastic (i.e. the mullet), but baby braids are a trend you can easily incorporate into an everyday look for some Y2K edge.  Keep reading to learn how to best do the baby braid trend for your hair type. 

What Are Baby Braids?

As much as the name (and the Pinterest search function) may suggest, the baby braid trend is not referring to braids on actual babies. Instead, these are tiny face framing braids, using the very front strands of hair. You can also add accessories to make them more fun,  such as butterfly clips or beads. These can work for every hair type or texture — enlist the help of one of these step-by-step quick tutorials if you want to try the trend for yourself

How to Do Baby Braids

If you have straight, wavy, curly or short hair,  you can have fun with this throwback trend.

How to Do Baby Braids on Straight or Wavy Hair

1. Use a rat-tail comb to create a middle-part down your head, then to separate two front strands of hair, starting from the part. 

2. Starting closely to the root, do a simple three–strand braid, braiding away from the face. If you have bangs or shorter layers, apply a pomade to blend the shorter pieces with the rest and continue braiding. We recommend the L’Oréal Paris Overworked Hair Putty because it has a thick consistency (without being greasy) to give you a strong hold.

3. Secure the ends with a clear rubber band. 

How to do Baby Braids on Curly and Coily Hair

1. Use a rat-tail comb to make a part and section off the two front strands of hair. 

2. Take a leave-in conditioner, like the L’Oréal Paris Dream Lengths Curls Non-Stop Dreamy Curls Leave-in Conditioner, and smooth through the two sections for added moisture.

3. Braid hair away from the face, making sure to keep the plait tight so that it can stay secure. 

4. Braid all the way down and twirl the ends with fingertips. 

   
   

How to do Baby Braids on Short Hair

If you have short hair, no worries —  with just a few extra steps and materials, you can rock baby braids too!

1. Follow the steps based on your hair type above. 

2. Once you have the two braids, add your favorite small hair clips in the very middle of the braid and at the end to blend in with the rest of the hair.

   
   

Next: How to Give Pigtails a Grown-Up Glow Up

Written by: Shannon Stubbs, Photo Credit: Shalwah Evans