Baby Braids Are a Summer Staple — Here’s How to Do Them At Home

What Are Baby Braids?

Like the cool older sister to the bubble braid, baby braids are small, face-framing braids that can be worn alone, with an updo or, really, any other style. And if they remind you of the early aughts, you’re not wrong. Celebrity hairstylist Anthony Campbell says that the trend’s popularity is likely due to the recent resurgence of retro aesthetics. In other words, these braids will go perfectly with the makeup tips and trends you’ve recently picked up from 2004.

How to Do Baby Braids on Straight Hair

Step 1: Part the Hair

Use a rattail comb to create a clean middle part, then use the same rattail comb to separate the front pieces of your hair. Once separated, the front part should create a small triangle. Campbell likes to use a boar bristle and nylon flat brush — he prefers the Mason Pearson Brush — to detangle and flatten the hair before creating the baby braids.

Step 2: Prep the Hair

Before braiding, prep the hair using a texture spray to ensure that the straight hair holds. We recommend the amika Un.Done Volume and Matte Texture Spray because it can help add grip to straight hair without making it feel sticky or weighed down. Dry shampoo, like the Garnier Fructis Invisible Dry Shampoo or the L'Oréal Paris Everpure Sulfate Free Tinted Dry Shampoo, can also create hold and add grit to straight hair.

Step 3: Braid the Hair

Create a simple three-strand braid on each side of the middle part. If you prefer a tight braid, begin close to the root. If you’d rather a looser look, use a lighter hand when twisting the hair away from the face.

How to Do Baby Braids on Wavy Hair

Step 1: Part the Hair

Use a rattail comb to create a clean middle part, then use the same rattail comb to separate the front pieces of your hair. Once separated, the front part should create a small triangle. While you can use whatever brush you prefer to detangle the hair before braiding, a boar bristle will help prep the hair without disrupting its natural wavy texture.

Step 2: Prep the Hair

Before braiding, prep wavy hair with a lightweight oil (we love the Kérastase L’Huile Original Hair Oil). Campbell says that this can help moisturize hair and reduce frizz. This can also make the braiding process smoother.

Step 3: Braid the Hair

Create a simple three-strand braid on each side of the middle part. If you would prefer a tight braid, begin close to the root. For a looser look, use a lighter hand when twisting the hair.

Step 4: Secure the Braid

Secure the braid using tiny hair elastics. Campbell usually uses black or clear elastics to finish the look.

How to do Baby Braids on Curly and Coily Hair

Step 1: Part the Hair

Use a rattail comb to create a clean middle part, then use the same rattail comb again to section off the front pieces of your hair. Once separated, the front part should create a small triangle.

Step 2: Prep the Hair

For thicker textures, Campbell recommends using a styling cream or cream leave-in to flatten the braid, such as the Matrix A Curl Can Dream Moisturizing Cream. This will help the hair be more malleable while keeping it hydrated. Thinner hair textures, he says, can backcomb each section before braiding to ensure a strong hold and fuller look.

Braid the Hair

Create two three-strand braids, tightly twisting the plait away from the face each time.

Step 4: Secure the Braid

Finish off the look by securing the ends with a small elastic band. If your hair naturally holds styles well, an elastic might not be necessary. A small dab of pomade or gel could also help keep the plait in place without an elastic.

How to Do Baby Braids on Short Hair or Bangs

Step 1: Part the Hair

Use a rattail comb to create a clean middle part, then use the same rattail comb again to section off the front pieces of your hair. If you have layers or bangs, make those two front triangles bigger by gathering more hair, starting from the middle part and dragging the comb away from your face. Using more hair will help tuck those shorter pieces into the plait as you braid.

Step 2: Prep the Hair

Control rogue pieces of hair by using a pomade from the root to the ends. Campbell also suggests straightening the hair before braiding, so it will easily lay flat and melt together in the plait.

Step 3: Braid the Hair

Create two three-strand braids, tightly twisting the plait away from the face. Keep a bit of pomade on your fingertips while you braid to ensure a seamless finish.

Step 4: Secure the Braid

If you used pomade, the braid should have enough grip to hold the ends together all on its own. If you want more security, opt for elastic bands.