If you love the look of braids but consider yourself braid-challenged, let me introduce you to the foolproof bubble braid. These easy-to-achieve plaits consist of fluffed-out sections of hair divided by hair ties. Unlike other pigtails, this is an Insta-worthy hairstyle you don’t need a pro to perfect. Why? The name itself is a bit of a misnomer. “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. The super playful style isn’t just popping up all over the ‘gram—they’ve also been ruling this year’s awards season, from Doja Cat at the Grammys to Priyanka Chopra Jonas at the BAFTAs. 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. “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.” Interested in trying this low-maintenance, high-glam hairstyle? Here’s a step-by-step tutorial, courtesy of Branch.
