Patterned hair bandanas? Mini gem sunglasses? Juicy Tubes? Things are starting to look a lot like the noughties. But baby braids – another cute Y2K moment – are set to be the biggest beauty trend this summer.
The style mainly sees single micro plaits flanking either side of middle partings to add a cool little detail to otherwise ordinary strands. They're like tendrils – only more intricate to add extra interest to hair. The look was repped by Destiny's Child, Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani and every 12-year-old girl circa 2000, and now, they're back in a major way.
Everyone from Hailey Bieber, Dua Lipa, Storm Reid, Gigi Hadid, Laura Harrier, Kendall Jenner, Jourdan Dunn, Margot Robbie and Kim Kardashian are in on it.
And we've even seen the trend evolve as people put their own personal spin on it. You can wear them alone, doubled-up, or throughout hair aka braided highlights, as an accent. And you can either leave hair loose or tie it up with the baby braids left out. Plus we've seen them decorated with beads and colourful elastics, or for the minimalists, we spotted this clever hack to go hairband-free. Plait the top , let the bottom braid itself as you go along, then flip the bottom through a gap in the centre of the braid to lock it into place. Alternatively, hairspray and hair gel can add grip if you want to forgo elastics.
Our favourite thing about this trend? It's so easy to do and it works across all different hair textures. As long as you're able to do a three-strand braid, you can do baby braids. Plus, it's protective, since it keeps the front section out of the way and styles it without resorting to heat.
The cute style is pretty, fun and perfect to add a sweet and intricate accent to your hair for summer, which is why so many are hopping on board. And, depending on how you style it – casual, dainty, grungy or boho – it can work perfectly for off-duty days or fancier occasions like if you're a wedding guest.
Here are our favourite ways to wear baby braids…
Dua Lipa opted for braided highlights with two dainty baby braids on either side of her face and a few extras dotted through her hair for extra interest. She kept the rest of her beauty look casual with brushed-up brows and pared-back makeup.
Storm Reid kept it simple with two medium baby braids framing her face, a winged liner look and Y2K glossy lips.
Margot Robbie dusted off the style for the 2019 Cannes Red Carpet with loosely plaited double baby braids paired with a suitably new-gen lilac outfit and natural-looking makeup. Proof that it works for all occasions and can help to add a fresh twist to more formal events.
One of the style's biggest fans, Hailey Bieber, served up another rendition at this year's Coachella with baby braids and braided highlights.
You can add extra detail with beads and colourful thread. This look is perfect for festivals.
We love these braided bunches with neat face-framing baby braids.
The style works on shorter bob-length hair, too.
We love the subtle detail of these single baby braids.
Laura Harrier's throwback Y2K baby braids are emphasised by her snatched updo.
These loose baby braids keep the beauty look super casual.
We love seeing people getting creative with beads and hoops.
Or colourful elastics.
These half-plaited baby braids feel more relaxed.
We've even seen baby bubble braids take off.
This more relaxed rendition works beautifully alongside a loose low pony.
Little Mix's Leigh-Anne Pinnock slayed the style which she paired with a passion twist ponytail.
And her bandmate, Perrie Edwards upgraded her waist-length blonde strands with two extra long baby braids alongside a caption that threw back to Britney's 2000 smash hit, Oops I Did It Again.
Jourdan Dunn's braided high ponytail and baby braids is perfect and protective for summer.
Khloe's classic baby braids add a little extra to her loose waves.
Hailey Bieber paired her double baby braids with a bottle green bucket hat peachy makeup (gotta rep the boyf) and elongated Frenchie nails.
Colombian singer, Karol G, wore the trend for her Caramelo Remix video with Ozuna and Myke Towers.
Gigi Hadid took baby bubble braids for a spin.
Actress Isabela Merced gave the style a hippy vibe, weaving gold thread through her braids and pairing it with a blue and gold eye look.
Ariana paired baby braids with her iconic high ponytail.
Kim K dressed up her XXL hair with two cute baby braids.
Hailey Bieber's loosely-waved midi hair looks pretty with plaited baby braids.
These XL baby braids are pure '90s vibes.
Of course, anyone who's had the misfortune of getting their hair tangled in a Babyliss Crazy Braider will know, it's not all smooth sailing. But as hair trends go, this one is one of the easiest to get on board with and takes seconds to create.
For more from GLAMOUR's Beauty Editor, Elle Turner follow her on Instagram @elleturneruk.
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7qLjApqauqp2WtKLGyKecZ5ufY8Kse8Crq6KbnJp8o63BsmSbqpGesW60wKKpZqyimrul