Bubble braids are the hottest trend taking over the beauty world, and it's easy to see why! They’re fun, playful, and super easy to achieve. If you're looking for a quick hairstyle that makes a statement or something unique for a special occasion, bubble braids are your new go-to. Plus, they work on all hair types and lengths, making them the perfect choice for anyone who wants to switch things up!
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about creating bubble braids—from the basic technique to styling tips that will take your look to the next level. So, grab your hair ties, and let’s get started!
what are bubble braids?
Let’s take a moment to talk about what bubble braids actually are. Picture this: a playful twist on the classic ponytail or pigtails, where sections of your hair are tied off with elastics to create cute, voluminous “bubbles” along the length. These bubbles add a fun, textured look, making your hairstyle pop with volume and personality—no complicated braiding required!
why you’ll love bubble braids?
Bubble braids are more than just a trend—they’re a versatile and low-maintenance hairstyle that you can create in just a few minutes.
@irresistibleme_hair @chelsiegold inspiring us this winter with this icy blonde #irresistibleme #wig #platinumblonde #icyblonde #hairtok #foryoupage #fyp #foryou #transformation #hairstyle ♬ work - cey’s
Here’s why you’ll love them:
-
easy to achieve: bubble braids require minimal effort compared to traditional braids, making them perfect for busy mornings or last-minute events.
-
versatile: whether you want a sleek, polished look or something more casual and tousled, bubble braids can be adapted to suit any occasion.
-
all hair types: bubble braids work on all hair types, from straight to curly, and can be done on both long and short hair.
-
protective style: if you’re looking for a way to keep your hair off your face without pulling too tightly, bubble braids are a great protective style that won’t strain your strands.
how to create bubble braids?
Now that you know why bubble braids are so popular, let’s get into the step-by-step process of creating them. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to achieve this eye-catching look!
step 1: prepare your hair
First things first, you’ll want to start with smooth, detangled hair. Trust us, this makes creating bubble braids so much easier, and it’ll ensure your bubbles look sleek and polished.
how to do it?
-
start by brushing your hair thoroughly to remove any knots or tangles.
-
if you want a sleek look, apply a small amount of smoothing serum or hair mask to tame any flyaways.
-
if your hair is naturally curly or wavy, you can either embrace the texture for a more voluminous bubble braid or straighten your hair for a sleeker finish.
irresistible tip: For extra volume, use a volumizing mousse or spray at the roots before you start. This will give your bubbles a fuller, more fabulous appearance.
step 2: create your base ponytail or pigtails.
Next up, it’s time to set the foundation for your bubble braids. Whether you go for a single ponytail, cute pigtails, or multiple sections, this base will define the final look of your bubble braids.
how to do it?
-
decide on your base style. for a classic bubble braid, gather all your hair into a high or low ponytail and secure it with an elastic.
-
if you’re going for a more playful look, divide your hair into two sections and create pigtails, securing each with a hair tie.
-
for a more intricate style, you can create multiple smaller ponytails along your scalp, which will give you several bubble braids once completed.
irresistible tip: For a sleek finish, use a boar bristle brush to smooth your hair back. If you’re going for a more relaxed, boho look, gently tug on the sections after securing them to add some texture and volume.
step 3: introduce the bubbles.
Now for the fun part—creating those signature bubbles! This is where your bubble braids really come to life.
how to do it?
- start from the base of your ponytail or pigtails and measure about 2-3 inches down.
- gently tug on the section of hair between the elastics to create a bubble effect. pull the hair outward slightly to make the bubble more pronounced.
- continue this process down the length of your ponytail, spacing the elastics evenly and creating bubbles all the way to the ends.
irresistible tip: For a more dramatic look, use thicker elastics or wrap a small section of hair around each elastic to hide it. You can also play with the spacing between elastics to create different-sized bubbles for a unique style.
step 4: add finishing touches.
Time to take your bubble braids from cute to absolutely stunning! These finishing touches make all the difference.
how to do it?
-
gently pull on each bubble to adjust the size and shape until you’re happy with the overall look.
-
if you want a sleek, polished finish, smooth down any flyaways with a bit of hairspray or gel.
-
for a more textured look, use a texturizing spray or dry shampoo on the bubbles to add volume and grip.
-
finish off with accessories like ribbons, bows, or decorative clips to add a personal touch.
irresistible tip: Going for a special occasion? Add some sparkle with glitter spray or weave a decorative ribbon through your bubbles for a glam finish.
step 5: style your bubble braids.
One of the best things about bubble braids is their versatility. Now that you’ve created your bubbles, it’s time to style them to fit your vibe.
how to do it?
-
for a classic look, wear your bubble braids as they are, either in a single ponytail or pigtails.
-
for an elegant updo, twist your bubble braids into a bun and secure them with bobby pins. this style is perfect for formal events or special occasions.
-
if you want a more bohemian vibe, create multiple small bubble braids and let them hang loose, either down your back or to the side.
-
for an edgy look, combine bubble braids with other braiding techniques, like a french braid at the top that transitions into a bubble braid.
@irresistibleme_hair Wearing the ash blonde clip-in ponytail in 24”😫🤩 #irresistibleme #ponytail #clipinponytail #ponytailextension #ribbon #bubblebraid #fyp #foryou #fy ♬ original sound - Irresistible Me
irresistible tip: If your hair is on the shorter side, try half-up bubble braids using only the top section of your hair. This adds volume and texture while keeping your look playful and fresh.
caring for your bubble braids.
Bubble braids are low-maintenance, but a little care goes a long way in keeping them looking fabulous all day.
-
to keep your bubble braids looking fresh, avoid touching or playing with them too much, as this can cause them to lose their shape.
-
if your hair tends to frizz, keep a small bottle of hairspray or smoothing serum on hand to tame any flyaways.
-
when you’re ready to take your bubble braids out, remove the elastics carefully to avoid causing damage to your hair.
our conclusion?
Bubble braids are a fun, easy-to-achieve hairstyle that adds a bit of flair to your everyday look. With just a few simple steps, you can create this eye-catching style that works for any occasion—from casual outings to special events. Whether you go for a classic ponytail or something more intricate, bubble braids are sure to turn heads and earn you tons of compliments.
Ready to give bubble braids a try? Grab your elastics and start creating! And if you want to add extra length, volume, or even a pop of color to your bubble braids, be sure to check out our fabulous hair extensions. With our extensions, you can customize your look and take your bubble braids to the next level. With these tips and tricks, you’ll have a flawless bubble braid hairstyle!
