Countless appearances on the runway and red carpet have ascertained this: the braid is back. But not just any braid. Of late, baby braids are the specific configuration preferred by designers and celebrities alike; a playful, captivating take on the polished style that features braided strands on either side of the face. Its charm, it seems, lies in its antithetical nature. The classic three-strand braid is often used to pull hair away from the face so as to allow for one’s mien to take centre stage. Baby braids, on the other hand, flip convention on its head. These intricate weaves and loops are situated strategically by one’s visage to draw the eye, serving as a focal point and kingpin to a variety of ensembles.
“These tiny face-framing braids have gained a lot of traction over the last few years, mostly because people realised how flattering they are,” states Den Ng, celebrity hairstylist and director of Prep Luxe Salon. “It helps that it works across all hair types and textures, and can be played up with the right accessories. I’ve noticed more people being more creative by pairing them with twists and braids in varying sizes; a departure from the original style that paid homage to the boho vibe from the ’70s and the eclectic, fun-loving look sported in the ’90s.”
It is safe to say that 2023’s rendition veers away from the conventional trappings associated with the style. Previous iterations were far more simplistic in nature—microscopic braids hung delicately by the face, paired with loose waves or straightened strands. In the present day, however, baby braids have acquired an experimental edge.
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“Baby braids have been around for a long time. Over the years, however, I have noticed more celebrities and influencers adopting this look and rocking creative reinventions of the style,” elucidates Leong Lim, professional hairstylist at The Hair Shop Paragon. “Think loose, undone baby braids that spiral off into ringlets, or slicked-down baby braids encased in gel.”
At Tia Adeola’s autumn/winter 2023 show, face-framing plaits cascaded down from elaborate, statuesque coiffures that looped through the air. Thom Browne preferred a sculptural version for his autumn/winter 2023 presentation, where baby braids were pinned and looped behind the ears for an intriguing visual statement. Vivienne Tam, on the other hand, played with proportion for her autumn/winter 2023 presentation, opting for thick, chunky weaves at the crown of the head that descended into minute braids at the tail.
At Coachella this year, all eyes were on Jennie from Blackpink, who opted for a jaw-dropping hairdo incorporating silk ribbons and twin braids haloing the sides of her face. Fellow bandmate, Lisa, followed suit during her solo number, though she accompanied her twists with a textured updo. Not forgetting Alexa Chung, who adopted the same approach for the Met Gala 2023, where she adorned her woven strands with white ribbons and an elaborate headpiece. And it seems Native American model Quannah Chasinghorse got the memo too, though she favoured a standout beaded feather over daintier accessories.
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Creating baby braids
It’s important to note that mastering this style requires a strong handle on the three-strand braid first—it is a lot easier to diversify and get creative once the foundation is in place.
“The first thing to do is to divide your hair into three even sections,” instructs Ng. “Cross the right section over the middle section. Then, cross the left section over the new middle section. Continue from there, alternating the right and left sections—and there you have it.”
Leong recommends using sectioning clips and a fine-toothed comb for precision. “Baby braids are universal, so everyone can pull off the look no matter your hair texture or type. That being said, uneven hair sectioning and sloppy braiding technique can really mar the look,” he points out.
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According to Ng, it is best to attempt this look on clean, dry strands. “Avoid being too heavy-handed with tension or grip as you’re styling,” he advises. “Using too much force is bound to affect your mane and scalp over time because your follicles are stressed.”
Another potential pitfall that Ng is quick to point out is utilising strong-hold hair gels to keep the hairdo in place.
“When it comes to braids, you don’t want strands to feel stiff or hard to play with,” he explains. “It’s best to try this look with strands that have no product on them whatsoever. You can set the entire look with a gentle hold hairspray after, but nothing too harsh. You don’t want your tresses to look too stiff or shellacked.” His product of choice is Schwarzkopf’s The Definer curl cream from its Session Label range, which can be used on damp and dry hair to shape and define strands; a versatile option that doesn’t add crunchiness or frizziness and allows for effortless styling.
