Baby braids are back—and taking over Coachella

The braids are back, baby. Prepare to get all loved up on Lizzie McGuire sartorial style yet again because one of the '90s and early aughts’ favourite beauty looks is back. Micro-braids (or baby braids) made their banging return last year with a swathe of stars—including Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner—sharing their hot takes on the loose and laid-back look at Coachella last year. And hair experts, like Edwards And Co, forecast it’ll be a hairstyle to satisfyingly stick around for yet another festival season.

For most of us, the last time we sported such a cutesy and kitsch look was as a boppy Britney Spears-listening adolescent (we certainly still stream her). Nonetheless, 2023 gives the baby braid a fresh and funky feel during a time when we’re all a bit too lazy to get the curling iron out. With a little hair help from EdwardsAndCo, we take you through how to emulate this season’s most effortless—and easy—look. “The Baby braid craze is something that’s really taken on as people start feeling nostalgia for the 90’s,” Jones said.

1. Imperfectly-perfect tresses

Margot Robbie was one of the first stars to give the baby braids a glow-up. At one of the film’s biggest events, Robbie rocked up to Cannes for the premiere of Once Upon A Time in Hollywood with loose and undone braids and natural, dewy makeup. Her stylist, Bryce Scarlett, told Glamour the key to achieving a youthful and feminine look is by keeping it fuss-free. Yes, that means stepping away from the mirror after a good 10 or so minutes. “Nothing about it needs to be perfect.”

2. The “I’m running late but still cute” vibe

If you’ve just blow-dried (or air-dried) your hair for an impromptu catch-up, micro-braids can quietly elevate your look. Like model and influencer, Delilah Bell, you can swiftly create a face-framing and flattering headband-like braid when time is of the essence. EdwardsAndCo told Bazaar this hairstyle is “great” for all hair occasions due to its versatility and ease of replicating. “This hairstyle is great for the next day or when you’re running late and it gives the impression you’ve done something to your locks however it requires minimal effort.”

3. Go full Spice Girls with bubble braids

Absolute Y2K nostalgia … and perfection. No longer reserved for ’90s costume parties as both Gigi Hadid and Dua Lipa previously got a little bubbly. While elastics or hair ties are key in this instance, the mini bubble braid requires little effort despite its intricate appearance. EdwardsAndCo says the look frames your “best features” and requires little tools to achieve. “It’s great for keeping hair off your face while framing your best features and the best part, no hot tools required so little to no damage on your hair at all.”

4. Be a little boho like Hailey Bieber

You really can transport the baby braid to your sartorial decade of choice. Despite commonly being associated with the ’90s, the middle-parted style can evoke the ethereal hippy era of the ’70s if paired with corresponding pieces. Think long patterned dresses, florals, fringed jackets and cowboy boots. “To recreate the look is simple. All you need is a tail comb, some defrizzing cream and two tiny elastic bands,” Jones says.

5. Poke some fun with playful elastics

Whether you micro-braid but a few strands at the front, or all your hair — the look suits most textures. Elastics can also be replaced with usual accessories by way of colourful scrunchies, butterfly clips, ribbons or elastics. EdwardsAndCo recommends using a tail comb to divvy up your hair and a de-frizz cream to smooth out the ends. “Start by using your tail comb to get two beautifully sectioned pieces on either side of your part and apply your Jaye Haircare Defrizz + Fatten Cream. Secure at the bottom with an elastic.”

6. Tuck behind the ear for a glam take

For an evening affair, it’s suggested one loosely curl their hair—and tuck it behind the ear—for a touch of effortless elegance. The braid will break it up and provide facial definition while tastefully toning down the look. EdwardsAndCo is also a fan of the relaxed and modern re-interpretation of the baby braid. “To elevate your look maybe add a few curls through your remaining hair or create a sleek smooth tucked behind-your-ear vibe!”

Whether you’re a fan of throwback hair—and style more generally—baby braids are undoubtedly easy to replicate and perfect for summer. Simply, say goodbye to sweaty and dishevelled hair. The flirty and fun style is also a great way to hide grown-out fringes and, you know, practice your braiding skills before you muster up the courage for a full French braid.

This piece originally appeared in Harper's Bazaar Austrailia.