Bubble braids are a simpler take on classic braids — instead of twisting three sections of hair together to form a braid, you just need a ponytail (or a couple), a few small hair elastics and the right hair-smoothing products. Achieving bubble braids is a bit different than the way you would form a typical braid (cornrow, Dutch braid, French braid, box braid), but they aren’t difficult to master. Here’s how to get selfie-worthy bubble braids (two different ways) in simple steps.
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a bubble braid with a volumetric top and some hair accenting the ponytail is a cool and bold hairstyle
Smooth Your Hair
Bubbles braid work on all hair types and textures. If you plan to wash your hair before creating your bubble braids, use some serum to your damp strands. Not only does it reduce frizz, but it also doubles as a heat protectant, which is something you should always apply before using any type of heat on your hair.
If you wear your hair straight, blow dry your strands as usual for a smooth, dry finish and run your brush through it afterward to remove any tangles. If you have curly hair, spritz curl leave-in spray onto your curls for instant hydration and definition. Use your fingers to scrunch and reshape your curls.
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a complicated wedding hairstyle with a triple braided halo and a fishtail plus bubble braid plus a volume on top is wow
a cool high bubble braid is always a fun and cool idea and it's very easy to make it yourself
Start With Two Sections and “Braid”
Part your hair down the center to create two even sections, one on each side of your head (similar to creating pigtails). Clip one section of hair to the side while you work on the other. Take an inch-wide section of hair at the hairline and secure it with an elastic. Then gather another inch-long section of hair right below that and add it to the length of the first section, and secure it all with another elastic. Continue to do this, adding more hair until you reach the base of your neck (the final result should resemble a pigtail). Think of it as a bubble French braid where you’re adding more hair each time. Repeat on the other side.
Or, you can just create two standard pigtails or a simple ponytail and bubble the length. Use clear elastic bands or a shade that matches your hair color for a clean finish.
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a half updo with a volumetric top and waves down, a loose bubble braid as an accent
Keep Adding Elastics to Create the Bubbles
Regardless of whether you started the bubble braid at the hairline or created pigtails or a ponytail, now you can proceed to creating the bubbles throughout the length of your hair. Starting at the base of the pigtail or ponytail, wrap another elastic band about one to one-and-a-half inches from the base. Repeat these steps until you place hair ties an inch apart through the length of your pigtail or ponytail. Repeat on the other side if necessary.
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a high bubble ponytail with a sleek top is a jaw-dropping idea for any occasion
a high bubble ponytail with a sleek top looks very volumetric and very chic and lovely
a high bubble ponytail with a volume on top and face-framing hair plus black elastics is amazing
Make Them Bubbly
This next step is very important in achieving the bubble look: Return back to the hair between the elastic band at the base of your neck and the one below that. Use your index fingers and thumbs to gently pull the hair out to form a bubble. Keep repeating this step with each section of hair until you reach the bottom.
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a low bubble ponytail is always a good hairstyle for many occasions, and you may wear some cap or hat with it if you want
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a modern midi bubble ponytail with a sleek top and some hair elastics is a cool idea for some occasions
a pretty wedding hairstyle of a bubble and fishtail braid plus a sleek top is a cool and chic idea
Lock It In With Hairspray
Finally, be sure to give your bubble braids a good spritz of hairspray after the look is complete.
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a refined bridal hairstyle of a fishtail halo, a fishtail and bubble braid is a gorgeous idea for long hair
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a refined wedding hairstyle with a half updo with a messy top and a loose bubble braid accented with baby's breath is perfect
a relaxed and casual half updo with waves down and a bubble braid is a cool hairstyle with a boho feel
How Long Do Bubble Braids Last?
Bubble braids last a few days when you make the hair ties tight. While they aren’t the longest-wearing braids, they’re a super fun and playful way to switch up your hairdo. You can preserve them for a few extra days by sleeping with your hair in a silk scarf or bonnet to avoid friction with your sheets that can lead to frizz and flyaways. Besides getting a usual bubble braid or ponytail, you may rock a half updo with a bubble piece, this is a popular idea among brides and not only.
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a simple bubble ponytail is a nice alternative to a usual one and it's faster to make, try it if you are tired of usual braids
a simple bubble ponytail with twists and a volume on top is a cool idea for medium length hair
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low bubble ponytails with a sleek top are a cute and easy to make hairstyle for every day
two low bubble braids with a messy top are a lovely boho hairstyle to rock, they look chic and lovely