How to Do Bubble Braids: A Complete Step-By-Step Guide

If you’re active on social media, you’ll surely stumble across a photo or two of bubble braids or bubble ponytails. From Instagram influencers to celebrities on the red carpet, these braids have been appearing again and again, and now they have become one of the most popular hairstyles! So, whether you were influenced by your favorite celebrity or liked this hairstyle long ago but need a solid reason to try it, now is the perfect time to give it a try. The bubble braids look super attractive and eye-catching, and they’re super easy to create. Don’t worry if you’re a beginner, you can achieve the perfect bubble braid look.

What are Bubble Braids? 

Bubble braids, also commonly known as bubble ponytails or bubble plaits, are one of the variations of traditional braids. They get their name from the unique, bubble-like sections created along the length of the braid. The bubble braid hairstyle works perfectly with various hair lengths, textures, and types, from straight to curly. You can literally try so many hairstyles, from bubble ponytails and bubble buns to bubble half up half down bubble braids and bubble messy braids.

1. How Do You Do Bubble Braids?

Bubble braids are slightly different from regular braids like Dutch braid, French braid, or Box Braid, so it requires a bit more skill. Don’t worry; they’re easy to learn. 

Below is the step-by-step tutorial to achieve the bubble braid look for different hair lengths:

How to Do Bubble Braids on Short Hair

Step 1:

First, divide your hair into two equal parts, which means you have to create a middle parting. It’s always best to go with one side at a time, so first complete the left side, then start with the right side.

Step 2: 

Now, start from your hairline, slightly gather around a 1-inch section, and tie it off in a tight ponytail with a small transparent elastic band.

Step 3:

Now repeat the first step, but this time, take the hair right behind the first ponytail. 

And before securing it, add the tail from the previous ponytail.

Step 4:

Now, keep repeating steps 2 and 3 until you reach the end of your hair. Just remember to connect the tail to the next ponytail each time.

Step 5: 

Once you’re done with the braids and all elastics are secure, slowly tug every section between each other to achieve the classy bubble braid effect. You can also use hairspray to hold the braids in place and smooth down any loose ends.

TIP: 
If you have short hair, try to keep the distance between the elastics small to prevent the ends from sticking out. And if your hair is extremely short, keep braiding until it reaches the nape of your neck.  

Short Hair Bubble Braid Hairstyles

Short Hair Bubble Braid Hairstyles
Short Hair Bubble Braid Hairstyles
Short Hair Bubble Braid Hairstyles

2. How to Do Bubble Braids on Long Hair

Do you have long hair? If yes, this time, try the ultimate bubble braid to look to become the showstopper of any event. 

Here’s how to create bubble braids hairstyle in long hair: 

Step 1: 

Here is the key to getting the perfect braid look: Always start with the middle parting! 

So, the first step will always be splitting your hair into two equal parts.

Step 2: 

After this, tightly secure all your pigtails with hair ties. Now, create another ponytail similar to the first while making sure that it has the same height and placement as the first one. You can get help from your friend, or if there is no one there to help you, look in a mirror while braiding to check the size and placement of your braids.

Step 3:

Now, pull apart all the sections of your braid by using your fingers. Adjust and fix each section by pulling up or down. You can also use a lipstick tube or something else as a tool to measure equal hair sections.

Step 4: 

The last step is to finish the look by spraying hairspray to keep your cute, long bubble braids in place. Now, you’re ready to head out!

Long Hair Bubble Braid Hairstyles

Long Hair Bubble Braid Hairstyles
Long Hair Bubble Braid Hairstyles
Long Hair Bubble Braid Hairstyles

3. How to do Bubble Braids on Curly Hair

It is true that curly hair indeed demands more care and attention, but it also looks absolutely mesmerizing, and yes, even in a bubble braid!

Creating bubble braids in curly or wavy hair isn’t that difficult; however, make sure not to use tight hair elastics and ties, or else you might end up with all tangled hair.

If you want to get the right braid look, follow the below bubble braids tutorial for curly hair:

Step 1: 

Start with a moisturizing hairspray to smooth down the hair at your roots. Also, brush your hair and remove any tangles and bumps. This way you can easily create a slick ponytail. Once your hair is all detangled, make a high ponytail and securely tie it with a hair tie. 

Step 2:

Before you start braiding, don’t forget to apply curly hair products. This is an important step, as it will give your curls some bounce and volume. 

Step 3: 

Now, you can start braiding and adding elastics to the tail. So, first, create a bubble shape and slowly secure it with an elastic. Starting from the base, grab the tail with your fingers and slowly create the shape. Continue this until you reach the end of the ponytail.

TIP:
Use hair accessories, such as beads or flowers, to embellish your bubble braids.

Curly Hair Bubble Braid Hairstyles

Curly Hair Bubble Braid Hairstyles
Curly Hair Bubble Braid Hairstyles

4. How to do Bubble Braids on Straight Hair

If you have sleek, straight, long hair, instead of a simple bubble braid, go with this stylish and trendy bubble braids black hair look. Here’s how to create this in 3 simple steps: 

Step 1: 

In this bubble braid, you don’t have to make a ponytail, so you have to brush and style your hair properly. You can also curl your hair to add some depth and volume. If you have bangs, you can either keep them as they are or pull them back.

Step 2:

Now, take a small section of hair that you want to braid and tie it securely with a hair band. Make sure to keep it tight and close to your hair roots. 

Step 3: 

Now, just keep adding the elastics every inch or so while going down the hair.

Step 4: 

Some women face difficulty in making bubble braids, as straight hair is flat and doesn’t have much volume. Plus, they can easily become greasy and oily.

Step 5: 

The last step is to adjust the hair ties because when you try to pull the sections to create a bubble look, your hair may shrink. Here, you have to adjust and fix each section so that they all look the same.

TIP:
Use dry shampoo while creating the sections to create puffiness between each hair section. 

Straight Hair Bubble Braid Hairstyles

Straight Hair Bubble Braid Hairstyles
Straight Hair Bubble Braid Hairstyles

FAQs

How Long Do Bubble Braids Last?

When you make your hair ties tight and secure, bubble braids usually last for a couple of days. You can preserve them for a few more days by wrapping your head with a silk scarf before sleeping. Even though they’re not one of the long-lasting braids, they still look pretty and cute.

How Long Will It Take to Do Bubble Braids?

Usually, it takes between 5 and 25 minutes to complete the bubble braids. However, it will also depend on your hair length and the style of the bubble braid you’re going for. 

Are bubble braids good for your hair?

Yes, bubble braids are good, as they don’t damage your hair in any way. They will not only keep your hair tightly secured but also give you gorgeous, heatless waves. However, don’t use too tight elastics; instead, use silk scrunchies or spiral hair ties to avoid breakage.

Stay Stylish With Bubble Braids!

Bubble braids are a fun and modern twist on the traditional braiding look. These versatile bubble braids work well with almost every hair length, texture, and type. There are also several variations, such as half up half down bubble braids, waterfall braids into bubble ponytails, and one French bubble braid. Try and experiment with it to create the perfect look for every occasion. The bubble braids hairstyle not only looks great but also protects your natural hair from breakage and heat damage. 

So, don’t think much, and try beautiful bubble braids now!

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