Best of braids

Kylie Jenner and Hailey Bieber flaunt baby braids. Pics Courtesy/Instagram

There's no denying it - the Y2K aesthetic that's been dominating fashion and beauty is here to stay, at least for a while now. The latest noughties trend to make its way back to circulation is face-framing baby braids. First seen on the likes of the Spice Girls, these fun and flirty braids are now being sported by celebrities such as Kylie Jenner, Hailey Bieber, and Bella Hadid. "The reason these braids work is because they can be easily recreated on hair of any texture with tools that people have at home. They also frame most face shapes beautifully. The only exceptions are very broad faces or if you already have a fringe," explains Drishya Bhagyanath, a hair stylist at Trendy Hair Salon.

Drishya Bhagyanath

To start, take the front section of your hair. A one or two-inch section works best, although you could use bigger pieces depending on how dramatic you'd like the look to be. Split it in the middle, into two sections, and then braid each section loosely until the end. Secure with an elastic or a mini claw clip. For a smoother finish, Bhagyanath recommends using a little serum or leave-in hair oil before you begin to braid. You can even tug loosely at the strands to create a more piece-y look. Finish your hairstyle with texturing and shine sprays. "If you have very short or sparse hair, you can add clip-in extensions to your braid sections. Choose bright and vivid colours to make your look stand out. Finally, dress up your braids with beads, rings, and other accessories. Have fun with your look but only wear this style for casual occasions," she concludes.