As we mentioned, in these times, simplicity is the name of the game, and this hairstyle delivers just that. Achieving it on any texture is as easy as, well, just braiding. “Take your front section, however big you’d like (but I recommend using a section one to two inches wide), and split in the middle,” explains Los Angeles-based hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons, who works with the Kardashian-Jenners and Megan Fox. (In fact, he created this very look on Kim Kardashian for a KKW campaign.)
“Then, braid loosely until you reach the end and secure with a small elastic to keep the braid secure. Use a texturizing spray to give the hair more texture and an undone feeling.” Once you hit your hair with a texturizer mist, like the Oribe Flash Form Finishing Spray, Fitzsimons says he likes to add another bit of polish with a shine spray.
If you’ve got curly or Afro-textured hair, not to worry — you can still repeat the same process and style the rest of your hair as you usually would. Just try it with a braiding cream or butter more suited to highly textured hair like the Best of Beauty-winning Camille Rose Naturals Almond Jai Twisting Butter.
“Experiment with this look no matter what hair type you have,” Fitzsimons encourages. “All you really need to do is create the two braids at the front to frame your face and let the rest of your natural texture do its thing.”
You can also make this trend work if your hair is sparse or shorter where it frames your face, but you want a little more length. Los Angeles-based hairstylist Laura Polko tells Allure that she will sometimes add some clip-in extensions to the front of her clients’ hair if she’s trying to add a bit of extra drama. “I mix together [a texturizer] and finishing spray together on my fingertips for some hold and simply braid down,” she explains.
As we said, this look is all about simplicity and effortlessness. If you know how to braid, you can recreate the look for yourself. “It’s a super low-maintenance style that’s easy to accomplish in less than 10 minutes, so I can see why it’s trending again,” muses Fitzsimons. “This look is very casual, but the face-framing braids give it a chic, playful vibe that’s great for summer.”
And we’re here for it. Now go forth, and braid your teensy little braids.
More hairstyles you can do at home:
Now, watch Monica break down her iconic looks from the ’90s: