Hey there! I'm Zoe, a 25-year-old hairstylist. As a stylist, I spend tons of time braiding and designing hair for clients. I totally get it—traditional braids can be tricky and time-consuming to learn or maintain.That’s why so many of my clients ask me: "Got any cute, easy styles I can do on my own—no matter my hair length?"
My answer? Bubble braids! they’re way easy style,work for different hair textures, look adorable, and you can switch them up for almost any occasion in minutes. Perfect for busy girls who want to look put-together without the hassle! And if your hair is on the shorter or finer side, adding some human braiding hair can give your bubble braids that extra length and fullness. Let’s dive in!
What are bubble braids?
Bubble braids are a playful and stylish hairstyle that mimic the look of braids—without actually braiding. Instead of weaving hair, you start with a ponytail and place elastic bands down its length. By gently tugging at the sections between each band, you create soft, rounded “bubbles.” It’s an easy, beginner-friendly style that works for all hair types and lengths.
How to do Bubble braids?
Don't worry, it's super easy! There are two main ways I teach my clients:
Easy Bubble Braid (The Classic):
- Create your base by pulling hair into a ponytail (high, low, or side). For extra length and volume, simply wrap matching textured braiding hair around the base before securing it with an elastic.
- Move down the ponytail about 1-2 inches and tie another elastic.
- Gently pull apart the hair between the two elastics to puff it out – that's your first bubble! Don't pull too hard.
- Repeat! Add another elastic further down, puff out the next section. Keep going to the end.
- Pro Tip: Wrap a small piece of hair around the top elastic to hide it for a cleaner look.
Pull-through Bubble Braid:
This Mimic Tradition Braid Great for Extra Volume!
- Make a high ponytail and secure it tightly.
- Tie another elastic about 1-2 inches down the ponytail.
- Carefully split the hair above this second elastic into two parts, making a small hole.
- Pull the entire ponytail below the second elastic up through that hole. Gently tighten – this creates your first super-voluminous bubble!
- Add another elastic further down, split the hair above it, pull the tail through again. Repeat!
- Pro Tip: This method makes the bubbles look fuller and gives a cool woven effect at the ties.
How to Bubble Braid Short Hair with Human Braiding Hair?
Got a short bob or pixie? No problem! Want super long, full bubbles? Human braiding hair is your secret weapon. Here’s how I do it for my clients:
- Prepare: Brush your natural hair. Get your human braiding hair (match your color!), mini rubber bands, and a crochet hook ready.
- Section: Decide where you want your bubble braid(s)–ponytail, pigtails? Section your natural hair there.
- Braid the Base: Take a section of your natural hair. Braid it tightly (a simple 3-strand braid) from roots to ends. Secure the end SUPER tight with a mini rubber band. Do this for each section – these braids hold the extensions.
- Add Braiding Hair Extensions: Take a piece of braiding hair. Use the crochet hook to pull it through your small natural braid roots. Fold the extension piece over the hook, pull the loop through, then pull the ends of the extension through that loop and tighten really well. It’s attached!
- Bubble It Up with elastic bands!
9 Easy Bubble braid hairstyles for different occasions
Bubble Braid Ponytail:
Okay, let's get to the fun part! Here are my top 9 go-to bubble braid styles and when they shine:
How: Create a classic ponytail (high is super popular!), then make bubbles down its length using the Classic or Pull-Through method.
Style: Sporty, polished, elevated casual.
Perfect For: Running errands in style, a busy day at the office (dress it up!), hitting the gym, or summer festivals (keeps hair off your neck!).
Bubble Braid Pigtails:
How: Part hair down the middle. Create two ponytails/pigtails (high, mid, or low). Bubble each ponytail individually.
Style: Playful, youthful, retro-cool.
Perfect For: Concerts (think Coachella vibes!), casual shopping days with friends, theme parks, or just adding fun to your weekend look.
Half Up Bubble Braid:
How: Take the top section of your hair (crown to ears) and gather it into a small ponytail. Bubble that ponytail!
Style: Romantic, effortless, flattering.
Perfect For: Brunch dates, farmers market outings, casual weddings or bridal showers, or adding a little something special to everyday wear.
Mohawk Bubble Braid:
How: Create a row of small ponytails straight down the center of your head, from forehead to nape. Bubble each individual ponytail section.
Style: Edgy, bold, statement-making.
Perfect For: Music festivals (a total staple!), parties, concerts, or anytime you want to turn heads.
French Bubble Braid:
How: Start similarly to a regular French braid (adding hair from the sides as you go) for just 2-3 stitches at the crown. Then, gather all the hair into a ponytail and continue bubbling down the length. It’s a french braid start transitioning into a bubble ponytail.
Style: Elegant, intricate (but easier than a full french braid!), sophisticated fun.
Perfect For: Garden parties, dinner dates, graduation, or work events where you want a polished yet unique look.
Bubble Braids Short Hair (Using Human Braiding Hair ):
How: Follow the "Bubble Braid Short Hair with Human Braiding Hair" method above! Great for a single ponytail, pigtails, or even a half-up style.
Style: Voluminous, playful, proves short hair can rock braids!
Perfect For: Adding instant length and fun for nights out, vacations, special events, or just beating short-hair boredom. Tons of "Short Hair Transformation" videos feature this!
Face-Framing Bubble Braids:
How: Create two small sections of hair near your temples. Bubble each section individually (maybe 2-3 bubbles each) and let them hang loose to frame your face. You can leave the rest down, or pair them with another style (like a low bun or ponytail).
Style: Soft, flattering, boho-chic.
Perfect For: Photoshoots, outdoor weddings, date nights, or adding a romantic touch to any hairstyle.
Chunky African Bubble Braids with Cuffs:
Step by Step Tutorial:
- Begin by sectioning your natural hair into several small, even parts and secure each with a small elastic band.
- Move down each ponytail about 1-2 inches and secure with another elastic to form your first "bubble."
- Continue repeating this process along the length of each section until you've created uniform bubble braids throughout your hair.
- Add some decorated hair cuffs onto the elastic band for a more polished and aesthetic look.
- Pro Tip: For creating longer, fuller bubble braids, use a latch hook attach sectioned bulk hair or texture-matching crochet hair to each secured section at the roots and mixed your natural hair with extensions before forming the bubble braids. This creates beautiful dimension while protecting your natural hair.
Style: Bold, protective, celebratory, culturally inspired.
Perfect For: Major celebrations, cultural events, vacations, or making a powerful style statement. Protects hair while looking amazing.
Important Note: This style draws from African braiding traditions. Appreciation and respect for the cultural origins are essential.
Tucked Updo with Face-Framing Bubble Braids:
Step by Step Tutorial:
- Create your face-framing bubble braids as described previously.
- Gather the remaining hair into a low ponytail.
- Divide the ponytail into 3-4 equal sections and secure each with clear elastics to create the "bubbles."
- Finally, twist or fold the bubbled section into a bun or updo, securing it securely at the nape of your neck.
- Ensure the face-framing bubble braids remain loose to frame your face.
Style: Elegant, sophisticated, chic with a youthful twist.
Perfect For: Weddings (as a guest or even bridesmaid!), formal dinners, graduation, job interviews, or any event needing polished glam.
See? Bubble braids are seriously the easiest way to add instant fun and style to your look, no matter your hair length or the occasion. They’re quick, versatile, and always get compliments. Grab some mini elastics and select blend textured of HotBraids braiding hair extensions if you're short-haired and start bubbling!
Click here if you also want to learn How to cornrow braid or how to do kinky twist styles for beginners.
Have fun styling!
Reach out to us at [email protected] with any fresh braiding hair tips you've discovered or questions about choosing bulk hair. Enjoy your braiding and twisting journey, and keep shining!