Bubble Braids Are the Ultimate Pre-Wedding Party Hairstyle—Here's How to Create the Chic Look

You can’t go wrong with classic options when it comes to bridal hairstyles, but some brides might want to step outside the box—especially for pre- and post-wedding events, like a welcome party, rehearsal dinner, after-party, or Sunday brunch. If you're on the hunt for a chic, modern look to suit these decidedly less formal celebrations, allow us to suggest bubble braids.

These playful "braids"—spoiler alert: they technically aren't true braids—call for a series of elastics to create the style's signature bubble effect. Best of all, they provide the perfect opportunity to play with expectations while still paying homage to sleek, sophisticated looks that have become synonymous with weddings. Ultimately, they can showcase your trendy side and creativity better than loose waves or a low chignon ever could.

Even better? They're easy to create yourself, so if you don't have a stylist on deck, you're in luck. To teach you how to do bubble braids, we tapped two experts who work with brides on the regular—and can attest to this chic look's ease and versatility.

What Are Bubble Braids?

Here's the funny thing about bubble braids: They technically aren't braids at all, and don't require the careful plaiting a more involved French or Dutch braid might. Instead, this braid-like style involves loosened sections of ponytails, divided by hair ties. They may look detailed when completed—especially if they're accessorized—but they're actually easy to pull off and don't typically require a stylist's expertise.

There's a reason why bubble braids are particular hot right now. As brides continue to look for ways to make their wedding day or weekend their own, more upbeat hairstyles, like this playful look, are gaining traction. “They’re getting popular! They’re more of a modern version of your classic bridal braid and perhaps a bit edgier than your everyday braid,” says Abi Taylor, a professional hair and makeup artist.

Bubble Braid Variations

While the most iconic iteration of this style involves a single ponytail and a series of bubbles, there are a myriad of ways that you can switch up the style to make it work for you. For example, you can opt for a half-up, half-down style and create a smaller bubble braid. Or you can braid part of your hair first and then incorporate the plait into the bubbles for additional texture.

Why Bubble Braids Are Great for Brides

When it comes to bubble braids, the bridal benefits are endless. Many women gravitate to this style because it keeps the hair away from the face—and, as a result, keeps the spotlight on your glow and general glam. This is especially great for photos and greeting friends and family (no hair touch-ups necessary!) or if you're celebrating in on a windy day. Bubble braids also have that "business in the front, party in the back" vibe, which makes them a perfect choice if you're hoping for a timeless style that will work with most ensembles, whether they skew more classic or modern.

That's perhaps their greatest feature: versatility. “They work well on all hair textures and allow you the ability to wear a variety of styles and accessories,” says Maria Lyn of Mia Farah Beautique. “Bubble braids look good as a low pony, a high pony, or mohawk style. That’s so incredible for brides, because it gives them so many options in terms of what would look best on their face shape.”

Wedding Events Bubble Braids Are Best For

Because they aren’t classic, bubble braids give women of the hour the chance to have some fun and try something a little more fashion forward. That's why we love them for wedding-adjacent events, like bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, or welcome parties. “Not to mention, they can be worn for several days, which is ideal for a weekend of festivities,” says Lyn. 

But that doesn't mean that they aren't wedding-day worthy—depending on your personal and event aesthetic, they just might be the big-day hairstyle for you. If you’re holding your wedding outside or in a more casual environment, for example, bubble braids are a great choice. “I’d say a bubble braid would be best for a wedding in a venue like a converted barn or even a city wedding in a warehouse," says Taylor. "They're great for a wedding that isn’t super classic in style.”

How to Do Bubble Braids

Thinking about testing out this look for your big day? Learn how to do bubble braids with this step-by-step tutorial, courtesy of our experts.

Step 1: Prep Your Hair

Bubble braids are all about texture and volume, so you’ll want to start with a good base—which involves one key product. “When creating braids, I always prep the hair with sea salt spray to add a bit of grip and then roughly curl the hair to give it a bit of movement,” says Taylor. 

Lyn says this is also the time to decide if you’d like all of your hair slicked back or not. “Keep in mind how you would like the face framed," she says. "For example, do you want a middle part, side, part, or no part?”

Step 2: Create a Ponytail

Once you’ve prepped your hair and chosen your desired part, secure your hair into a slicked back ponytail at your ideal height (remember, this style works for just about any ponytail style, from low to high—and you could also opt for two ponytails if you want to try a modern take on pigtails). “As I’m creating the braid, I use a bit of wax to get definition and make it easier to [create the style],” says Taylor. 

Step 3: Place the Elastics

Secure the hair with additional hair ties a couple of inches down at even intervals, depending on the length of your hair. Opt for small, clear hair ties for the cleanest look.

Step 4: Create the Bubble 

Using your fingers, gently loosen the hair in each section to slightly tease it and give it that "bubble" volume. Be careful not to pull too much, or you'll risk creating uneven bubbles or disrupting the adjacent sections. Finish off with a few hits of hairspray so everything stays locked in place. 

The Best Bubble Braid Finishing Touches for Brides

Sure, you can keep things simple and sleek, but there are so many ways to play with accessories if you choose bubble braids as a bridal style. Here are some of our favorite finishing touches and add-ons.

• Experiment with the size of each bubble. While most bubble braid styles call for uniform poufs, we like the idea of a style that descends in size (with the bubbles getting smaller as you move down the ponytail).
• Add small bows to each hair tie or to the anchor hair tie up top.
• Add a silk tie to the highest point of your ponytail.
• Petite metallic cuffs (which can often be bought affixed to hair ties) can help define each bubble section and provide some edge.
• Pull out small pieces of hair around each bubble and wrap them around the elastics for a truly seamless style.
  
• Gems add a touch of effortless glam—look for bobby pins or hair ties with colorful stones that speak to your event's palette.
• If you kept the crown of your hair loose, pull out a few wispy tendrils. This adds a slightly romantic, unfussy touch to the overall look and helps to frame your face.