Why Baby Doll Plaits Deserve a Spot in Your Summer Routine
Baby doll plaits are twin, low pigtail braids that sit in front of the shoulders, blending schoolgirl nostalgia with modern softness to create a whimsical braid hairstyle that feels playful, polished, and practical for hot-weather dressing. This isn’t a neutral summer hair trend; it is the anti-slicked bun, a deliberate choice to look light-hearted instead of severe. Celebrities are backing it: Hailey Bieber, Bella Hadid and Chloë Zhao have all worn variations, from loose bohemian plaits to sharply French-braided versions that read more couture than playground. Sabrina Carpenter’s delicate ribbon-tied braids and Lou Doillon’s wispy pigtails prove that baby doll plaits can swing from romantic to tailored without losing their charm. If you’re bored of “cool girl” minimalism, this trend is your excuse to embrace something sweet, fashion-forward and surprisingly wearable.
Prep Like a Pro: What You Need Before You Braid
The beauty of a baby doll plaits tutorial is that it demands very little kit but benefits from smart prep. You can start on freshly washed hair or second-day hair, which makes this trend easy to fold into your real life rather than reserving it for special occasions. If your roots look greasy, a targeted dry shampoo will save the style; celebrity hairstylist Tom Smith names K18 AirWash Dry Shampoo as his go-to for cleaning and adding grit and movement, which helps the braids hold their shape. At minimum, you’ll need a comb to create a middle parting, a couple of small elastics, and any accessories you want: ribbons, silk scrunchies, scarves or tiny clips all change the mood of the look. The point is not perfection but intention—these plaits should feel considered, not overworked.
Baby Doll Plaits Tutorial: The Step-by-Step Method
The core technique behind this celebrity braid style is refreshingly straightforward, which is why it’s exploding among influencers and casual braiders alike. Start by carving a middle parting; use the space between your eyebrows as a visual guide, and don’t stress if the line is slightly diffused, as that softness adds a relaxed finish. Tie one side into a temporary ponytail while you work on the other so you’re not fighting stray strands. Begin your braid at the nape of the neck: if you feel confident, go for a French plait; otherwise, use a classic three-strand braid secured with a small elastic. Tilt your head slightly away from the side you’re braiding and bring the plait forward over your shoulder, keeping it visible from the front rather than disappearing behind your back. Repeat on the other side and secure both ends—at this point you have the essential baby doll shape.
How to Style Baby Doll Plaits for Different Moods and Events
The reason this whimsical braid hairstyle is dominating summer hair trends is its versatility. According to Tom Smith, what makes the look feel chic and not Pippi Longstocking is leaving soft pieces of hair around the front and avoiding perfectly neat plaits, which creates the illusion of a shorter cut while still framing the face. Worn with a lace dress and tiny white ribbons, as seen on Sabrina Carpenter, the braids become doll-like and romantic—ideal for couture-inspired evenings or date nights. Paired with a sharp blazer, Lou Doillon’s textured plaits inject unexpected femininity into a structured outfit, proving they can handle more serious settings too. For festivals or casual days, swap delicate ribbons for printed silk scrunchies, scarves or small claw clips; this braid style is a brilliant base for accessorising and feels especially perfect for music-filled weekends.
Keeping Your Plaits Fresh: Products and Practical Payoff
Baby doll plaits are not only cute; they’re unapologetically practical. In a heatwave, lifting the hair away from the nape of the neck helps you stay cooler while still looking intentional, a rare sweet spot for summer hair trends. A light spritz of dry shampoo at the roots—Tom Smith cites K18 AirWash Dry Shampoo, £24, as his reliable choice for adding grit and movement—will keep your parting clean and stop the style from collapsing as the day goes on. Elastics should be snug but not too tight, so the plaits retain that playful, youthful quality rather than veering into severe territory. Accessories are your maintenance hack: a ribbon or scarf hides minor frizz and instantly refreshes the mood of the hairstyle. Whether you lean fully into the babydoll aesthetic or just want a polished, heatwave-proof option, these plaits are shaping up to be the defining braid of the season.
