Miniature braids have been trending for quite some time — you can thank Margot Robbie, Hailey Bieber and Kendal Jenner for helping them reach stardom. However, as we round out a new season of styles we’ll see this trend take on a more subtle version with lived-in plaits.
The Difference Between Mini Braids and Lived-In Plaits
The mini braid trend was characterized by two braids highlighting your part and framing the face and had an unabashed 90s and 00s feel to them. Lived-in plaits are taking on more of a 70s flower child feel to them.
Lived-In Plaits
Think of lived-in plaits like the styling version of peekaboo highlights. They don’t completely take over the style, instead, add a subtle highlight and an overall vibe check. The style has been making the rounds on Instagram and TikTok and most recently at Australian Fashion Week on the Hansel & Gretel runway. The finished look gives off California dreaming feels that we can’t help but fall in love with.
Get The Look
Pairing lived-in waves with barely-there braids, the look brings together a variety of waves to create a natural finish with perfectly placed braids (minus the elastics) to ensure a style indicative of the flower-child feel.
For best results, work with naturally air-dried or rough-dried hair. From here, work in sections to add classic beach waves, bends, and positive/negative set waves. Once cooled, these should be broken apart and blended together.
From here, section out the top mohawk and begin to pick a few tendrils to begin braiding. If your hair has a slip to it, spray a light-hold hairspray to add grit to keep the braid together without the use of an elastic. This will create a more lived-in feel.