Bubble Braids Black Hair Guide + 7 Best Hairstyles

Bubble braids black hair is undeniably one of the most trending hairstyles today! Celebrities like Gigi Hadid, Olivia Rodrigo, Priyanka Chopra, and Doja Cat wear this hairstyle in stunning ways. It is flooding the streets, red carpets, fashion week runways, and concerts. You can also find thousands of bubble braids black hair content on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. 

Want to dazzle your date or impress everyone at your next party with this Bubble braid hairstyle?

Do not worry. In this article, I will teach you how to recreate bubble braids black hair no matter what your hair type is.

Plus, there is more! I will also feature 7 pretty hairstyle inspirations that can make you stand out on any occasion. But before that, let me first tell you what bubble braids are and where they came from. 

Best Bubble Hair Black Hair Styling Tools

More About Bubble Braids Black Hair

What is Bubble Braids Black Hair - Mirriam Hair Stylist
Photo from IG/miriam_hair_stylist

Bubble braids is a hairstyle that uses multiple scrunchies, elastics, bands, bows, or laces to secure bunches of hair continuously downward with enough spaces in-between to create a bubble-like effect.  

Origin of Bubble Braids Black Hair

There is no clear origin of bubble braids. Some say this is a resurgent hairstyle from the 80s; others claim it is from the 90s, while many declare this is definitely a Y2K hair trend. What we are sure of is that bubble braids are a modern-day evolution and infusion of old braids and ponytails. 

The Function of Bubble Braids Black Hair

While many wear bubble braids on black hair for aesthetic purposes, those with afro hair wear these as a protective hairstyle. The most common protective hairstyles are locs, twists, and braids. Like these hairstyles, bubble braids also tuck away the hair to minimize environmental stressors that cause hair damage and breakage. Compared to the other protective hairstyles, bubble braids also has less tension at the roots, thus promoting better scalp and hair health.

Who Can Wear Bubble Braids Black Hair?

Bubble braid black hair is perfect for those with medium and long hair. If you have short hair, it is still possible to create the perfect bubble braid look with Marley hair extensions. As for hair type, this popular hairstyle suits everyone. Whether you have straight, wavy, curly, or coily hair, bubble braids black hair can work for you. The resulting look may be different depending on hair type and texture, but I can assure you that they are equally beautiful and stylish. 

How To Do Bubble Braids Black Hair?

The best thing about bubble braids black hair is that it is incredibly easy and fun! To recreate this hairstyle, follow the instructions below. 

Step 1: Begin With Hair Care

Before we start with any hairstyle, it is important to go through your hair care routine first. Make sure to shampoo, condition, and dry your hair. Make sure to use hair care products that suit your hair type. 

Step 2: Prepare Hair For Styling

After hair care, you now prepare your hair for styling. You have to brush your hair to remove those frizz and tangles at this step. If you have straight and wavy hair, apply a leave-in conditioner and volumizing mousse to give your hair extra oomph. For curly and coily hair, you can also use a leave-in conditioner and light oil to moisturize your hair. 

Best Hair Oil, Leave-in Conditioner and Volumizing Mousse

Step 3: Make Your First Ponytail

Use a rat-tail comb to section your hair, depending on your preferred hairstyle. You can have a single-strand bubble braid, bubble braid pigtails, or multiple strands of bubble braids. Gather the first section of your hair using a hair brush. Make your first high ponytail near the roots using elastic bands.  

Step 4: Make Your Bubbles

After making your first ponytail, you will create the bubbles. To do this, apply evenly spaced elastic bands below the first one up to the ends of your hair. Slightly pull the hair in between each elastic band to emphasize those spheres. Repeat the process if you have two or more bubble braid strands.

Step 5: Seal Your Bubble Braids

Now that you completed the hairstyle, it is time for some finishing touches. Some want to accessorize by applying ribbons, laces, or hair jewelry to their bubble braids. Once you are done, seal everything with hairspray to make your hairstyle last throughout the day.

How To Do Bubble Braids Black Hair Extensions?

If you have short hair, do not worry. You can still do the bubble braids black hair with the help of hair extensions. You must buy black hair extensions that closely resemble your natural hair type to do this. I provided some great products after the instructions to help you out. Below is how you create bubble braids with hair extensions.

  1. Begin with your hair care routine. Wash, condition, and dry your hair thoroughly.
  2. Then prepare your hair for styling. For straight and wavy hair, apply leave-in conditioner and volumizing mousse. For curly and coily hair types, moisturize your hair using hair oil.
  3. Next step is to make your ponytail. Use your rat-tail comb to create sections of your hair and your brush to gather your hair. Tie your hair together using elastic bands or scrunchies.
  4. After making a tight ponytail, insert your hair extension in the middle part and let it flow on each side, or tie your hair extension together with the ponytail.
  5. Now, it is time to make the bubbles. Below the existing ponytail, secure the hair with hair elastics or a hair tie to the ends. Make sure that they are evenly spaced. After, pull the sides of the hair between each elastic band to emphasize the sphere-shaped hair.
  6. The final step is to accessorize your bubble braids with ribbons, bows, or laces. Go through each bubble and make sure they are neat. Lastly, seal the hairstyle using hairspray.

Best Bubble Hair Black Hair Extensions

Bubble Braids Black Hairstyles

Bubble braids black hair is an iconic hairstyle that can be worn in many ways. Here are some style inspirations for you.

4C High Pony with Bangs Bubble Braid Black Hair

4C High Pony with Bangs Bubble Braids Black Hair
Photo from IG/theevehogban

This 4C High Pony with Bangs Bubble Braid is one of my favorite looks for black hair. I love the texture that 4c hair provides and how it can be styled in many ways. The colored bands and accessories add a touch of color to black hair, and I think they really help make the look more exciting. I also like how the ponytail can be wrapped in a bun for a shorter tail, depending on your preference.

Casual Mid Bubble Braid Black Hair

Casual Mid Bubble Braids Black Hair
Photo from @gggiovanna

Go for mid-bubble braids black hair if you want a semi-casual to the casual hairstyle. To get this look, make your first ponytail in the middle of the back of your head and in line with your ears. This hairstyle exudes an effortless and chic vibe, ready to conquer a long day outside.

Sleek Low Bubble Ponytail for Black Hair

Sleek Low Pon Bubble Braids Black Hair
Photo from @salonshavon

Another classic and elegant hairstyle is your low ponytail bubble braid black hair. To make it even more formal, wrap strands of your natural hair to cover the elastic bands. This look is perfect for any occasion.

Pigtail Bubble Braid Black Hair

Pigtail Bubble Braid Blacks Hair maddisongregoryx
Photo from IG/@maddisongregoryx

Feeling playful and young? Go for two sides or pigtail bubble braids. To do this, part your hair in the middle and make two ponytails. You can make it high, mid, or low, depending on your preference. This hairstyle is great for street style, parties, and concerts.

Bubble Braid Black Hair With Beads

Bubble Braids Black Hair With Beads
Photo from IG/marithecreative

Are you up for some experiment? Instead of using elastic bands or scrunchies, why not try to use beads? If you have curly or coily hair, then nothing is stopping you from trying this one out. It is eye-catching, creative, and appealing.

Curly Bubble Braid Black Hair 

Curly Bubble Braids Black Hair 
Photo from Ig/kiasterlinghair

Ladies, if you have curly hair, the bubble braids black hairstyle is an attractive way to tame and flaunt your hair volume. With this hairstyle, your hair gets a beautiful structure where those curls and coils can shine. Bubble braids also pull away hair from your face and leave you looking, fresher.

Colored Bubble Ponytail Dreads 

Colored Bubble Braids Dreads on Black Hair
Photo from IG/hairbyrelleandkaribbeankinks

Last but not least, one of my favorite hairstyles is the Colored Bubble Dreads on Black Hair. This style uses all styles of protective braids, including finger coil bangs, tribal braids, and bubble braids.

I love this style because it is so creative and unique. Choose the best color that expresses your personality and style. But if you don’t want to use hair color, you can get colored loc extensions instead!

FAQs about Bubble Braids for Black Hair

Are bubble braids a protective hairstyle?

Yes. Bubble braids can also be worn as a protective hairstyle, like locs, braids, and twists. Not only is this hairstyle easy to do, but it also has less tension at the roots, thus promoting better scalp and hair health.

Can anyone do bubble braids?

Yes. Bubble braids are very easy and fun to make. Almost everyone can do them. You only need a rat-tail comb, hair brush, and elastic bands. To do bubble braids black hair, follow the instructions provided above.

Are bubble braids trending?

Yes. According to Spate, bubble braids garner around 50 thousand searches a month in the US. Celebrities like Gigi Hadid, Olivia Rodrigo, Priyanka Chopra, and Doja Cat also wear this hairstyle. It is also flooding red carpets, fashion week runways, and concerts. 

What era are bubble braids?

There is consensus as to what era bubble braids belong to. Some say it is from the 80s. Others claim it is from the 90s, while many declare it is a Y2K hair trend.

Bubble Braids Black Hair Bottomline

I can understand why bubble braids black hair is one of the most trending hairstyles in social events and social media platforms today. It is fresh, fun, playful, stylish, modern, and chic, and it is also very easy to do and cheap! Almost everyone can pull off this hairstyle. So if you are someone who wants to wear some WOW factor, you better give this hairstyle a try right now!

Some hairstyle photos on our website are sourced from influencers, stylists' and barbers' IG profile. While we make every effort to credit the original creators, sometimes it is not possible to track down the original source. If you see a photo on our site that you believe should be credited to you or removed, please contact us and we will be happy to make the appropriate changes. Thank you again for considering us as a source for your hairstyle needs!

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