Beauty

Braided Pigtails Are Back — Here's How To Wear Them

The late-’90s style is all the rage rn.

by Tamim Alnuweiri
Celebrities like Bella Hadid and Dua Lipa are proof braided pigtails are back in style.
Getty Images/ Pierre Suu / Contributor

Braided pigtails had their heyday in the ‘90s, according to Bassia Bassia colorist Juliana Ohlmeyer. Just think of Britney Spears in the iconic “Baby One More Time” video. With celebs like Dua Lipa and FKA Twigs recently rocking the look, it’s clearly back in style.

"The style has been modernized by using extensions and embellishments," Ohlmeyer says.

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Euphoria and Suicide Squad star Storm Reid wore hip-length braided pigtails while at an event at Build Studio in New York City. This epitomizes the new gen’s take on the look: "You see it with celebs who bring a cool streetwear element to them,” the stylist says.

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At an event for her film Little Woods, Tessa Thompson rocked long silky pigtail braids with slicked-back hair on the scalp. Ohlmeyer says you can achieve this look by using castor oil while braiding your strands.

Wildflower founder and style influencer Devon Lee Carlson sports braided pigtails with a casual vibe by topping them with a leather hat, proving the style is easy to pair with accessories.

Supermodel Bella Hadid shows further inspo for pairing these twin braids with a statement headpiece or accessory. It helps elevate the style and keep it from looking more school-girl-esque.

Gigi Hadid’s take on the ‘tails was a loose, perfectly-undone style. She kept shorter layers out of the braids to frame her face. Wearing the look loosely like this gives it an easy bohemian flair, says Ohlmeyer.

Tracee Ellis Ross proves you can sport this retro style even if your hair is short. Her ‘tails are sleek and delicate, which pairs perfectly with her red lip. “Any length can pull these off as long as your fingers are able to do the braiding,” says Ohlmeyer.

Black Satin Satin Scrunchies
The Hair Edit
Adding accessories like a chic scrunchie or some decorative bobby pins can elevate the hairstyle. “Play, play, play is my advice!” Ohlmeyer says.
$8.50
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Bow Barrette
Susan Alexandra
Ohlmeyer also suggests adding more flair to the braids by putting in some chunky clips — you can choose simple barrettes or more statement pieces, like this piece from designer Susan Alexandra.
$55
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