You’ve seen it everywhere. Seriously. Scroll through TikTok for three minutes or walk through a terminal at LAX, and you’ll spot it—the bun with braids in the front. It’s that perfect middle ground between "I tried really hard" and "I just threw this together to go get an iced latte."
Honestly? It’s a lifesaver.
Most people struggle with updos because they feel too exposed. Without hair framing the face, everything feels a bit... naked. That’s where the front braids come in. They act like a curtain, softening the forehead and highlighting the cheekbones, while the bun keeps the rest of your hair out of the way. It’s practical. It’s chic. And it’s surprisingly versatile depending on whether you're heading to a wedding or a HIIT class.
The Science of Why This Works
There is a genuine aesthetic reason why we’re all obsessed with this look. Hairstylists often talk about "face-framing," which is basically the art of using hair to create an oval silhouette. According to professional stylists like Justine Marjan, who has worked with the Kardashians, adding texture near the face draws attention to the eyes. When you pull everything back into a tight bun, you’re pulling the skin taut (the "snatched" look), but the braids add a layer of softness that prevents the style from looking too severe or "founding father-ish."
It’s also about longevity.
If you have oily hair, the front sections are always the first to go. They get stringy. They separate. By braiding those specific pieces, you’re masking the grease and tucking the flyaways into a structured pattern. You can easily get an extra two days out of a blowout just by sectioning off the front and pinning the rest into a top knot.
Not All Braids Are Created Equal
Don't just grab two chunks of hair and start twisting. You have options.
The most common version is the baby braid. These are tiny, three-strand braids that hang loose while the rest of the hair is pulled into a high or low bun. It’s very 90s, very Bella Hadid. Then you have the integrated French braid. This is where you start braiding at the hairline and feed the ends into the bun itself. It’s much more secure. If you’re going to be dancing or running, this is the one you want.
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Then there’s the Dutch braid variation. Because Dutch braids sit on top of the hair (the "inside-out" look), they provide way more volume. If you have fine hair, this is your best friend. It makes it look like you have twice as much hair as you actually do.
Some people prefer a single, thick braid that wraps around the base of the bun. Others want two symmetrical "tendril" braids. There are no rules, but the vibe changes drastically based on the thickness of the braid. Thin braids feel edgy and Y2K; thick braids feel bohemian and soft.
Real-World Execution: The "Clean Girl" Version
To get that ultra-sleek look you see on Pinterest, you need a heavy-duty pomade. Most people make the mistake of braiding dry hair. Big mistake. You want to apply a bit of shine serum or a light wax—something like the Ouai Matte Pomade or even a bit of Eco Style Gel—to the front sections before you even start crossing the strands. This keeps the braid looking crisp and prevents those tiny "fuzzies" from popping out halfway through the day.
- Part your hair down the middle. Precision matters here. Use a rat-tail comb.
- Section off two pieces at the front, about an inch wide.
- Secure the rest of your hair in a ponytail so it doesn’t get in the way.
- Braid the front sections tightly. If you want them to hang, braid them all the way down. If you want them tucked, only braid to the ear.
- Pull the ponytail into a bun. Messy or sleek, your choice.
- Join the braids to the bun with bobby pins.
Why Texture Matters
If you have curly or coily hair, a bun with braids in the front is a top-tier protective style. It’s a great way to manage shrinkage while still showing off your length. For Type 4 hair, using a edge control like 24 Hour Edge Tamer ensures the braids stay sleek while the bun can remain voluminous and natural.
Texture also dictates the "vibe."
Beach waves in the bun make the look feel effortless. A slicked-back, high-shine bun feels corporate and powerful. Honestly, the beauty of this style is that it adapts to whatever state your hair is currently in. Haven't washed it in four days? Perfect. The grit actually helps the braids stay in place. Just used a deep conditioner? Also fine, just use a bit more grip spray.
Avoiding the "Childish" Trap
One critique people have is that front braids can look a bit "elementary school." I get it. To avoid looking like you’re headed to third-grade picture day, avoid using colorful rubber bands. Use clear elastics or, better yet, back-comb the ends of the braids slightly and hairspray them so they stay without an elastic at all.
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Also, height is everything.
A low, slouchy bun with braids feels sophisticated. A super-high "antenna" bun with braids is very "festival chic." Choose the height based on your outfit. If you're wearing a turtleneck or a high collar, go high with the bun to elongate your neck. If you’re wearing an off-the-shoulder top, a low bun keeps the look romantic.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
The "Bump" Problem:
Sometimes, when you pull the braids back into the bun, you get a weird bulge where the braid meets the rest of the hair. To fix this, don't pull the braid straight back. Angle it slightly downward toward the top of your ear before bringing it around to the back. This follows the natural curve of your skull.
The Scalp Gap:
If your hair is thin, braiding the front can sometimes expose "holes" or patches of scalp. Don't panic. Take a matte eyeshadow that matches your hair color and a small brush. Lightly fill in the part line or any sparse areas. It’s a trick used on every single red carpet, and it makes the style look 10x more expensive.
The Slippery Braid:
If your hair is freshly washed and silk-smooth, your braids will probably unravel by noon. You need "grip." Spray the front sections with a dry texture spray or a bit of sea salt spray before braiding. This gives the hair some friction so the strands lock together.
Modern Variations You Haven't Tried Yet
While the "two braids in front" is the standard, there are ways to level this up.
- The Asymmetrical Braid: Do one thick braid on just one side and sweep it back into a side-bun. It’s very avant-garde.
- The Fishtail Front: Instead of a three-strand braid, do a fishtail. It takes longer, but the intricate detail looks incredible in photos.
- Jeweled Braids: Slide a few gold hair cuffs onto the front braids. It turns the hairstyle into an accessory.
The bun with braids in the front isn't just a trend; it's a functional solution for people who want to look put-together without spending forty minutes with a curling iron. It works for a gala, and it works for a grocery run. That's rare.
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Making It Last Overnight
If you’ve spent time getting these braids perfect, you don't want to redo them in the morning. To preserve the style, swap your cotton pillowcase for silk or satin. Cotton creates friction, which leads to frizz. Use a silk scarf to tie down the front braids specifically. In the morning, you might just need to refresh the bun itself, but the braids should stay intact.
If the braids do get a bit fuzzy, don't un-braid them. Just take a tiny bit of hair oil on your fingertips and smooth it over the top. It’ll lay the flyaways down without ruining the structure.
Practical Next Steps
Ready to try it? Start by identifying your hair's current state. If it's "day three" hair, you’re in the prime window. Grab a rat-tail comb and a solid pomade.
First, experiment with the placement of your part. A middle part is the most trendy right now, but a deep side part with a single braid can look incredibly elegant for a formal event. Once you’ve sectioned the front, don't rush the braid. Keep your tension consistent—this is the secret to a professional-looking finish.
Finish the look with a high-hold hairspray, but only on the bun and the base of the braids. Leave the "tail" of the braids (if they are hanging) natural so they have some movement. You want the style to look firm, but not frozen. Go look in the mirror—you’ve just mastered the most versatile hairstyle of the year.
Key Takeaways for Your Next Style:
- Use a rat-tail comb for clean sections; messy parts ruin the "sleek" effect.
- Apply product before braiding to minimize frizz and maximize shine.
- Match your bun height to your outfit's neckline for the best silhouette.
- Use matte eyeshadow to fill in any scalp gaps for a fuller look.
- Always secure the style with a finishing spray to combat humidity.