Easy 5-Minute Heatless Hairstyle for Long Hair: Bubble Braid Pigtails Tutorial
Looking for a cute, easy hairstyle that doesn’t require a curling iron or straightener? This 5-minute heatless hairstyle for long hair is perfect for busy mornings, second-day hair, and humid weather. Follow my simple bubble braid pigtails tutorial to create an adorable hairstyle in just a few minutes!
Today I’m sharing one of my favorite 5-minute heatless hairstyles: bubble braid pigtails with a twist! This look is playful, effortless, and surprisingly easy to recreate. The best part? You don’t need to know how to French braid, Dutch braid, or even create a traditional three-strand braid. If you can put your hair into pigtails and use a few clear elastics, you’re already halfway there! Whether you’re getting ready for work, running errands, heading to brunch, or just trying to make second-day hair look cute, this hairstyle is a total lifesaver. If you love quick hairstyles as much as I do, you’ll also want to check out my easy heatless hairstyle for spring, which features another simple faux braid look for long hair.
What Is a Bubble Braid Hairstyle?
A bubble braid is a hairstyle that uses hair elastics to create rounded, voluminous sections along a ponytail or pigtail. Instead of weaving three sections of hair together like a traditional braid, you secure the hair at intervals and gently pull the sections apart to create a fuller, bubble-like appearance. For this particular hairstyle, I’m adding a fun little twist! Rather than simply pulling the hair between elastics to create bubbles, you’ll flip each ponytail through a small opening in the hair to create a pretty twisted effect. The result looks more intricate than a traditional bubble braid, but it’s just as easy to create.
I especially love this hairstyle because it works with straight, wavy, or previously curled hair. You don’t need freshly washed hair or perfectly styled curls to make it look fabulous. In fact, I originally created this look a few days after curling my hair, which made it the perfect way to extend my hairstyle without reaching for my curling wand again. If you’re looking for more ways to style second- or third-day hair, take a peek at my everyday hair routine and loose curls tutorial, where I share how I make my curls last between washes.
What You’ll Need for This 5-Minute Heatless Hairstyle
One of the best things about this easy hairstyle is that you probably already have everything you need at home. You don’t need expensive styling tools or a drawer full of accessories to recreate this look. A few basic hair essentials are more than enough. For this hairstyle, I recommend having a hairbrush or wide-tooth comb, several small clear hair elastics, and your favorite hairspray or finishing spray. If your hair tends to get frizzy, you can also use a lightweight leave-in conditioner or anti-frizz styling product before getting started. Dry shampoo is optional, but it can be helpful if you’re styling second- or third-day hair and want a little extra volume at the roots. I personally love using clear elastics because they blend into the hairstyle and allow the twisted sections to stand out. If you have dark hair, you can also use small elastics that match your hair color for a more seamless finish.
Easy 5-Minute Heatless Hairstyle
Step 1: Prep Your Hair With Anti-Frizz Products
A good hairstyle always starts with the right hair products, especially if you’re dealing with humidity, dryness, or frizz. Before styling, make sure your hair is brushed and free of major tangles. If your hair tends to get frizzy, apply a small amount of lightweight smoothing cream or leave-in conditioner to the mid-lengths and ends. You don’t need a ton of product, just enough to help keep flyaways under control. If you’re starting with second-day hair, a little dry shampoo at the roots can help absorb excess oil and add texture. I personally love styling my hair a day or two after washing because it often has a little more grip, which makes hairstyles like this easier to create. And if you’re battling humidity like I often do in Florida, check out my guide on how to tame frizzy hair when it’s humid. It’s full of easy tips for keeping your hair looking smooth when the weather refuses to cooperate.
Step 2: Divide Your Hair Into Two Pigtails
The great thing about this look is that you can start with straight hair, wavy hair, curly hair, or somewhere in between. That’s right, no styling ahead of time required! I originally created this look a few days after curling my hair, so my waves were already a little loose and lived-in. Honestly, I think that makes this hairstyle even cuter. Start by parting your hair down the middle to create two even sections. I chose a middle part because I love the symmetrical look, but you can absolutely create a side part if that’s more your style. Once your hair is divided, gather each section into a low pigtail and secure it with a small clear elastic. Try to position both pigtails at approximately the same height for a balanced look. If you prefer a softer, more relaxed hairstyle, leave a few face-framing pieces loose around your temples.
Step 3: Add Another Elastic and Create a Twist
Now for the fun part! Take another clear elastic and secure it approximately two to three inches below the first elastic on one of your pigtails. The exact distance will depend on your hair length and how large you want the twisted sections to appear. Once the second elastic is in place, gently separate the hair between the two elastics to create a small opening in the center. Next, take the loose end of your pigtail, bring it upward toward your head, and feed it completely through the opening you just created. Pull the hair all the way through and gently adjust the section until you have a pretty twisted effect. It might sound a little complicated when you’re reading the instructions, but trust me, once you try it, you’ll realize how easy it actually is! Repeat the same process on your other pigtail so both sides have matching twists. Don’t worry if they’re not perfectly identical. A little texture and variation make this hairstyle look more effortless.
Step 4: Repeat the Twist for a Fuller Bubble Braid
Depending on your hair length, you can repeat the previous step to create another twisted section. Simply add a new clear elastic approximately two to three inches below the last one, divide the hair between the elastics to create an opening, and pull the remaining ponytail upward through the gap. Continue until you’re happy with the look, leaving the ends of your hair loose underneath the final elastic. If you have extra-long hair like me, you may have enough length to create multiple twisted sections on each side. If your hair is shorter, one or two twists per pigtail can still look super cute. My biggest tip is to keep the spacing between your elastics relatively consistent. This helps create a balanced, intentional look without requiring any complicated braiding techniques.
Step 5: Fluff the Braids for Extra Volume
Now it’s time to create some volume, babes! This is honestly my favorite part because it’s what transforms a simple twisted pigtail into a fuller, more dramatic hairstyle. Starting at the top of each braid, gently pull on the outer edges of the twisted sections to loosen the hair and make each section appear larger. The more you loosen the hair, the fuller and more voluminous your bubble braids will look. Just be careful not to pull too aggressively, especially if your hair is fine or prone to breakage. You want to create soft volume without putting unnecessary tension on your strands. And don’t be afraid to get a little messy with it! I actually prefer this hairstyle with a slightly undone finish because it gives off that effortless, casual vibe we all love. If a few pieces fall loose, you can leave them for a softer look or secure them with a small bobby pin.
Step 6: Finish With Hairspray or a Lightweight Styling Spray
Once you’re happy with the shape of your bubble braids, finish the hairstyle with a light mist of your favorite hairspray or anti-frizz finishing spray. This can help control flyaways and keep the twists looking polished throughout the day, especially if you’re heading outside in humid weather. I recommend starting with a small amount of product and adding more only if needed. You want your hair to maintain its natural movement rather than feeling stiff or crunchy. If you prefer a softer finish, you can skip hairspray altogether and simply adjust the elastics to make sure everything feels secure. And there you have it! A cute, easy heatless hairstyle that takes just a few minutes and doesn’t require a single hot styling tool. Seriously, how easy was that?!
Tips for Making Bubble Braids Look Fuller
If you have fine or thinner hair, you might be wondering whether bubble braid pigtails will work for you. The good news? You don’t need super-thick hair to create this look. A few simple tricks can help make your braids appear fuller and more voluminous. First, try using a little dry shampoo or texturizing spray before styling. This can give your hair some extra grip and make it easier to create volume. Next, avoid pulling the elastics too tightly. You want the hairstyle to feel secure, but leaving a little room between each elastic will make it easier to loosen the twisted sections afterward.
Finally, take your time gently pulling apart the outer edges of each section. This technique, sometimes called pancaking, can make the braids look significantly fuller without adding extensions or extra hair. If you’re looking for more braided hairstyles that create beautiful volume, check out my double Dutch braids tutorial for beginners. It’s another fun option for long hair, especially when you want a more traditional braided look.
More Easy Hairstyles and Hair Care Tips
If you’re always looking for quick, cute ways to style your hair without spending forever in front of the mirror, you’ll love these hair tutorials and beauty tips from Mash Elle. From easy braids to everyday curls and hair care essentials, there’s plenty of inspiration for your next good hair day!
- Easy Heatless Hairstyle for Spring
- 10-Minute Loose Curls Hair Routine
- Double Dutch Braids Tutorial for Beginners
- How to Style a Scarf for Summer
- 5 Easy Ways to Bring Damaged Hair Back to Life
- How to Tame Frizzy Hair in Humid Weather
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