As the seasons shift, so do hairstyle trends. The winter and summer months, often dubbed “protective style season,” bring forth a surge of popular hairstyles celebrated for their low maintenance and minimal manipulation requirements. Among the latest trends, one new style stands out, creating a buzz: the “braided baldie.”
According to hairstylist Martika Cogdell, the braided baldie emerged early in 2024, thanks to a creative twist on a classic. “The style was pioneered by a braider known as Tookie, who took inspiration from the vintage beehive braid of the ’60s,” Cogdell explains. “Tookie’s modern take involved ‘designer cornrows’ embellished with hearts and flowers, which quickly went viral.”
So, what exactly defines the braided baldie, and why is it gaining such widespread appeal? Cogdell breaks down the details of this innovative hairstyle, including the technique used to achieve its distinct look and tips for getting the style.
Understanding the Braided Baldie
The braided baldie earns its name from its resemblance to a buzz-cut, achieved through traditional cornrows. “This style is often called the ‘never-ending braid’ because it involves a single, continuous cornrow shaped into various patterns without any exposed loose ends,” Cogdell notes. “It creates the illusion of a bald head, but is actually achieved through intricate cornrowing.”
The primary distinction between a braided baldie and traditional cornrows is its singular approach. Despite the elaborate designs often associated with braided baldies, the style is executed with just one cornrow. To address the absence of a visible braid end, a specific technique is employed. “To finish the style, a braider will crochet the loose end into the nearest braid and secure it with stitches, ensuring a clean and polished appearance,” Cogdell adds.
How to Achieve the Braided Baldie
While the braided baldie is relatively low-maintenance, its creation requires a meticulous approach. “Start by washing and conditioning your hair thoroughly to remove any product residue and buildup,” advises Cogdell. “The next step is the most delicate: sectioning and pre-parting the hair to form the braid pattern. Using a braiding gel will help achieve precise parts and neat braids.”
This style is best suited for natural hair, but those with shorter lengths can incorporate feed-in braiding hair for additional flexibility. “One of the advantages of the braided baldie is its low-maintenance nature,” Cogdell says. “With proper care, this style can last up to a month, and it facilitates easy scalp treatment and oiling due to its design.”
Explore various iterations of the braided baldie hairstyle below for inspiration.
Traditional Braided Baldie: Features a straightforward zig-zag pattern.
Floral Braided Baldie: Showcases creativity with floral designs integrated into the braid.
Red Braided Baldie: A striking red shade adds vibrancy to the braided baldie.
Pink Braided Baldie: Embrace a bold look with neon pink for a bright and eye-catching style.
Heart Design Braided Baldie: Incorporates heart and swirl patterns for a playful twist.
Braided Baldie Fade: Combines the braided baldie with a fade haircut for a stylish dual effect.