“Accent Braids” Are The Chic Zoom Hairstyle Trend No One Saw Coming
Blame our collective quarantine style fatigue or the fact that so much of our face-to-face interaction is happening over a Zoom screen, but hairstyle trends are looking different this autumn. More than the major comeback of headbands and claw clips, creative braiding is everywhere — with low-maintenance “accent braids” leading the pack.
The look — two tiny hairline braids that frame the face — was first predicted by celebrity hairstylist Justine Marjan, who says that with salon closures, everyone’s trying their hand at DIY styling. “During quarantine, I’ve noticed a huge increase in braided hairstyles, mini accent braids specifically,” says Marjan. “I love doing two small braids on either side of my part. They feel fun — a little retro and bohemian — and help create a subtle trim around my face.”
For a visual guide to the WFH hairstyle, scroll through to see the chicest accent braids on Instagram.
Marjan says her technique is easy: Part your hair down the middle, take two small sections on either side (about 1-inch in size), and braid each in a simple, three-strand style. (Pairing the look with cow-print nails is optional, but definitely encouraged.)Swedish model Amanda Khamkaew makes her accent braids look effortless by styling the rest of the hair in loose air-dried waves.For a chic, unbothered take on accent braids make like model Chloe Christian and don’t use hair ties. “You can tease the ends just slightly to keep the braids from unravelling, and weave the braid tightly so it stays in place,” Marjan explains.Accent braids don’t have to be front-and-centre. You can also place them further back to blend in with the rest of your hair, like Parisian influencer Anne-Laure Mais did here.If your hair is already in a protective style, like braids, you can get the same effect by pulling your hair back into an updo and leaving the two front two pieces loose, like model Samile Bermannelli. For two trends in one, pull inspiration from Dutch model Amaka Hamelijnck and fashion accent braids alongside a statement headband.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
