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How To Do Pull-Through Braids: A Step-By-Step

Each year, there seems to be a new Queen Bee braid that sweeps in to claim the top spot as the ultimate goddess hair we all want to copy. Dutch, mermaid, waterfall, fishtail – if only they were as relaxed and effortless to create as they look when thrown on with a loose boho blouse and basket bag on the 'gram.

If you've always wanted to get involved but could never be faffed with mastering a seven-section-plait, you'll be pleased to hear that the latest incarnation is actually remarkably easy.

The 'pull-through' braid, sometimes referred to as the 'bubble braid', has seen searches on Pinterest soar by 155%. The style involves weaving two sections of hair around a central strand – kind of like a traditional plait, but with a simple twist. You'll need plenty of hair bands for this (preferably clear elastics so that they blend away seamlessly).

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To help us all along, braid pro, Justine Marjan, blessed TikTok with a 1-minute video showing exactly how it's done.

This is how to do pull-through pigtails:

  • Section your hair in half as if you were going to do bunches.

  • Move one half out the way and leave for later.

  • With the other half, take the top third of your hair and tie that into a bunch.

  • Split the hair behind it into two halves and bring a section around each side of the bunch until they join together in front.

  • Fastened the two sections in front together with a hair tie.

  • Use your fingers to tease the sections into a fuller shape.

  • This section becomes the new bunch, so repeat by splitting the hair behind it in two and bringing each half forward again.

  • Tie this new section together and repeat down the length or your braid.

  • Leave the last section straight rather than taking the braid all the way to the bottom

  • Repeat with the bunch on the other side of your head

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