7 Grown-Up Ways to Wear Pigtails
There are some hair styles that our mothers made us wear that make us say, "What were you thinking, Mom?!" And there are others that are so mortifying, we've buried all photographic evidence away for good.
But there is the one that we secretly missed way past their age limit. Enter the pigtails, which you may have retired at around 10 years old—other than that time at cheerleading camp…and volleyball practice…
There are multiple reasons the oldie-but-goodie style continues to pop up. One, they're easy enough for us to create even on the worst of hair days. Two, they stay in place no matter stay in place no matter what we do from sun up to sun down, which is why mom loved 'em. And three, a pigtail is just so darn cute! Honestly, even the word pigtails gets us giddy.
By happy chance, the style has made a comeback this season. Since they also appeared in the collections of top designers (like Donna Karan and Jeremy Scott), the trend will continue through the summer.
Page through the slideshow above for inspiration on how to rock big-girl pigtails—straight from the runways and your favorite celebs.
Photo: Imaxtree1/8Because a style so sweet is just too hard to let go.
Photo: Getty Images2/8Bang Bang
Sure, Alexa Chung’s got a similar ’do as a Swedish doll (or the Wendy’s girl depending on how you look at her), but she puts a chic and mature spin on the style with soft waves that frame her face and neutral-colored bows at the tips of her braids for an ultra-feminine feel. We know, we know—leave it to Alexa.
Photo: Imaxtree3/8She's Spinning
Backstage at the DKNY spring/summer runway show during New York Fashion Week last year, hair stylists paired tightly-wound pigtail braids with graphic zig-zag parts (another throwback to our childhood), and dramatic baby hairs pasted to models' foreheads. As a wearable option, use a soft bristle brush (a toothbrush even) to smooth your natural baby hairs around your hairline.
Photo: Imaxtree4/8We're With the Band
Models backstage at the Marc by Marc Jacobs fall/winter runway show put a dark spin on what would ordinarily be considered a schoolgirl style with black headbands sitting atop disheveled crowns and jagged center parts. This one is easy: After washing your hair, part it down the center using just your hands, towel-dry it, apply a shine serum, and twist your hair into two braids starting at the highest point of each ear. Secure the ends with tiny elastics and top it off with a black headband. Done and done!
Photo: Courtesy of Instagram5/8Hang Time
OK, everything FKA Twigs does seems impossibly cool (and impossible to replicate), but you can do this one. Take a cue from her signature high pigtails and start your braids at the crown of your head for a sporty-chic vibe.
Photo: Imaxtree6/8Gone With the Wind
Not all pigtails must be done with braids. Take this set of twists seen backstage at Jeremy Scott's spring/summer runway show. Running behind in the A.M.? It's totally acceptable to head out the door with a similar roughed-up texture. Just tease, tousle, and tie for added volume to your bed head—that way it's at least a little deliberate.
Photo: Courtesy of Instagram7/8Wind-Blown
Selena Gomez’s wispy pigtails are especially gorgeous because of her naturally-voluminous strands and all those crazy layers. If you’ve got similarly full hair, all it takes is a comb and two elastics to tie yours into loose pigtails. Talk about effortless!
Photo: Imaxtree8/8Freedom Rings
Models at Tanya Taylor's spring/summer show married perfect polish with loose, textured, chain-like braids. Get the look at home by creating a deep center part and using gel at the top of your head to slick your hair behind your ears. Then wind your strands into thick, loose braids starting right around your jawline. Let pieces of hair fall at the nape of your neck for an easy-going 'do. If you toss your braids behind you, at first glance it'll look like your your hair is down but from behind you'll reveal two soft braids. Surprise!
