After years of slicked back buns and ultra-slicked ponytails, the trend is softening. Make way for romantic, natural hairstyles tinged with sweet nostalgia, as hairstylist Aaron Grenia, co-founder of IGK Hair Care, explains.
There crown braid ticks all the boxes:
- It clears the neck, ideal when temperatures rise;
- It gives a worked look without apparent effort;
- It comes in endless variations: bohemian with a flowing dress, rock with a perfecto, chic with a suit.
The stars have already adopted it
This return is not only happening behind the scenes. Zendaya sported a revisited braided crown in early July while promoting the film The Odysseysigned by hairstylist Coree Moreno. Olivia Rodrigo wore it to the Lollapalooza festival, with hairstylist Owen Gould, confirming that the hairstyle is as popular on stage as it is on the red carpet.
2010 vs 2026: what has changed
No more “milkmaid” effect, symmetrical, well drawn, almost strict. The 2026 version focuses on naturalness:
- Lively textures, far from smooth rendering;
- Falsely rebellious locks around the face;
- A wider, more relaxed braid design;
- An “effortless” spirit, worked but never fixed.
The result is less wise, more modern, and much more flattering.
How to make the braided crown, step by step
Hairstylist Sunnie Brook suggests a simple method:
- Part the hair just behind the ear to create four braids.
- Cross and secure the front braids on the top of the head.
- Cross and fix those behind, following the rounded line of the layout.
Short or very layered hair: the ribbon tip
Don’t panic if your hair is short. Slip a ribbon or scarf into each braid. It gives the illusion of longer, fuller tresses, and holds back short locks.
Our advice for wearing it every day
Hairdressers are unanimous: everything comes down to preparation.
- Before braiding, add grip with a texturizing spray or dry shampoo, especially on freshly washed hair;
- Once the crown is in place, a few well-placed pins are enough to last all day;
- To finish, a touch of fixed lacquer without sticking.
A trend that is everywhere
- Half crown on loose hair for the office;
- Full version for a wedding;
- Tighter braid for a festival.
What if now is the time to get started?
Between nostalgia for the 2010s and a desire for naturalness, the braided crown seems set to last, longer than when it was first worn. So get out the pins and the texturizing spray: a little practice, and you’re ready for the next occasion.