Take note.
Baby hairs are big news. But it's important to know that stylised baby hair isn't a new concept. In fact, it has been part of Black culture for decades, and has become increasingly mainstream since the natural hair movement of the mid 2000s and the celebration of textured and Afro hair. Now, they're by far and large on of 2021's most popular hair looks – and for good reason. Quite simply, whether styled or not, baby hairs are beautiful.
Also known as edge styling, celebs like Yara Shahidi, Beyoncé and Leigh-Anne Pinnock have served up some stunning baby hair looks for years, some with intricate and impressive designs as well as simply slicked styles.
That said, they're not for everyone. Especially when you've carefully blow-dried your freshly-washed hair only to notice those fine, feathery wisps suddenly showing themselves.
Plus, baby hairs are notoriously tricky to control. "They’re a lot thinner and shorter than the rest of your hair, and as a result, they can be hard to control and style", says Joanne Dodds from Hairtrade.com.
But it's not impossible. In fact, if you know how to work them just right, they can become an important part of your hairstyle, especially when creating an updo.
Here are some dos and don'ts for taming your baby hairs whether you want to get conceal them or celebrate them...
IF YOU WANT TO FLATTEN THEM DOWN...
1. DON'T shave or wax your baby hairs
We're only human, and frustration can sometimes lead to drastic measures. But no matter how much your baby hairs are annoying you, Joanne says waxing and shaving are out of the question.
"Unless you can commit to serious and costly laser treatment like Kim K there aren’t any realistic, long-term solutions." And you might regret it later. Some women do opt for threading, but remember all of these methods aren't permanent and you will have to deal with the hairs growing back.
2. DO try this hairspray trick
Your best bet at taming those baby flyaways is hairspray and knowing how to use it. Celebrity hairdresser, Jonathon Long, recommends sticking them down with Redken’s Control Addict 28 High-Hold Hairspray, anytime you're trying for a sleek ponytail or updo.
Want to know a styling secret? Spray a spoolie (eyebrow brush) or unused toothbrush with hairspray and then gently run it over your baby hairs to smooth them down. The thickly clustered bristles will ensure not one tiny hair escapes.
3. DON'T try a sleek 'do unarmed
However, it's not just hairspray you'll need to really nail a smooth style. "If you're after a really sleek, glossy look, something like Paul Mitchell’s Super Sculpt Styling Glaze could help with keeping any wispy, stray hairs under control", says Joanne. Apply it close to the scalp and then work through the hair before styling your sculpting hold.
IF YOU WANT TO AMP THEM UP...
1. DO go for relaxed styles and updos
If you love your baby hairs (we do) and want to make the most of them, go for more relaxed and casual styles instead.
"Baby hairs can really complement a cute, messy bun or a wavy, half up-half down style as, like these hairstyles, baby hairs are very youthful", says Joanne.
2. DO have a play around with some shaping
Rather than disguising them, make your baby hair the focus of your hairstyle by using your fingers to tease them into cool shapes like spirals and twists, then use a styling gel to set them in place.
This works especially well with slicked back, sleek styles. And if you want to go really glam, throw on some diamonté's or studs.
Original article appeared on GLAMOUR UK | Author Elle Turner and Lottie Winter
