The Braided Baldie Is the Intricate Protective Style Taking Over Our Feeds

Protective styles, specifically braids, can be a great way to experiment with different lengths. For those wanting to try a shorter style, look no further than the "braided baldie." The TikTok-viral style dates back decades but was repopularized by Los Angeles-based braider Monteria Chisholm (known on social media as Tookie Did It). The look, featuring intricate cornrows, allows you to fake the look of a super-cropped haircut (hence the name).

In recent months, countless hairstylists have taken to social media to show off their versions of braided baldies. Several celebrities and influencers have also given the protective style their own spin. In other words, the trendy style is here to stay.

Want to know more? We spoke with top braiders Kaisha Beckles, Talia Moses, and Neyva to learn more about braided baldies, how the style is achieved, and how to maintain it.  Varela

What Is a Braided Baldie?

While many braided styles feature free-flowing plaits that frame your face, the braided baldie offers the opposite. "The braided baldie is a protective style with one or two [interconnected] braids so as to create the look of a bald head," Beckles says. "It has intricate designs that almost resemble a maze." With this look, all of this hair is kept off the neck by tucking the ends of each braid in using a crochet method.

How to Achieve the Style

Preparing your hair before the appointment is vital for any braided style. After thoroughly washing and conditioning your hair, make sure it is thoroughly detangled before drying. "Ensure the hair has been blow-dried properly before sectioning it with hair clips," Varela says. Once the hair has been sectioned, then the braiding can begin. Your hairstylist will then cornrow your hair based on your chosen design. Some popular patterns include zig-zags, flowers, and hearts, but you can customize your look any way you see fit. "Whether it's zig-zags, flowers, or even hearts, anything works on a braided baldie," Beckles adds.

To finish the look, your stylist will use a setting mousse to reduce frizz and add shine. "When the style has been set, wrap the hair in a durag and sit under the dryer until the braids have dried," Varela says.

How to Maintain the Style

With proper maintenance, a braided baldie can last four to six weeks. Thankfully, your day-to-day maintenance routine is incredibly straightforward with this look. "Maintaining the braided baldie is simple and easy," Beckles says. "All you need to do is oil your scalp every two to three days, depending on how fast your scalp dries." She also recommends applying mousse every once in a while and covering your head with a scarf or durag so that your hair can maintain its flat appearance. Moses and Varela recommend covering your braids with a scarf, bonnet, or durag at night to help prevent frizz.

The Final Takeaway

The braided baldie is one of the most innovative and intricate protective styles. It's perfect for those who want to embrace shorter hair without commitment. Plus, the look can be highly personalized, as you can customize the braid pattern you want (from zig-zags to flowers). As if that weren't enough, this chic protective style is low-maintenance. A braided baldie can last four to six weeks with minor styling, like oiling your scalp and applying mousse every few days.