When we’re not fighting frizz, we’re trying to tame our baby hairs into submission. If it’s a particularly bad hair day, we’re attempting to do both. Baby hairs are those pesky little hairs around our hairlines hell-bent on doing their own thing. You can try using copious amounts of gel and a toothbrush to get baby hairs to behave without much success. Rather than constantly fighting them, we suggest embracing them.
After all, baby hairs aren’t all bad. They give the appearance of a thicker hairline and provide a youthful finish. Kim Kardashian famously used a laser to remove her baby hairs, later revealing she regretted it. And baby hairs are more versatile than we realize. “You can change the style based on the overall look you’re going for,” says IGK co-founder Aaron Grenia. “You can make them a soft addition to your look or you can make a statement with a defined or glossy curl.”
How to Show Off Baby Hairs
Grenia notes that people are really starting to embrace their baby hairs by making them part of their hairstyle via S-pattern curls or slicking them down on their forehead. Want to show your baby hairs off? Brittany Johnson, hair expert for Mayvenn Hair Extensions, suggests updos like high ponytails and top knots to play up your baby hairs. Braided hairstyles and strong middle parts are also great options.
When it comes to styling the teeny hairs, Johnson says sometimes less is more. Overusing hair products can create buildup so take it easy. And experiment with tools and hair products until you find the best ones for you. Johnson says some people are comb devotees, others use a toothbrush and some find finger styling works best. In terms of products, water is just as good as “proper” hair products. Johnson suggests a mixture of water and hair product for flexibility and to set hairs in place.
For best results, follow your natural hairline creating swoops and swirls in a pattern that mimics how hair naturally grows. “Cowlicks can be your friend,” Johnson explains. “There’s no ‘wrong’ way [to style baby hairs]. The amount of baby hairs you accentuate is totally based on personal preference and your desired look.”
How to Hide Baby Hairs
Looking to camouflage your baby hairs? Grenia says the best way to hide baby hairs is to wear your hair down because the shorter hairs will blend better with the rest of your hairstyle. Wavy or slightly undone hair will conceal baby hairs even more. In contrast, a sleek style can draw more attention to any tiny hairs that won’t lie flat. Johnson adds that wigs, styles with bangs (real or faux) and clever low-, side- or middle-parted buns or ponytails can hide uncooperative baby hairs.
Whether you want to show off those adorable baby hairs or make them less of a focal point, these 16 hairstyles will make your life easier.
18 Hairstyles That Will Make You Love Your Baby Hairs
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Swirled Statement
A sleek top knot is one of the best ways to show off baby hairs, whether you prefer a fuzzy halo or defined curls.
Image: Imaxtree
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Balanced Barrettes
Trendy barrettes work in your favor when you want to play up or downplay baby hairs. Try parting your strands to one side, then attach your clips of choice on either side.
Image: Imaxtree
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Frame Your Face
Tessa Thompson makes a strong case for combining braided pigtails and gelled baby hairs. Coax those little hairs to curl around your face to show off your features.
Image: Gregg DeGuire/WireImage/Getty Images
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Easy and Effortless
Baby hairs are brilliant because they make hairstyles look less severe. The undone finish of this diagonally parted half updo is softened by natural baby hairs.
Image: Imaxtree
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Loop de Loop
This half updo is a gorgeous example of how gelled baby hairs can enhance your hairstyle and facial features without looking severe. Most people are tempted to try two loops, but a single one is super sweet.
Image: @simplyshumba
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So Smooth
Wet-look hairstyles keep both baby hairs and frizz under control. Follow Zendaya's lead by rocking a diagonal part. Show off your hair's texture (or enhance it with styling tools) to balance your sleek scalp.
Image: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic/Getty Images
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Pass the Gel
There will always be little hairs too short to be braided into cornrows. The gelled baby hairs add a soft finish.
Image: Imaxtree
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Baby Hairs and a Bow
There are so many stunning parts to Zoë Kravitz's low updo, from her braids to that embellished bow. And those swirled baby hairs along her hairline make it even prettier.
Image: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
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Shell Game
Seashell hair clips definitely add a summery vibe, but this easy hairstyle will work with almost any hair accessory. Leave your baby hairs soft and natural in the front and arrange all the clips on one side.
Image: @lifewithlibby
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Bangin'
No one is going to be looking at your baby hairs when you're rocking these gorgeous curls. Uneven bangs add a playful touch.
Image: Imaxtree
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Pony Up
Jennifer Lopez demonstrates how to slay baby hairs with her braid. Her baby hairs have been brushed down on her forehead to complement that high pony.
Image: @jlo
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Hands Off
Embrace your baby hairs with a knotted, slightly undone low ponytail. The texture on the crown works with any fuzz around the hairline. For more definition, try a wet-look finish.
Image: Imaxtree
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Down the Middle
Yara Shahidi showed off her baby hairs by gelling the tiny hairs up front so they accent that center part.
Image: Amanda Edwards/WireImage/Getty Images
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Swirls and Curls
Here, the gelled and shaped baby hairs play off all the movement of the gravity-defying updo. Try one big curly bun or separate it into two smaller buns for a space buns vibe.
Image: @foreverflawlyss
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Tons of Texture
We may be preoccupied with baby hairs, but we have the rest of our strands to consider, too. With this easy ponytail, the curly texture of the tail echoes the softness of the baby hairs around the hairline.
Image: Imaxtree
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Showcase Those Swirls
Dealing with baby hairs that are more than fuzz but not long enough to be considered layers? Show off what you got by coaxing your growing strands into a swirling pattern along your hairline. A sleek ponytail or half-up, half-down hairstyle will frame those gorgeous edges.
Image: @itsmyrayeraye
