Calling All ‘00s Lovers, Here’s How To Perfect The Iconic Y2K Braids À la Olivia Rodrigo (2024)

For those of us who lived through the early 2000s, congratulations. One for the ages, the era was jam-packed with beauty moments that we both loved and loved to hate.

Of course, the noughties were a time when experimental hairstyles reigned supreme. Either, strands were pinned in place by a kaleidoscope of tiny, plastic butterflies—you know the ones—or manes were crimped beyond oblivion, courtesy of Christina Aguilera’s ‘Dirrty’ era.

In fact, the Y2K decade was defined by pretty obscure beauty choices (cough Bubble Heart Manicures cough). And while, yes, there were a lot to cringe at, there were also quite a few that we still have a soft spot for today. So, in typical Generation Z fashion, there’s one trend that the youngsters have bestowed their blessings on.

Reintroducing: Y2K braids.

And who has taken it upon themselves to breathe life back into the mane moment? None other than the new kid on the block, Olivia Rodrigo.

At the tender age of 18, the ‘Driver’s License’ singer has already been nominated for a massive seven Grammy Awards for her debut album, Sour. Naturally, Rodrigo is oozing in musical talent, however, her influence as a Gen Z fashion and beauty aficionado is just as impressive.

While attending a Saint Laurent event for Art Basel in Miami, the Disney alum dressed to impress not only her fans, but us relics of the Y2K era too. Sporting a little black dress and pumps designed by Anthony Vaccarello, it was what lied north of her ensemble that drew the most attention. Rodrigo finished off the sophisticated look with not one, but four hip-length braids with a centre part, courtesy of celebrity hairstylist Clayton Hawkins.

Looking like she hopped right out of a ’00s music video, Rodrigo isn’t the only famous face to have donned the iconic plaits. Dua Lipa—another blessed with musical talent—was recently seen sporting face-framing braids for an interview on BBC Radio 1, while Zoe Kravitz is known for her signature micro braids that clearly offer her endless versatility.

By now, it’s obvious that braided hair is no longer a distant memory from the early ’00s past. And given that almost every other Y2K trend has made a comeback this year—hello, velour tracksuits and baguette bags—it’s a no-brainer that we’re obsessed with chunky braided pigtails once more.

But how do you master the art of Y2K braids in 2021? Well, luckily for you, it’s easier than you’d think.

HOW TO DO Y2K BRAIDS

If you’re interested in how to incorporate some Y2K braids into your tresses, it’s quite simple. When it comes to the classic braided pigtails, they look more intimidating than they really are.

For a pair of braids, simply grab your favourite hair-holding product, like Sachajuan’s famous Hair Paste, and a brush—we love Denham’s fan-favourite detanglers. Draw in your centre part and apply your preferred styling product to your crown and down to the ends of your strands, that way it keeps the part in place and your tresses as silky (and easy to manipulate) as possible.

With both halves in their positions, take the first half and part into three sections using your fingers. Starting where your temple lies, cross over each section in even turns until a braid is formed. Once there’s about one inch of hair left, tie up the ends with a thin hair tie that matches your hair colour or for some fun, opt for a colourful option.

Once done, repeat on the opposite side. For extra stability and an exaggerated silhouette, tie each half into a pigtail prior to braiding.

If you’re keen to try a quadruple braid à la Olivia Rodrigo, when parting the hair, also run your comb from the middle of your centre part down to your ear on both sides so your strands are divided into four sections. Once that’s done, repeat the same braiding guidelines as above. Simple as that!

And for Dua Lipa braid lovers, just section off approximately one to two inches from the front of your hair, coming from your centre part and down by the face. Part each into three smaller sections and repeat the same braiding technique as before. If you’re feeling a little extra, pop in some gel beforehand for some seriously sleek plaits.

Ironically, only time will tell if we’re going to see more Y2K beauty trends rise from the ashes. Either way, if Rodrigo is the person whose bringing them back, then sign us up.