Despite teetering on the millennial cusp (a fact I cling onto in a Gen Z world), the odd TikTok clip does catch my eye. Particularly in the realm of beauty, which the younger generation are reinvigorating one slicked-back bun at a time.
During the daily doom scroll, I came across a video showcasing a pair of friends enjoying a makeover session - one weaving the other’s hair into an intricate blonde braid that has since taken social media by storm.
Introducing the banana bushel bubble braid (bit of a mouthful, but hey ho) the gently puffed, finely attuned plait that’s baffling even the most experienced of braiders. With its complex construction that mirrors curved clusters of bananas and requires much patience to execute, the attractive design has become something of a TikTok challenge for hair aficionados.
To understand more about the banana bushel bubble braid trend, we spoke to Lynne Soars, Director at Taylor Taylor London, about how to nail the look.
What is the banana bushel bubble braid trend?
"Think of it as an evolution of the bubble ponytail fused with a French Twist. Instead of the singular, vertical 'bubbles' we’ve seen in previous seasons, the 'Bushel' involves grouping textured sections of hair into a clustered, horizontal arrangement at the nape or crown.
The name comes from its distinct silhouette, a curved, 'banana-like' architectural sweep that gathers into a lush, gathered 'bushel' of soft, airy bubbles. It’s less about precision and more about 'sculpted volume.' "
Why are banana bushel bubble braids becoming so popular?
"Matilda Djerf, often referred to as one of the most influential modern hair muses has been seen experimenting with bubble and bushel styles while actress of the moment moment Anya Taylor-Joy recently traded her usual sleek ponytail for a high volume bushel at a recent Paris premiere.
- Texture-First: This style celebrates the natural movement we’re seeing in this year’s 'Suede Blonde' and 'Espresso Brunette' trends. It works with your hair’s natural grit rather than fighting it.
- The 'Unfinished' Finish: Designers are moving away from rigid hair so this Banana Bubble offers a silhouette that looks complex and 'editorial' but feels soft and more touchable.
- Versatility: It’s the ultimate 'desk-to-dinner' look. In the salon, I’m styling it with silk ribbons for a romantic West End gala while on location shoots we’re using matte textures and invisible elastics for a raw, street-style edge.
As much as I love the architectural charm of this style there are a few hair profiles where the Bushel might feel like a struggle rather than a statement:
If you’ve just had a Brazilian Blowout or a heavy silk press, the Bushel might be your enemy. The style relies on 'internal friction', that slightly gritty and lived-in texture. On mirror-flat, slippery hair, the bubbles can tend to collapse, losing that signature 2026 'air-inflated' look.
This is a low-heat style, but it isn't 'zero effort.' It requires strategic sectioning and a bit of hand-eye coordination. If you want to roll out of bed and head to the office without touching a single clear elastic or texture spray then steer well clear."
