In 2014, YouTube tutorials exploded with creative hairstyles, one of which that particularly captured the beauty community’s attention was the milkmaid braid. This whimsical yet elegant hairstyle provided a quick and easy way to add a touch of charm to any outfit. Fast forward to 2025, and actress Margaret Qualley, known for her role in the film “The Substance,” brought this nostalgic style back into the limelight. At the Berlin Film Festival, where she was promoting her new project “Blue Moon” alongside Ethan Hawke, she showcased a modern twist on the classic milkmaid braid, refreshing it for a new generation.
Instead of the traditional bohemian updo, Qualley opted for a sophisticated approach by french-braiding one side of her thick, raven hair and looping the excess into a sleek low ponytail. This innovative styling created the illusion of a chic concealed hairband, proving that even tried-and-true styles can be reinvented. Accompanying this intricate hairstyle was a stunning ensemble: a shimmering Chanel dress from the spring/summer 2025 collection. Her look was flawlessly completed with a matching midnight blue manicure and a fresh, radiant makeup look featuring bronzer, mascara, and a delicate ballet slipper pink lipstick.
This isn’t the first time Qualley has embraced the milkmaid braid. Earlier this month at the Critics’ Choice Awards, she once again turned heads with the help of hairstylist Anna Cofone. The stylist crafted an eye-catching look featuring “rope twists.” Cofone prepared Qualley’s hair by first straightening and applying a luxurious glow mask to ensure a sleek finish. Then it was time to switch things up with hair extensions in shades of caramel blonde and dark brown, skillfully braided into the half-up half-down style. Loose barrel curls added a flirty touch, tying the whole glamorous look together, and demonstrating Qualley’s flair for elegant yet playful hair.
Margaret Qualley’s return to the milkmaid braid celebrates not only the hairstyle’s versatility but also its ability to adapt to various styles and occasions. The refreshing twist she brought to the 2025 interpretation highlights her keen fashion sense and her desire to keep things current, while still paying homage to past trends. It’s evident that Qualley understands that hairstyles are not just about aesthetics; they can also reflect personal style and evoke nostalgia.
As individuals seek out their own unique expressions in the realm of beauty and fashion, starlets like Qualley pave the way for new interpretations of classic trends. Her ability to twist traditional styles with contemporary flair inspires many to embrace creativity in their own hairstyles. While the milkmaid braid enjoyed its time in the spotlight a decade ago, with Qualley’s reimagining, it’s made a dazzling return, once again asserting its place in the world of chic hairstyles.
In a world where trends seem to cycle rapidly, Qualley’s revival of the milkmaid braid surprises us with its elegance and adaptability. This trend isn’t merely about wearing a cute hairstyle; it’s about creating a look that resonates with the audience, telling a story that ties together fashion, nostalgia, and personal expression. With her captivating appearances at high-profile events, Margaret Qualley showcases how timeless styles can continually evolve, and how each generation can reinterpret beauty to reflect current sensibilities and tastes.