Plait

Plaits are a great basic hairstyle. Functional as well as pretty, plaits are easy to learn and come in a wide variety of styles that will let you express your personal tastes. In this article, you'll learn how to make different types of plait, each useful for different occasions.

Note: If you were looking for decorative plaiting, see this entry.

Steps

Basic Plait

  1. Brush out all of the hair. Have smooth hair for this hairstyle, so condition your hair when you wash it, then brush it out before you start.
  2. Divide the hair. Take all of your hair and divide it into three sections: left, middle and right.
  3. Cross the right section. Carefully holding all three strands, cross the right section over the top of the middle section. Now it should look like the right section is the middle section and the middle section is the right section.
  4. Cross the left section. Next, cross the left section over the new middle section. They should now be switched, as they were with the previous section.
  5. Repeat the process. Cross the right and left sections over the center, repeating until you run out or low on hair.
  6. Tie off the hair. Using a hair band, ribbon, clip or other styling choice, tie the hair off at the end, where the hairs become too short to fit in the plait.

French Plait

  1. Brush out all of the hair. Have smooth hair for this hairstyle, so condition your hair when you wash it, then brush it out before you start.
  2. Separate the top section of your hair. Using your hands or a hair pick, separate the top section of your hair at the crown of your head.
  3. Divide the hair section into three strands.
  4. Cross over the left and right sections. Plait in a similar fashion to that described in the first section. However, when you cross a section over, incorporate more hair from that side, along with the section you cross.
  5. Repeat the process until the hair is plaited. Keep alternating from left to right, incorporating as you go.
  6. Tie off the hair. Using a hair band, ribbon, clip or other styling choice, tie the hair off at the end, where the hairs become too short to fit in the plait.

Plaited Headband

  1. Brush out all of the hair. Have smooth hair for this hairstyle, so condition your hair when you wash it, then brush it out before you start.
  2. Separate the hair to plait. Using a hair pick or pencil, separate the hair you will use to make the headband. You will need hair on both sides of your head but you start only on one side. Clip together the hair from the other side until you are ready.
  3. Tie back the extra hair. Tie back the rest of your hair with a band or clip. This should be the majority of the hair. br>
  4. Begin french plaiting. Starting with the first section you separated, begin french plaiting using the basic method described in the section above. Move down towards the back of your neck, following the edge of your hair as you go.
  5. Plait as normal. Once you reach the top of your neck, begin plaiting as normal. Tie the braid off after a few twists and move to complete the other side, repeating the process.
  6. Tie off the hair. Using a hair band, ribbon, clip or other styling choice, tie the hair off at the end, where the hairs become too short to fit in the plait.

Learning More Styles

  1. Do a side plait. A side plait is an easy style and very much in fashion right now.
  2. Do a fishtail plait. Fishtail plaits look very romantic and bohemian, so try this style for a bit of variation.
  3. Do a rope plait. For a sleeker look you can try a rope plait.
  4. Do a five-strand plait. Too add a little interest and complexity to your braid, try a five-strand plait.



Tips

  • Keep hold of your plait before putting on the hair tie or you may have to start again.
  • Wash your hair and comb out the tangles or knots to make plaiting easier.
  • Practice on someone.
  • Plaits are a great alternative to basic ponytails- remember that you have to be patient when attempting the hairstyle.
  • Watch someone else before you attempt this to get a better understanding.
  • With plaits, you can create a variety of hairstyles including pigtails.
  • Its better to do plaits with wet hair. Just to make it much easier, and get rid of any knots.

Warnings

  • When tying hair- watch for tangling- remember to tie secure and if your scalp starts hurting redo your plaits.
  • At the end, some times it gets a bit tangled up so keep an eye out for that.

Things You'll Need

  • A hair tie (or two depending on the number if plaits you do)
  • Medium to long hair
  • Two hands
  • For fun or special occasions, tie your plaits with fun ribbons (optional)

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Sources and Citations

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