How To DIY Three Different Plaits In Under 10 Mins
Olivia Culpo eat your heart out
Plaits, braids, whatever you want to call them, we can all agree they look awesome.
Perfect for almost any Summer activity from rocking around Coachella and avoiding the dreaded bridesmaid hair, to taking the perfect Maldives beach selfie, plaited hair styles are the one.
We called in TIGI Global Creative Director and hair maestro Nick Irwin to show you step by step how to DIY three different braid hairstyles in under 10 mins.
Need more inspiration? Check out our round up of the best A-list braids in the biz.
The Braided Bun
The Look: A plait twisted and pinned to look like a knotted bun.
Best Worn At: A really versatile look perfect for weddings, nights out or even on the beach.
You Will Need:
Salt Spray
Hairdryer with a diffuser
Soft bristle brush like a Mason Pearson
A bungee hair tie
Clear snag-free hair elastic
Kirby grips
Hairspray
Step 1
Onto dry hair spritz a light mist salt spray to give the hair guts. It will also bring out the natural texture in your hair.
If you're styling your hair from wet, use mousse on the hair before drying in with your hairdryer and fingers; this will enhance your hair's natural movement.
Step 2
Use a hairdryer with a diffuser head to promote even more movement in your hair.
Lift your hair at the front while drying, so it doesn't sit too flat at the hairline. This will ensure your finished look is natural and not too contrived.
Step 3
Use a soft bristle Mason Pearson brush to give your hair a light, wispy texture.
Step 4
Pull your hair into a loose, low ponytail at the nape of your neck.
Step 5
Using a bungee, hook it into the ponytail and wind round to secure. Make sure the two hooks connect to ensure it is securely fastened.
Step 6
Create a straightforward three-strand braid.
Secure with a clear, snag-free hairband.
Step 7
Use your thumbs to pull the plait apart a little to give a dishevelled feel.
Step 8
Twist the plait back on itself into a loose chignon.
Step 9
Tweak the plait until you have the shape you want, then use kirby grips to secure in place.
Done!
The Blake Lively Fishtail Braid
The Look: An undone plait or fishtail braid with loose tendrils.
Best Worn At: The beach or a festival.
You Will Need:
Clear snag-free hair elastic
Step 1
Brush your hair into a side parting and leave any layers you have to fall loose across your forehead.
Step 2
Pull back your hair and either plait it into a messy three-strand braid or create a fishtail plait.
Fasten with a clear elastic.
Step 3
Loosely pull at the plait and rub it between the palms of your hands to give a soft finish.
Done!
The Knotted Up-Do
The Look: This up-do looks intricate but is actually really easy to do. Forget the crimping if you want to cut down on the styling time and experiment with different strips of fabric for different looks.
Best Worn At: After work cocktails or a wedding.
You Will Need:
Crimping irons
Soft bristle brush
A bungee
Hairspray
Clear snag-free hair elastic
Kirby grips
A strip of material around 2inches / 5cm wide and double the length of your hair when plaited.
Hairspray
Step 1
Take a ½ inch section around the hairline and crimp from roots to ends.
Step 2
Brush through the crimped sections with a soft bristle brush to get a soft, wispy texture.
Step 3
Pull the hair into a ponytail on top of your head. Use hairspray on a brush to help pull the hair neatly into the pony.
Secure with a bungee and spritz with hairspray.
Step 4
Crimp small sections until the whole ponytail is crimped.
Brush out like before.
Step 5
Plait the ponytail and secure with a clear elastic.
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