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.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
1
The Braided Bun
Unknown
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
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
2
Step 1
Unknown
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.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
3
Step 2
Unknown
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.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
4
Step 3
Unknown
Use a soft bristle Mason Pearson brush to give your hair a light, wispy texture.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
5
Step 4
Unknown
Pull your hair into a loose, low ponytail at the nape of your neck.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
6
Step 5
Unknown
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.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7
Step 6
Unknown
Create a straightforward three-strand braid.
Secure with a clear, snag-free hairband.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
8
Step 7
Unknown
Use your thumbs to pull the plait apart a little to give a dishevelled feel.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
9
Step 8
Unknown
Twist the plait back on itself into a loose chignon.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
10
Step 9
Unknown
Tweak the plait until you have the shape you want, then use kirby grips to secure in place.
Done!
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
11
The Blake Lively Fishtail Braid
Unknown
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
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
12
Step 1
Unknown
Brush your hair into a side parting and leave any layers you have to fall loose across your forehead.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
13
Step 2
Unknown
Pull back your hair and either plait it into a messy three-strand braid or create a fishtail plait.
Fasten with a clear elastic.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
14
Step 3
Unknown
Loosely pull at the plait and rub it between the palms of your hands to give a soft finish.
Done!
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
15
The Knotted Up-Do
Unknown
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
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
16
Step 1
Unknown
Take a ½ inch section around the hairline and crimp from roots to ends.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
17
Step 2
Unknown
Brush through the crimped sections with a soft bristle brush to get a soft, wispy texture.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
18
Step 3
Unknown
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.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
19
Step 4
Unknown
Crimp small sections until the whole ponytail is crimped.
Brush out like before.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
20
Step 5
Unknown
Plait the ponytail and secure with a clear elastic.