Pretty Plaits

Monday, February 06, 2012   |   Zoe Gruss

Plaits are perfect to joosh up any outfit. From braided buns to fishtails, celebs are loving plaits in every shape and style. Take some inspiration from our pick of the A-list braided bunch next time you're stepping out! We call it: The crossover halo braid Worn by: Jessica Alba and Sienna Miller The look is simple to achieve, but works best with longer hair. Create a braid and tie it with an elastic at the end. Wrap the long braid, starting at your ear, around your head and pin it back. You really can't go wrong – but just make sure it’s secured because you don’t want a flapping braid! To finish off the look, and make it appear effortless, pull a few loose strands of your hair out around your ears, and the nape of your neck. As easy as 1,2,3! We call it: Braid with loose waves Worn by: Jennifer Aniston, Lauren Conrad, Kim Kardashian. This very pretty, relaxed look is for when you feel like something different. Blow dry your hair, then use a flat iron or a curling tong to create little waves and achieve that beach look. Add a spritz of sea salt spray or light hair spray to hold them. Part your hair in the middle and create a small braid across the top or side of your head depending on where you want it to sit. If you are daring, create one on either side. Once it is done, secure it under your loose bits of hair with a clip. We call it: The braided bun Worn by: JLo and Drew Barrymore Structure and sophistication come to mind when thinking of the braided bun. Get this look by simply creating a pulled back, sleek ponytail in the middle of your head. Part your ponytail in two and make two separate braids and secure them with a clear elastic. Then start wrapping one braid clockwise around your pony and the other one anti-clockwise. Secure each braid with a hair pin under the bun. Voila! We call it: Good ’ol side plait Worn by: Amanda Seyfried To create this braid, make a deep side parting in your hair. If you normally wear your hair to the right, switch over to the left, and vice versa. By wearing your hair in the opposite direction to what it’s used to, it will give more of a natural lift on top. Now make a loose braid at the base of your neck. Use a small elastic to secure it. Then with your fingers, pull gently and separate the braid all over so it becomes messy and uneven. You now have Amanda Seyfried’s messy side plait! We call it: Fishtail plait Worn by: Fergie, Nicole Sherzinger, Leona Lewis This is one of toughest creations of the braid family. Put your hair in a ponytail to start – either on the side to create Leona Lewis fishtail plait, or in a high pony if you are after Fergie and Nicole’s look – although this one is more difficult to do on yourself. Divide your hair into two sections instead of three. Hold both sections in one hand, separated by your index finger, and use your other hand to grab a small piece from the outside of one divided section. Pull the small piece of hair over to the other half, and then take a piece from the other divided piece and do the same - but in the opposite way. Imagine that you're doing a typical braid, except the moving pieces are tiny. When you reach the end, tie it with a clear elastic.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
	Zoe Gruss Zoe has a bachelor’s degree in motion picture medium. She loves all things beauty and fashion. She is obsessed with gel nails, lengthening mascaras and dreaming about what her latest purchase at Country Road will be. People who know her, say it is a disease.

Free beauty tips straight to your inbox.
Special giveaways exclusive to subscribers.