Plaiting for Fashion

Let's talk plaits...

*HEALTH & SAFETY* 

Careful when creating these plaits as it's very easy to over pull on the hair and loose coordination. Be gentle to your model's hair and scalp.

Product List

- Shine Serum OR Argon Oil. 

- Paddle Brush. 

- Comb. 

- Hair Grips.

Waterfall/ Fairytale Plait 

Similar to a side french braid, this plait is designed to be created quite close to the scalp. You should start by taking a regular three section plait and position yourself, and the hair towards the back of the head. Every time you plait you should give away a strand in order for it to create that waterfall effect, and then take a section from on top of the plait. This was in fact my first time creating this plait and although the finished product was okay, it was far from perfect and definietly needs more practice. I really need to work on my coordination as far as plaits go because I do generally struggle with them. In order to have made this style better, I should have worked with my plaits forming closer together.

Slip-tie Knot Plait

Start this simple but needs-to-be-practiced plait with a knot in the very front section of the hair, get your model to hold this- it makes life a lot easier when handling sections. Take a section from both sides of the temples, always holding the pieces of hair after they've been noted. After every 3rd knot, take sections from the back, and higher up, then take the first sections and combine them with the next knot. Rub a piece of fabric and rub it against the hair, to create a more messy effect to the style, making it more beachy and editorial. Although this plait was one of easiest of all, I should have sectioned my strands better, and as you can see this definetly effects the position of your plait, especially the gaps in between. 

Five Strand Plait 

This confusing plait is made easier once you get some practice in and stay concentrated! Start with five strands of hair, make sure the hair is de-tangled and easy to work with in advance. Plait the hair using a technique of over and under with every strand, and continue to plait until you have no more hair to work with. There should be no middle strand that's the same throughout when plaiting- it should always change. This plait for me was the most difficult, although it turned out well, I should really work on my hand coordination because I really struggled and was confused by all the strands where they should go. Definitely something that requires attention to detail and lots of practice.

Wiggle Plait 

This plait was the most fun to create, and only required 3 strands! Choose any section of the hair, then take three strands of hair and basically create just a regular plait. When you have finished and have no hair left to work with, hold the middle strand of the plait and push up the other strands, and you will create this wiggle shape. 

Overall Critical Analysis 

Although this was only the first time I created these plaits and styles, I think that they need a lot more practice, and more than anything I really need to work on my hand coordination and positioning of hair. Next time I will make sure to concentrate on the positions of the hair I'm working on and pay attention to where I'm taking each strand.