Plaits are a timeless way to work a chic updo. Here's how to make them work for you...
Looking for great plait hairstyles to take you from work to the weekend?
Well, look no further. We've collated the best of the best plaits hairstyles for work, weekend and play, inspired by some very famous faces – whether you're a DIY kind of woman or let your hairdresser take the wheel.
Because the plait is a 'do that can easily be tailored to suit individual style preferences, it's not hard to see why they've surged in popularity in recent years.
Previously the domain on Pippi Longstocking, the plait has evolved into a high end fashion hairstyle over the past few years thanks to numerous appearances on the catwalk.
But perhaps the simplest way to work a plait is by twisting three sections of hair together to create a solo braid, a look adored by Cameron Diaz. The star worked this hairstyle as she owned the red carpet at the New York premiere of Annie a couple of years ago.
Meanwhile Emma Watson, Sienna Miller, Margot Robbie and a whole host of other A-listers all rock a braided hairstyle on the regular. No red carpet is without complete without a couple of celebrity plait hairstyles.
The plait is a great option for fine or thin hair and anyone with layers as the loose front and relaxed style of plait means you don't need to fret about it being too tidy or perfect.
How to recreate the French braid
- Section your locks into three to braid the hair on top and at the sides
- After creating three French plaits without including the mid-lengths and ends, secure the hair at the crown of the head with bobby pins
- Spritz with hairspray to ensure it holds all evening
Need some more plait magic in your life? Read on for all the plaitspiration you need, for festival season and beyond.
Laverne Cox
We're obsessed with this huge braided bun as seen on Laverne Cox. Ob. Sessed.
Beyoncé
Beyoncé's super high, super long plait is hairstyle goals.
Lucy Boynton
Bohemian Rhapsody actress Lucy Boynton proves that plait hairstyles for short hair are seriously chic, with a braided headband framing her pinned back choppy bob.
Naomi Campbell
Naomi Campbell attended the CFDA Fashion Awards sporting a show-stopping fishtail braid that grazed her waist on the red carpet, pairing it with a plunging black gown.
Emma Watson
Emma Watson's tightly plaited 'do reminds us how long it's been since the days of her pixie crop.
Joan Smalls
Joan Smalls keeps her plaited hairstyle neat and preened to perfection with a tight plait that runs over one shoulder.
Laura Bailey
Laura Bailey hit a party at Kensington Place with a duo of French plaits, the ultimate relaxed summer party/festival hairdo.
Jourdan Dunn
For the Met Gala 2015 in New York, Jourdan Dunn opted for a braided look that we love.
Margot Robbie
Margo Robbie offset her uber-chic white strapless gown with a messy plaited updo, and we think she totally nailed it. Pulled gently off the face with a slight backcomb to create a little volume, Margot opted for multiple braids for her look, all pinned loosely in a bun at the nape of the neck.
Kate Bosworth
From the back, you can see how amazing Kate's plaits really are. This festival style is perfect for bouncing around in and knowing your hair will still look amazing.
Zoe Saldana
Zoe Saldana's halo braid looks gorgeous on dark hair. Create that high shine finish by brushing the hair delicately all the way through the plaiting process.
Kate Bosworth
Kate Bosworth again, this time with a clever centre-parted braid resembling a golden crown. Definitely a look we'll be copying for festival season.