A big hair trend for Autumn/Winter 14 is the return of the plaits.Set to be bigger than the ponytail, summer is the perfect time to try them out as they’ll keep your hair off your face in the heat and will help create effortless beachy waves too. From halo braids to French pleats and easy plaits you don’t even need a mirror for, see our age-friendly plaits here…
Sandra Taylor, 47
Teaming a plait with your usual parting and fringe softens the style. If you’re a plait newbie, start with Sandra’s relaxed style. Blow dry hair as normal, then gently tease at the crown to add some height. Next, plait the lengths at the side loosely, letting the hair escape on either side for a soft finish. Beautiful!
Teaming a plait with your usual parting and fringe softens the style. If you’re a plait newbie, start with Sandra’s relaxed style. Blow dry hair as normal, then gently tease at the crown to add some height. Next, plait the lengths at the side loosely, letting the hair escape on either side for a soft finish. Beautiful!
Eva Longoria, 39
Eva shows off her ombre locks with this simple plait. First, apply a smoothing serum to tame any frizz or flyaway and put the length of your hair back in a tight pony. Plat the hair, starting in the centre until you reach the end and secure with an invisi-bobble or thin hairband – this look is all about keeping it sleek!
Eva shows off her ombre locks with this simple plait. First, apply a smoothing serum to tame any frizz or flyaway and put the length of your hair back in a tight pony. Plat the hair, starting in the centre until you reach the end and secure with an invisi-bobble or thin hairband – this look is all about keeping it sleek!
Emma Stone, 25
Gorgeous Emma shows us how a plait can be the perfect style for an effortlessly chic look. A look that looks great on any length, part hair in a deep side parting and loosely plait on one side. Finish the look by wrapping strands of hair around your bobble, for a beachy look that’s perfect for a night out.
Gorgeous Emma shows us how a plait can be the perfect style for an effortlessly chic look. A look that looks great on any length, part hair in a deep side parting and loosely plait on one side. Finish the look by wrapping strands of hair around your bobble, for a beachy look that’s perfect for a night out.
Lily Allen, 29
Lily’s known for her daring hair styles, but we love this rather demure look on her! Part hair on one side and part into thick, loose plaits. Next, wrap the hair around the front of your hairline and pin into place. Have some fun with this style – there’s no right or wrong way of doing it!
Lily’s known for her daring hair styles, but we love this rather demure look on her! Part hair on one side and part into thick, loose plaits. Next, wrap the hair around the front of your hairline and pin into place. Have some fun with this style – there’s no right or wrong way of doing it!
Myleene Klass, 36
We never thought we’d say it but pigtail plaits can work on women over 30! Keeping them soft and stopping the braids half way down each pigtail, Myleene makes the look her own. The other big tip is to keep the hair band the same shade as your natural hair colour – it’s more grown up.
Emma Stone, 25
Simple and understated, this plait will suit everyone of every age with every hair length. Feed the hair from back towards your crown into the hair around your hairline to keep it neat and tight and then just pin behind your ear, covering the ends with the rest of your hair. Emma Stone gets it spot on, again!
Blake Lively, 26
A shining example of how plaits can work for every occasion (wedding guests and brides looking for hair inspiration take note!), Blake Lively pulls her hair into a high ponytail and then chooses a simple plait over a swinging ponytail. A fab way to show off the detail in the back of her dress, it’s super sexy too!
For more hair inspiration read…
Hairstyles to suit a heart shaped face
Hairstyles that suit long face shapes
The most iconic hairstyles ever!