Studio: Plaiting/ Braiding

This week in our practical hair session with Lottie, we focused on different types of Plaiting.  We learnt four different techniques this week including the Wiggle Plait, Waterfall  Plait, Slip Tie Knot and a 5 Strand Plait.  

Equipment Needed:

Paddle Brush

Pintail Comb

Dry Shampoo

Hair Pins

Small Clear Elastic Bands

Creating a Wiggle Plait:

1. Start by taking a clean, square section of hair.  Split this section into 3 smaller sections and create a plait as normal.  Don't make the plait too tight, but not too loose either.
2. Once you have plaited the hair, hold the middle strand down and push the other two sections upwards.  This creates a wiggle effect.

Wiggle Plait

Wiggle Plait

Creating a Waterfall Plait:

1. Starting near your hairline, pick up three strands of hair, as if you're starting a French plait.
2. Cross the strand closest to the top of your head, over the middle section.
3. Cross the bottom section over the new middle section.
4. Cross the new top section over the new middle, and then the bottom over the middle.
5. Drop the middle strand down, so it blends in with the rest of your hair.
6. Pick up a piece about the same size from the top of the head.
7. This strand becomes your new top section, cross it over the middle to continue the braid.
8. Cross the bottom strand over the new section, repeat these steps all the way around your head.
9. With the remaining, create a normal three strand plait and complete by securing with a bobby pin or small elastic band.

Waterfall Plait

Creating a Slip Tie Knot Braid:

1. Begin by parting the hair into a centre parting, or simply brush all the hair back off the face.
2. Take a section from the front of the head. Smooth the sections out and tie a simple knot (right over left) then hand each section to your models right & left hand to hold.
3. Take another section directly behind your last section.  Tie another knot - right over left - then hand those to your model to hold.
4. Take a third section behind the last and repeat the last step.
5. You now have three strands on each side.  Because you're working with a round head, once you get to the top of the ear you will take diagonal, forward sections.
6. Now, take another section behind the last section.  Before you tie a knot, reach under the 2nd and 3rd section and pick up the first section at the front of the head and add that to your 4th section. Now tie another knot.
7. Repeat this process, taking sections behind your last, reaching under the last two strands and picking up the front strand, adding to each section and then tying a knot - right over left - until you finish with your braid.
8. To finish this braid, you can continue all the way to the bottom of the nape.  However you can also finish just above the nape and tie the hair into knots or finish however you desire.

Slip Tie Knot Braid

Slip Tie Knot Braid

Creating a 5 Strand Plait:

1. If your hair is prone to tangling, start by detangling your hair thoroughly.  Take a clean section of hair you wish to plait.  
2. Split this section into 5 equal strands. Imagine the strands are numbered 1-5 from left to right.
3. Cross strand 1 under strand 2, then over strand 3. Pull tight.
4. Cross strand 5 under strand 4, then over strand 1.
5. Pick up a small section of hair from your hairline on the left side and add it to strand 2.
6. Cross strand 2 under strand 3, then over strand 5.
7. Pick up a small section of hair from your hairline on the right side and add it to strand 4.
8. Cross strand 4 under strand 1, then over strand 2. 
9. Repeat steps 6-9 until you reach the nape of your neck.  In general terms, you cross the leftmost/rightmost strand under the one next to it, then over the middle strand, adding in little bits of hair from your hairline as you go.
10. Once you reach your neck, continue plaiting the 5 strands in the same pattern, and secure with a hair-band.

Five Strand Plait

• Note: If you are aiming to create a messy, editorial style look.  Instead of pulling and loosening the hair to create a messy style,  take a small, coarse piece of fabric and rub this over the hair.  This will not ruin the overall look, but give it a textured effect.