Top 10 Gorgeous and Creative Hairstyles for Plaiting

Hairstyling is a powerful way to express yourself and stand out from the crowd. With so many different options for hairstyles, it can be tricky to decide which one is best for you. One of the most popular options among women and girls alike are plaiting hairstyles.

Plaiting is great because it’s creative and versatile and can easily be customized to match any look or style you want. Plus, plaits are low maintenance, which makes them perfect for busy women who don’t have much time to style their hair every day.

Whether you’re looking for an everyday look or something more complex, there are plenty of gorgeous plaiting ideas out there that will make you stand out from the crowd. From classic French braids to intricate fishtail styles, we’ve got 10 creative plait hairstyle ideas that will add sparkle and flair to your look!

Read on to find the perfect hairstyle for your next night out or special event.

1. Classic French Braid

The French braid has been a classic hairstyle for centuries and its popularity doesn’t seem to be fading anytime soon. This beautiful plaited hairstyle is perfect for any occasion and is extremely versatile. With a little bit of practice, you can easily master this hairstyle and create a variety of looks to suit your personal style.

What You Need

• Comb
• Hair ties
• Hair clips

How To Style

1. Start by combing your hair and parting it in the middle or on one side.
2. Take a small section of hair from the top of your head and divide it into three equal parts.
3. Cross the right section over the middle section, then cross the left section over the middle section.
4. Continue braiding by adding small sections of hair from the sides and crossing them over the middle section.
5. Keep braiding until you reach the nape of your neck, then continue with a regular three-strand braid until you reach the end of your hair.
6. Secure the braid with a hair tie.
7. Repeat the same steps on the other side of your head.
8. Tie the two braids together at the back of your head with a hair tie.
9. Use hair clips to secure any loose strands and give your hairstyle a neat finish.

2. Dutch Braid

The Dutch braid is a fantastic choice for a plaited hairstyle that is both elegant and fun. With its distinctive pattern and the way it combines with other braids, this style is sure to turn heads. It’s also great for keeping your hair out of your face while still allowing you to show off your lovely locks!

What You Need

• Comb
• Hair ties
• Hairspray

How To Style

1. Start by brushing your hair thoroughly and parting it in the middle.
2. Take a section of hair from the front of one side of your head, divide it into three equal strands, and begin the braid by crossing the right strand under the middle strand, then the left strand under the middle strand.
3. As you continue to braid, pick up a small section of hair from the outside of the braid and add it to the corresponding strand before crossing it under the middle strand.
4. Continue adding hair to the braid in this way until you reach the nape of your neck, then finish off with a regular braid and secure with a hair tie.
5. Repeat on the other side of your head, making sure to mirror the first braid so that they look symmetrical.
6. Once both braids are complete, you can either leave them loose or secure them together at the back of your head with a hair tie.
7. Finish off with a spritz of hairspray to keep everything in place.

3. Fishtail Braid

Looking for a hairstyle that is both elegant and fun to create? Try the fishtail braid! This intricate braid is perfect for those with long hair and can be styled for any occasion, from a casual day out to a formal event. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to create once you get the hang of it!

What You Need

• Hair elastics

How To Style

1. Begin by brushing your hair to remove any tangles.
2. Divide your hair into two equal sections.
3. Take a small section of hair from the outside of the left section and cross it over to the right section.
4. Repeat the same process on the right section, taking a small section of hair from the outside and crossing it over to the left section.
5. Continue alternating sides, taking small sections of hair and crossing them over to the opposite section.
6. Once you reach the end of your hair, secure the braid with a hair elastic.
7. Gently pull on the sides of the braid to loosen it up and create a more relaxed, boho look.
8. Finish off the style with some hairspray to keep it in place.

4. Waterfall Braid

The waterfall braid is a beautiful and intricate hairstyle that is perfect for any occasion. It’s a great way to add some texture and volume to your hair while also showing off your plaiting skills. This hairstyle features a cascading braid that looks like a waterfall flowing down the side of your head.

What You Need

• Hairbrush
• Hair elastics
• Bobby pins
• Texturizing spray

How To Style

1. Brush your hair to remove any tangles and knots.
2. Take a small section of hair from the top of your head and divide it into three equal parts.
3. Create a simple braid by crossing the right strand over the middle strand and then crossing the left strand over the middle strand.
4. After you have crossed the left strand over the middle strand, drop it and pick up a new section of hair from the same side.
5. Cross the new section of hair over the middle strand and then let it drop.
6. Pick up a new section of hair from the opposite side and cross it over the middle strand.
7. Repeat steps 4-6 until you reach the nape of your neck.
8. Once you have reached the nape of your neck, secure the braid with a hair elastic.
9. Take a small section of hair from underneath the braid and wrap it around the hair elastic to hide it.
10. Secure the wrapped hair with a bobby pin.
11. Spritz some texturizing spray all over your braid to give it some extra hold and volume.

5. Crown Braid

The crown braid is a timeless and elegant hairstyle that can be worn for any occasion. It’s perfect for those with long hair and is a great way to keep your hair out of your face while still looking stylish. This hairstyle can be achieved with a few simple steps and will leave you feeling like a queen.

What You Need

• Comb
• Hair elastics
• Bobby pins

How To Style

1. Start by parting your hair down the middle and creating two sections.
2. Take a small section of hair from the front of one side and begin to braid it in a traditional three-strand braid.
3. Once you have a few inches of braid, start adding in small sections of hair from the section behind it.
4. Continue braiding and adding in hair until you have reached the back of your head.
5. Secure the braid with a hair elastic and repeat on the other side.
6. Take one of the braids and wrap it around the top of your head, securing it with bobby pins.
7. Repeat with the other braid, wrapping it around the opposite side of your head and securing it with bobby pins.
8. Finish the look with a bit of hairspray to keep everything in place.

6. Box Braids

Box braids are a protective hairstyle that can be worn for weeks at a time, making it a low-maintenance option for those busy days. Not only do they save you time, but they also look chic and stylish, making them a popular choice for many people. Box braids are versatile and can be styled in several ways, making them perfect for any occasion.

What You Need

• Hair extensions (optional)
• Comb
• Hair ties
• Hair clips
• Braiding hair
• Scissors

How To Style

1. Start by washing your hair and detangling it using a comb.
2. Section your hair into small, even parts, using hair ties and clips to keep them in place.
3. If you’re using hair extensions, attach them to your natural hair before starting the braiding process.
4. Take a section of hair and divide it into three even parts.
5. Begin braiding the hair, crossing the right strand over the middle strand, then the left strand over the middle strand.
6. Continue braiding, adding more hair to each strand as you go, until you reach the end of the section.
7. Secure the end of the braid with a hair tie.
8. Repeat this process on each section of hair until your entire head is braided.
9. Trim any excess extensions or stray hairs with scissors.
10. To style, you can wear your box braids down or put them up in various ways, such as a high ponytail, a bun, or half-up, half-down.

7. Rope Twist Braid

The rope twist braid is a simple yet elegant hairstyle that looks great on any occasion. This braided hairstyle requires minimal effort and is perfect for those who don’t have much time to style their hair. The best part about this hairstyle is that it works well on most hair types and textures.

What You Need

• Hair elastics
• Bobby pins

How To Style

1. Part your hair in the middle and divide it into two equal sections.
2. Take the right section and twist it clockwise until it starts to coil.
3. Hold the twisted section tightly and wrap it over the left section.
4. Take the left section and twist it clockwise until it starts to coil.
5. Hold the twisted section tightly and wrap it over the right section.
6. Keep twisting and coiling each section over the other until you reach the end of your hair.
7. Once you reach the end, secure the braid with a hair elastic.
8. If you want a messy look, gently pull apart the twists to create more volume.
9. To hold the braid in place, use bobby pins to secure any loose ends.

8. Ladder Braid

Looking for a unique and intricate hairstyle that will make you stand out from the crowd? The ladder braid is a beautiful and creative way to plait your hair. This style involves weaving small sections of hair over and under each other to create a beautiful braid that looks like a ladder. It’s a great way to add some interest to your everyday hairstyle.

What You Need

• Hairbrush
• Comb
• Hair ties

How To Style

1. Start by brushing your hair to remove any knots or tangles.
2. Use a comb to section off a small section of hair at the top of your head.
3. Divide this section into three equal parts.
4. Begin braiding the hair as you would a regular braid, crossing the left section over the middle, then the right section over the middle.
5. After a few stitches, take a small section of hair from the outside of the left section and bring it over to the middle section.
6. Cross the right section over the middle, then take a small section of hair from the outside of the right section and bring it over the middle.
7. Repeat this process until you have braided all the way down your hair.
8. Secure the end of the braid with a hair tie.
9. Repeat steps 2-8 on the other side of your head.
10. Once you have two ladder braids, you can leave them down or pull them back into a ponytail or bun for a more polished look.

9. Four-Strand Braid

Want to take your braiding skills to the next level? Try the four-strand braid! This unique braid adds texture and dimension to your hair, making it perfect for special occasions or just a fun everyday look. It may seem complicated, but once you get the hang of it, it’s actually quite simple.

What You Need

• Hair elastics
• Comb

How To Style

1. Brush your hair to remove any tangles.
2. Divide your hair into four sections.
3. Cross the section on the far right over the section next to it.
4. Take the far left strand and cross it over the second strand from the left, so it becomes the second strand from the right.
5. Take the new far right strand and cross it over the second strand from the right, making it the second strand from the left.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 until you reach the end of your hair.
7. Secure the end of the braid with a hair elastic.
8. Gently pull on the sides of the braid to loosen it up and create a fuller look.
9. Add some hairspray to keep the braid in place.

10. Herringbone Braid

Looking for a unique and intricate braid that will make you stand out? Try a herringbone braid! This braiding technique involves weaving together small sections of hair to create a stunning, textured look. It may take a bit of practice, but the end result is worth it.

What You Need

• Comb
• Hair elastics

How To Style

1. Start by parting your hair down the middle and separating it into two even sections.
2. Take a small section of hair from the outer edge of the left section and cross it over to the right section.
3. Repeat this process, taking a small section of hair from the outer edge of the right section and crossing it over to the left section.
4. Continue weaving small sections of hair back and forth until you reach the end of your hair.
5. Secure the end of the braid with a hair elastic.
6. Gently tug on the sides of the braid to loosen it up and create more volume.
7. Finish off with a spritz of hairspray to hold the braid in place.