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The prettiest plaits, inspired by the SS19 catwalks
All Credits: PA
Braids were big news on the SS19 catwalks.
From chunky rapunzel-esque ropes to itty-bitty plaits, and now that summer is (almost) here, it’s the perfect time to try the trend.
Whether you’re off to a festival and want to keep your strands looking fresh for as long as possible, or heading to a wedding and want a pretty ‘do, to complement your dress, we’ve got the experts’ advice on how to recreate the catwalk looks at home – and they’re not difficult to do.
SEE ALSO: 6 Ways to Stop Your Hair Becoming a Frizzy, Faded Disaster This Summer
Follow our how-to guides to create these three beautiful braided hair styles…
1. Hidden braids
“Usually seen as romantic and delicate, this season, braids were used to add tension and attitude to the overall look,” explains GHD hair stylist Eugene Souleiman, who created the hidden ‘microbraids’ look at the Preen and Dion Lee shows, where hair was then pulled back into ponytails or buns.
This is the easiest catwalk look to recreate, Souleiman says, because the hidden braid look is all about being free and easy: “There are no key steps. It’s about looking at what you have and working with that, as opposed to being overly technical.”
So it’s up to you – just blow dry your hair as usual and add a few basic three-strand plaits wherever you like.
To add texture and grip, dust a little volumising powder and run it through the strands wherever you want to braid.
You can leave the ends loose and untied like Margot Robbie’s, or create a messy bun as seen on the Preen catwalk.
Design.ME Puff.ME Volumising Powder Mist, £9.95/AED46.03, Sally Beauty
“Using a tail comb, make a clean centre part in the hair. Keep the hair malleable with a light oil or serum – our Bleach London Hair Elixir is a good option, as it doesn’t make the hair too greasy.
“Comb the rest of the hair down smoothly to the nape of the neck and secure with a band, then complete the braid – this is a standard three section plait, which is nice and easy.”
“Once braided to the bottom of the hair, fasten with a band and finish the entire look with a very light covering of hairspray.
“At Bleach London, we combine plaits and braids with Super Cool Colour designs, meaning that the plait stands out even more with a spectrum of colour.”
Bleach London Hair Elixir, £6/AED27.75
VO5 Frizz Free Cream, £4.39/AED20.31, Superdrug
Accessorize Resin Cuff Hair Pony, £4.50/AED20.82
3. Triple braids
Hidden braids weren’t the only hairstyle at Dion Lee, some models were given ‘Dutch’ or ‘box’ braids.
Now, Head & Shoulders is encouraging footie fans to show their support for England in the Women’s World Cup this summer, by wearing ‘three lines’ in their hair to represent the Three Lions on the team shirt, whether that’s braids, twists or buns.
To create a ‘three lines’ triple braid, add a little volumising powder to make the hair easier to grip, then position your Dutch braids about an inch apart, starting above your ear. Finish with a spritz of hairspray to keep the braids looking neat.
Schwarzkopf OSiS+ Soft Dust Volumising Powder, £13.50/AED62.45, Eds Hair
VO5 Invisible Ultimate Hold Hairspray, £2.66 – currently reduced from £3.99/AED18.46, Boots
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