PLAIT ATTACK! Summer essential: braids for days
Expressing your inner heroine by way of a braided bun is where it’s at
1 CASTAWAY PLAIT
DIFFICULTY SCALE 1.5/3 “For this look Erdem took inspiration from a 16thcentury dress found on a shipwreck,” says hairdresser Anthony Turner. Well, of course. “Prep with lashings of L’Oréal Professionnel Tecni.Art Pli for serious texture,” he says. Now, create a centre parting, then blast hair dry to give a windswept feel. Leaving a few strands free around the face, braid hair into two pigtails and rub them between your palms. Wrap the mussed-up braids around each other until they lie flat against the base of your head and pin in place. Tie a ribbon around your head with a bow beneath one ear. Then hit play on Céline Dion and find the Jack to your Rose.
2 RAW PLAIT
DIFFICULTY SCALE 2/3 Inspired by music festivals, Eugene Souleiman, Wella Professionals global creative director, says there should be nothing perfect about this look, which is good news for us. Spritz Wella Professionals EIMI Sugar Lift Spray into roots and massage in to create much-needed grit and texture. Then create a few braids and randomly pin them to create a messy up-do (hey, go and twirl a plait round your ear if you fancy). The end result should be ‘wispy and raw’ – which, funnily enough, is what it’d look like after spending four days sleeping in a tent.
3 QUADROPLAIT
DIFFICULTY SCALE 3/3 For this Bolshevik ballerinainspired style, Redken global creative director Guido started with freshly washed, wet hair, sectioning the bottom half and clipping the top out of the way. Apply Redken Braid Aid 03 for extra grip, then divide into three or four vertical sections. If you’re mega talented, flip hair upside down and French braid each section from the nape of your neck to just above the ear – or rope a pal in to help. Secure each with a small elastic. Unclip the top section, blow-dry, then wrap hair into a tight topknot. Use kirby grips to hold in place and don’t be shy with the hairspray. For the finale, grab your ballet shoes and head to the bar(re).