The One Hairstyle All Fashion Girls Are Wearing This Month

by Shannon Lawlor

Coming up with new ways to style your hair can be tedious. I have more or less sported the same long, middle-parted balayage style for years, and it can get a little boring. When it’s down, it’s straight, unless I can actually be bothered to unearth my curling tongs or grapple with my Dyson Airwrap.

If my hair is up, on the other hand, I have three zero-fuss, go-to styles: First of all, we have the “I really don’t have time for this” topknot. Then the “no, I seriously don’t have time for this” messy high ponytail. Finally, for really desperate times, is the “my hair is too greasy to go outside today” middle-parted, slicked-back ponytail. Generally speaking, outside of these three updos, I really don’t experiment with much else.

However, that could all be about to change. Despite years of inherent laziness when it comes to styling my own hair, there’s a new hairstyle on the beauty block and it’s piqued my interest. The last time that I wore my hair in a plait was probably at primary school, but the humble plait has had one hell of a 2020 update, and I’m kind of living for it. In fact, I’d go as far as to say that the plait was one of the most-worn hairstyles amongst the fashion pack this fashion month. From loose, laid-back twists to artfully formed braids, it’s safe to say that the plait is back—and it’s looking better than ever before.

Plus, on top of the fact that it looks impossibly chic—providing you’ve got the technique down—there’s a plait for almost every mood. So if like me, you’re stuck in a bit of a hairstyling rut, keep scrolling for 17 of the best plait hairstyles out there.

Plait Hairstyles: Twisted Plait

Photo:

SZYMON BRZÓSKA/@THESTYLESTALKERCOM

An effortlessly twisted style proves perfect for those with thicker hair. I’m obsessed with the way it shows off the different tones of caramel-coloured highlights. 

Plait Hairstyles: Knotted Plait

Photo:

@LAURAHARRIER

This complex braid looks as though it’s comprised of more than the standard three sections to create a knotted effect. Don’t mind me while I google how to do this one. 

Plait Hairstyles: Balayage Plait

Photo:

SZYMON BRZÓSKA/@THESTYLESTALKERCOM

If you’re currently sporting balayage or ombré lengths, a messy, textured style makes for the perfect evening updo. 

Plait Hairstyles: Embellished Plait

Photo:

@JUSTINEMARJAN

If you’re looking to up the ante, why not embellish your plaits with pretty pearls for an ethereal look?

Plait Hairstyle: Low Plait

Photo:

SZYMON BRZÓSKA/@THESTYLESTALKERCOM

Opting for a low plait means you don’t have to forgo headwear. When teamed with a hat or a headband, the plait proves stylishly low-maintenance. 

Plait Hairstyle: Low Plait

Photo:

SZYMON BRZÓSKA/@THESTYLESTALKERCOM

One of my favourite plaited styles I’ve seen at fashion month this year. 

Plait Hairstyles: Ponytail Plait

Photo:

SZYMON BRZÓSKA/@THESTYLESTALKERCOM

If your hair is naturally quite fine, the ponytail plait is the perfect way to add some texture and volume to your braid.

Plait Hairstyles: Messy Braids

Photo:

SZYMON BRZÓSKA/@THESTYLESTALKERCOM

Make your messy bun instantly chicer by incorporating two undone French braids into the style. 

Plait Hairstyles: Braided Ponytail

Photo:

SZYMON BRZÓSKA/@THESTYLESTALKERCOM

Embrace all things plaited with this braided ponytail.

Plait Hairstyles: Wraparound Plait

Photo:

SZYMON BRZÓSKA/@THESTYLESTALKERCOM

Oh, yes. Yes to absolutely everything about this. Perfect for a more polished look, create a high ponytail, plait it and wrap one piece of hair around the first hairband.

Plait Hairstyles: Low Ponytail Plait

Photo:

SZYMON BRZÓSKA/@THESTYLESTALKERCOM

It turns out that a low-ponytail plait looks just as good as any other. Plus, it works with headwear. 

Plait Hairstyles: Front Plaits

Photo:

SZYMON BRZÓSKA/@THESTYLESTALKERCOM

For a ’90s vibe, I love these face-framing plaits secured with oversize hairbands. 

Plait Hairstyles: Sleek Plait

Photo:

SZYMON BRZÓSKA/@THESTYLESTALKERCOM

While a lot of our favourite plait styles show off fluffy texture, this slicked-back, sleek ponytail plait is equally as beautiful. 

Plait Hairstyles: Side Plait

Photo:

SZYMON BRZÓSKA/@THESTYLESTALKERCOM

Don't have a lot of time to set aside for complex hair styling? A low effort, low-maintenance side plait could be the style for you.

Plait Hairstyles: Centre-Parted Plait

Photo:

SZYMON BRZÓSKA/@THESTYLESTALKERCOM

If you like the idea of a plait but don’t like pulling your hair back off your face, keep everything parted in the centre for a go-to everyday style.

Plait Hairstyles: Long Braid

Photo:

SZYMON BRZÓSKA/@THESTYLESTALKERCOM

For more of a statement, this super-long, tight ponytail braid is everything plait dreams are made of. 

Plait Hairstyles: Long Braid

Photo:

SZYMON BRZÓSKA/@THESTYLESTALKERCOM

For a really “fashion” look, wear a low plait underneath a statement bucket hat.

Plait Hairstyles: Boho Plait

Photo:

@JUSTINEMARJAN

Keep things subtle and plait small sections of your hair for a pretty, relaxed style.

Next up, the only five hairstyles the fashion crowd are wearing this month. 

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