The One Hairstyle All Fashion Girls Are Wearing This Month
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.
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.
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.
If you’re currently sporting balayage or ombré lengths, a messy, textured style makes for the perfect evening updo.
If you’re looking to up the ante, why not embellish your plaits with pretty pearls for an ethereal look?
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.
One of my favourite plaited styles I’ve seen at fashion month this year.
If your hair is naturally quite fine, the ponytail plait is the perfect way to add some texture and volume to your braid.
Make your messy bun instantly chicer by incorporating two undone French braids into the style.
Embrace all things plaited with this braided ponytail.
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.
It turns out that a low-ponytail plait looks just as good as any other. Plus, it works with headwear.
For a ’90s vibe, I love these face-framing plaits secured with oversize hairbands.
While a lot of our favourite plait styles show off fluffy texture, this slicked-back, sleek ponytail plait is equally as beautiful.
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.
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.
For more of a statement, this super-long, tight ponytail braid is everything plait dreams are made of.
For a really "fashion” look, wear a low plait underneath a statement bucket hat.
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.
Shannon Lawlor is a renowned beauty journalist and has contributed to Who What Wear’s beauty content since 2020. As a leading beauty editor, expert and brand consultant, she has over eight years of experience working for some of the industry’s most esteemed titles, including Who What Wear (of course), Glamour UK, Stylist, Refinery29 and Fabulous. Having also worked behind the scenes with some of the industry’s biggest brands and retailers, Shannon has a unique insight into what people really want from their beauty routines. Understanding that beauty lovers seek honest, open and responsible advice, she has it made her mission to demystify the intimidating world of beauty, taking a no-frills approach to the most relatable topics. While Shannon is the first to admit she doesn’t hold the answer to every beauty question out there, she is dedicated to sharing her expert insights in a bid to help. As a self-proclaimed lazy girl, Shannon has an affinity for easy-to-use, foolproof beauty products and has made it her mission to scope out the best of the best. When she’s not working, Shannon is likely soaking in the bath or giving no-holds-barred beauty reviews on Instagram from her bathroom floor.
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