Technical file- Braids & Plaits

For a very long time I believed that a braid and a plait is the same thing. Now I have discovered that between these two words there is a difference: A Braid - is situated against the scalp, while a Plait- is a free hanging plait.

During a practical hair session we learned how to create 5, 8 and 11 strand plait. here is the step-by-step.

• Divide the hair in 3 sections. From the middle parting downwards the ears and the same on the other side.
• The section at the beck divide it in 5 strands
• Start with the first strand to put it over the second strand and then under the strand Nr 3.
• On the other side, put the 5th strand over the strand 4 and then under the strand in the middle which is the strand 1 in this case.
• Continue in the same way until your plait is ready
• Tie it tight

To create an 8 strand plait:

•  Take one section you left on a side and divide it in 3 strands.
• Start a normal plait where the strand 1 goes over the strand 2 and under the strand 3.
• Then insert the strand 1 over the outer strand that is on the 5Strand plait.
• Continue this way until you have a 8 strand plait

For an 11 strand plait do the same with the section left on the other side. 

                   

• Divide it in 3 and using the same procedure from the 8 strand plait, create an 11 strand plait.

 

After the plaits we did the Dutch braid: It is essentially a French braid, but inside out.

• In other words, it’s the very same technique you’ve likely already mastered, but instead of crossing sections over the top, you slip them underneath. 
• Grab a piece of hair from the top of your head. Split the section you grabbed into three strands for braiding
• Cross the right strand under the center strand. 
• Cross the left strand under the centre strand. 
• Repeat the pattern and cross the right strand, then the left strand, under the center strand. 
• Cross the right strand under the center, and pick up another small section from the right side of your head. 
• Cross the left strand under the center, and pick up another small section from the left side of your head.
•  Add more hair to your braid by picking up small strands every time you cross pieces under the center strand.

Waterfall Braid:

• Separate your hair into your first section that is near the forehead. 
• Separate your first section of hair into three equal parts. 
• Start braiding as usual, as a normal 3 strand braid. 
• Add more hair into the braid outside of the three original portions of hair you started with. 
•  Let go of the right portion of hair so it hangs and drops down normally.
• Here starts the waterfall effect. So continue in the same way until you want your braid to finish.