Advanced Plaiting

Wiggle plait

This plait is really easy to create, but can add a complex look to a hairstyle.

•       Start with a standard plait, but plait loosely
•       Then take one strand in one hand and 2 in the other
•       Keeping the one strand held firmly, push the two sections up the hair shaft
•       The shape will appear
•       Keep going until all the hair forms the plait.

These wiggle plaits are great to give a hairstyle more dimention.

                    

Here is the wiggle plait i created, I see that the plait has loosened at the end so i need to be sure to push them all they way and pin quickly. 

Water fall braid / princess plait

This plait is much easier with a helping hand; the model will help to create this one. It is essentially like doing a French plait, but only adding a strand once rather than twice each time, and the hair is left to fall.  

•       Starting at the hairline, pick up 3 pieces of hair, as thick or thin, as you’d like the           braid to be
•       Cross the right piece of hair over the centre piece
•       Cross the left strand over the centre
•       Cross the right strand over the centre, and this time and pass to model
•       Cross the left strand over the centre again
•       Pick up a new strand of hair near the base of the left strand
•       Cross the new strand over the centre and pass to model
•        Move the left strand over the centre, pick up a new strand of hair on the right,               move this piece over the centre, and pass to model.
•       Do this for as long as you want your braid to carry on around the head.

This braid can be done again with the fallen strands to create a laddered waterfall braid underneath the one created.

Here is my attempt, I would make sure to part the hair neatly so i wouldn't end up with a messy part towards the end like here. 

Slipknot braid

This is a knot rather than a plait, but it gives a really gorgeous pattern along the head, great for editorial looks, as it is a really edgy style.

This style works best on long hair that doesn’t have many layers, as the hair can spring from the knots.

This look is also achieved with the help from your model

•       Star by taking two sections from either side of the models head at the front
•       Tie those sections into a knot
•       Pass the strands to your model, have them space their fingers and put it between the middle and ring finger
•       Pull two sections again from the sides of your models head and part down the middle, tie again
•       Pass the strands to your model and have her hold them between her index and middle finger
•       Take another section and part in the center, but this time before knotting, add the strands from the first knot, then tie a knot again
•       Repeat again but include the strands from the second knot this time
•       Repeat this pattern until the hairstyle is complete

With the lengths of the hair left over, a braid can be styled, or a chignon, depending on the look.

Here is my first attempt, I didn't use Zaina to practise on as i thought i'd end up getting tangled in her hair, so used this doll head. I can see the slip knot so am happy with that, but I would ensure it would be much neater for a shoot.