Have you ever felt like you just want to do something different with your hair and vamp it up a bit but have no idea where to start or feel like you don't have enough time on a morning to make the effort? Well the answer is simple and that answer is plaits (aka braids).

Plaits can be used in so many different ways and they are so good for a quick and easy fix for a more exciting hairstyle. Here are just a few ways you can use plaits:

1. Fishtail Braid

The Fishtail braid may seem a bit daunting at first glance but once you know how to do it, it's just as easy as a normal plait and it's a bit more edgier than just your everyday schoolgirl plaits. All you have to do is split your hair in to 2 sections, then take a small sections from one side and bring it over to the opposite side, then repeat from the other side, and so on and so on.

Here's a tutorial to show you how to do a standard Fishtail Braid - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyZkowmdZv8 and here is another tutorial on how to achieve a more texturized fishtail braid - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xa3miI0DF7w

2. Milkmaid braid

This particular hairstyle was definitely a trend of summer 2014 but it's still a cute and easy up do for those days where you want your hair out of the way but you still want it to look like you've made a little bit of effort! It was also a favourite with popular Youtube star Zoella, here is her tutorial on how she creates the style: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABbUI8R_tPk

3. Braid Halo

This hairstyle is definitely one for all you girls with longer hair but it's super cute and is good for pushing back your hair from the front of your face but still having your hair mostly down. This style is also a popular one with Zoella and she's done a tutorial for this one too here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hf82HzwSK2s

4. 'Serena' Braid

I don't think this style has a name but I'm going to call it the Serena braid as it is a popular hairstyle seen on Serena Van Der Woodsen, one of the main characters in Gossip Girl. As you can see in the picture above this braid is simply done by grouping a random section of your hair back and plaiting it. It's simple, but unique and stylish. (Plus, if you're a Gossip Girl fan, everybody wants to look like Serena, right?)

5. High Pony Braid

This hairstyle is perfect for an everyday or glam look! All it is, is a high ponytail turned into a braid, and you can pull it out and roughen it up a bit to make it look a bit edgier! Here's a tutorial on how to recreate this look here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uJ4_Pc02FQ

5. French Braid

A French braid is always a classic and although it's a bit difficult to do it yourself (and do it well), once you get the hang of it it's a great up-do!

TIP: It's fab if you sleep with your hair in a French Braid as when you take it out the next morning you are left with beachy waves that are full of volume!

A French braid is just a normal plait and then you gradually add small sections into it, here's a tutorial - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yDEqP6FsQs


These are just a few hairstyles that you can do including plaits/braids. If you LOVE any these hairstyles and/or are planning on recreating them then we'd love to hear about it in the comments! :)

Kiwi x