Pleat is created by folding fabric back on itself and pressing. This technique can also be found in some dress sleeves. Pleated skirts look especially tailored and fitted.
Plait is a type of braiding and can also be used to describe strips made from materials like straw or cane, while fishtail braiding refers to interweaved strands interwoven together in such a fashion.
The French Twist
The French Twist is a timeless hairstyle for every special event and outing. Whether attending a formal cocktail party or going to an informal gathering with friends, this look keeps your locks polished without overdoing it.
Start by combing back your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck using a fine-tooth comb and smoothing it with another. Tease the crown and back sections for more volume before tease-teasing the crown and back sections for additional height. Add small bobby pins along the sides of strands of hair for an understated pompadour effect.
Mindy Kaling rocks a more texturized look by blow-drying her locks using R CO Rodeo Star Thickening Style Foam to add texture. She holds before pulling out face-framing pieces to be styled with SACHAJUAN Finish Cream for easy shaping. Finally, secure her French twist with large chignon pins before spraying L’Oreal Paris Elnett Precious Oil Satin Hairspray for an added glossy shine.
The Dutch Braid
Dutch braids are an elegant yet casual style perfect for any event – from weddings to prom dates! Its versatility means it can fit right into any scenario, offering the ideal mix of casualness and sophistication.
Start by starting with clean and dry hair, applying a small amount of Styling Paste with your hands to give strands an ideal smoothness without slippage or frizziness. Once your hair has been divided into four sections using a rat-tailed comb, braid the first section into a Dutch braid. When reaching its end, add extra strands from outside to flip under on one side before joining them with the remaining braids. Repeat this process with each of the remaining three sections, switching to a classic three-strand braid near the nape of the neck before securing with an elastic hair tie for security.
The Messy Bun
This effortless, messy bun style is ideal when you feel like spending little time styling your locks. Tie your locks into a ponytail (high or low, depending on your preference), tease it by gently down brushing toward an elastic holder, then twisting strands around for an instant looped bun look that you can secure with some bobby pins – and that’s it!
Add personality and character to your ponytail by tucking two loose strands behind it for an evocative, tousled effect that exudes beach chic. This look also works great if you plan on hitting the gym – keeping hair out of your face as you strengthen core strength in a reformer pilates class or tread away on a treadmill.
Buns are an effortless and stylish way to look effortlessly chic, and you can switch things up by using different hair clips or tying a ribbon or headband around your bun. Just be sure to use texturizing spray or dry shampoo beforehand for added volume in your locks!
The Pixie Cut
Pixie cuts offer a perfect alternative for those who want to avoid committing to the full bob or pageboy cut, without going for something as drastic as a full bob or pageboy style. According to Gibson, pixie cuts feature “relatively short all over with choppy fringe,” making for an effortless look. They can be worn with or without bangs for an alternative take – usually sliced back to one side or tucked behind ears for an elegant finish.
Scarlett Johansson demonstrates the versatility of layered pixie styles by sporting this versatile look with her short yet long side-sweep and forward-sweep hairdo. A choppy fringe adds an unconventional yet feminine quality while remaining chic; adding streaks of color can really bring this style out, although blonde also works beautifully as it provides an effortlessly cool finish with the help of salt spray for a messy yet disheveled finish that works wonders!
