Technical Session: Advanced Plaiting

During this technical session with Lottie we looked at advanced plaiting as part of the unit in fashion. I really enjoyed this lesson as I think braiding will be really helpful when coming up with my looks as braids seem to be a key trend for spring summer in the fashion world. 

Product List: 
Comb
Paddle Brush
Little elastics
Sectioning clips
Hairspray

5 Strand & 8 Strand & 11 Strand Plaits

For a 5 stand plait firstly you divide a section of hair into 5 separate sections and begin to cross over the hair. Label the 5 strands from left to right 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Start with strands 4 and 5 and firstly go over 4 and then take 4 over 3. Take 1 over 2 and 2 under 3. Repeat these steps until you have completed a 5 strand plait.

For an 8 strand plait, begin by separating into three sections another section of hair. Begin by plaiting and after each plait thread through the third strand into the 5 strand braid, making an 8 strand braid. 

To make an 11 strand braid repeat the steps of an 8 strand but on the opposite side. 

The next advanced plaiting is a dutch braid. The best way to explain how to do this is to do an opposite french braid. Start by taking three strands and start to braid instead of going over go under with the hand movements. 

The next braids are waterfall and ladder, they go hand in hand. This one I think is the prettiest and something I see myself using a lot. Firstly what you do is you begin by taking three sections as if you were going to start a normal braid. As you begin to plait, plait twice and drop the third strand and pass it to your model to hold, repeat this step and finish with a normal plait. To create the ladder plait firstly use the first waterfall braid you created and using the dropped down strands to make a ladder shape and just plait like you normally would. 

waterfall braid

ladder braid

Overall advanced plaiting was hard for me, but I know that I will be able to create them slightly more neat with practice and if I have learnt anything from doing hair and make-up it's practice is vital.