Richard Ward       

“All hair textures can be plaited, but textured, thicker, coarser hair types work best as they help the finished plait to look thicker and hold better. Finer hair can often leave plaits looking small and fine. Plaits look great when they’re very neat and tidy in daytime, so for evening, use your fingers or a tail comb to pull out small sections of hair to make the plait look more dishevelled and sexy. The rest of your hair can then be pulled up and styled with plenty of volume. The key is to use products that give hair texture and hold: hairsprays and waxes are great products to use.” – Richard Ward

Vidal Sassoon

“Braids create an instant feeling of bohemian and dishevelled or powerful and polished. The simplest way to work a braid is a three-strand plait. Play with placement – tease out wisps of hair around the hairline to create a feeling of delicate femininity. If you want to change it up – twist and pin it up into a low chignon. A high-plait will accentuate your profile. To create more height and shape, gently backcomb the top section of your hair and comb the top layers into a smooth finish. Gently pull your hair into a ponytail and secure with an invisible band. Work a three-strand plait and secure at the bottom with another invisible band. This will create an edgy and polished element to your style.” – Lidia Merino, Creative Stylist at Sassoon Salon, South Molton Street.

Head & Shoulders

“Your hair and scalp is under the spotlight in this look, so it requires a clean base. Head & Shoulders Apple Fresh with new Scent Burst Technology will take care of your hair and scalp and leave it deliciously scented too.

Start with a clean neat parting and take a small section from the parting towards the forehead and plait. Once you have overlapped the hair three times, start adding in thin pieces of hair.

Once you have plaited all the way down, grip the end to secure it. Then, take the little section that is left from the other corned by your forehead and plait al the way down to the ends.

Now that you have two plaits, twist them over to the other side and then back again and secure the ends and plaits in place using hairgrips. Then, rub the plaits a bit to bring out a few flyaways, and use some hairspray to finish off the look. And there you have it – the halo plait. It’s quick and easy to do, and will add a bohemian and angelic feel to any outfit.”- Creative Beauty Director, Peter Lux

Trevor Sorbie 

“First divide the hair into two parts with a centre parting. Take 3 strands from the fringe area and plait it (over cross the sections) before you cross the sections take a new piece of hair into the plait continue until you are at the back of the head. Plait the hair right until the end and secure it with a hair band, do exactly the same on the other side. Take both plaited hairpieces in the back up and twist them around, where you pin and secure. Here you can decide if you want the weight. You might even secure the back of the nape and create a little more retro look. To loosen the plait just pull carefully on the plait and message it a bit between your fingers”. – Anna Chapman Stylist at Covent Garden Salon

Percy & Reed 

“This February we are focusing on ‘Loving yourself and your hair’ and here are 3 of our most romantic looks which will leave your admirers speechless.

Firstly spray the ends of dry hair with No Fuss Fabulousness Dry Shampoo to add body and texture.

Loosely plait a chunky French plait from the top of the crown gathering the loose hair as you go. Roll the hair under and pin. The messier and more undone the better. This is the ultimate romantic style. Finish with a spritz of Reassuringly Firm Session Hold Hairspray to tame any flyaway’s”. – Adam Reed