Some people have seen pictures of plaits and braids but can't really tell a difference between them. Plaits and braids are often used synonymously to refer to a similar hair style. Although they look so similar, there are actually some differences that are often interchanged by people. However, plaits and braids can be parted. What makes one difference from the other?
Plaits VS Braids What are the differences
Both braids and plaits are refer to hairstyles in which three or more strands of hair are braided. They are known as a protective hairstyle that prevents hair loss and hair breakage. There is almost no significant difference between braids and plaits, plaits simply as an old-school, traditional way to say braids, so it’s literally the same thing. But actually from the perspective of professionals, there are still some subtle differences. Especially in black people’s culture. It is one of the favorite hairstyles for black women because it is convenient and highly protective.
1.Braids and plaits have different origins. In American , the popular woven hairstyle is called a braid,while in British and Australia, it’s known as a plait.
2.Braids are usually done with curly or kinky hairs, while plaits are usually braided over straight or wavy hairstyles.
3.Plaits are usually done on real human natural hair, braids sometimes are use hair extension or accessories like synthetic hair, textile yarns, colored wires into it to create unique designs to style the hair.
4.Braids are more complex than plaits. Braids come in many more styles, and plaits generally refer to the three-strand base braid type.French braid, dutch braid, and fishtail braid are often called plait when they have only a single strand. Braids consist of multiple plaits.
5.Braids are more tightly weaved, and plaits are loosen and less dense. In the most of time, loose weaving is considered a plait, and tighter weaving is a braid.
How to braid or plait hair
3 Strand Basic Braid/Plaits
1.Split the hair into three equal sections so you have a right middle and lift a strand now cross the right strand over and into the middle again cross the right strand over and into the middle then take the left strand and cross it over and into the middle.
2.Just repeat those steps until you reach the end of the hair and then tie the braid off with them elastic rubbers. After tied off the braid you can pull on the sides of the hair to give the braid more volume.
French Braids/Plaits
1.Take a small section of hair on the top of your head from your temples to the back of your head.Split the hair into three equal sections. Starting out with 2 strands in your left hand.
2.Take the right strand and cross it over and into the middle. Again, cross the right strand over and into the middle and hold all the strands in your left hand. That way it is easier to add new hair to the braid.
3.Pick up a horizontal section of hair on the same side and add it to the middle strand.Then cross the left strand over and into the middle and hold all of the strands in your right hand. Again pick up a horizontal section of hair on the same side and add it to the middle strand. Then across the right strand over and into the middle and bring all the strands to your left hand.Repeat the above steps.
4.When there is no more hair to add in, then braid the hair like a normal 3 strand braid and tie of the braid at the end. Adjust the hair and pull in the sides of the hair to loosen the braid up a bit.
Cornrow Braids/Plaits
1.Take the hair and pinch it off into three sections. Make a basic 3 Strand braid for about 3 times.
2.Add hair. Pick up a horizontal section of hair on the same side and add it to the middle strand. Then cross the left strand over and into the middle and hold all the strands in your right hand. Here you add hair, and you keep braiding, and you add hair on the same side as you go down.Simply finish the braid until you've used up the rest of your hair. Then secure the end of the braid with an elastic hair band.
