Now, for those with natural hair, braids can be more intricate and complex while plaits are looser; however, the terms are still used interchangeably. Braid or plait your hair by dividing it into 3 equal sections and crossing one section over another in an alternating pattern.

If you live in the United States, you’ll most likely say: “She usually wears her hair in braids” or “They enjoy braiding each others’ hair. ” If you’re in the United Kingdom, you’ll probably use: “She usually wears her hair in plaits” or “They enjoy plaiting each others’ hair. ”[2] X Research source

Take a look at this sentence: “Bianca likes her hair in cornrows, but braiding it takes a long time. ”[3] X Research source In this example, cornrows refers to the hairstyle, while braiding explains the process of doing the hairstyle.

Wear a single French braid down the back of your head while exercising for a cute sporty look. Slide bobby pins into a French braid to match a black dress or suit. In a French braid, the strings go under each other, making an effect looking like a flipped Dutch braid.

Divide your hair into 2 parts to create Dutch pigtail braids for a cute country look. Make a single Dutch braid on the top of your head to wrap into an elegant bun or ponytail.

Pull on the edges of a fishtail for a messy and stylish look. Part your hair to the side to add more volume to a fishtail. Fishtail braiding involves some of the French braid techniques, but while the French braid keeps the 3 strings being used to move along the braid together, the fishtail sequence actually adds an extra step.

Style a rope braid at the end of a sleek ponytail for an elegant look. Make 2 twists on either side of your head for a half-up half-down hairdo.