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Messy plaits might sound like something you'd want to avoid, but, if styled right, they can actually be incredibly chic. Intentionally messed-over hair is incredibly trendy. Stylish stars like Blake Lively, Diane Kruger and Minka Kelly -- to name a few -- all totally embrace the trend. You can easily arrange your locks in this fashion-forward style.
Chignon and Plaits
Try using one messy plait as an embellishment to an equally messy chignon. Spray a texturizer on damp hair before letting it air dry. If you have super-frizzy hair, go ahead and blow-dry it. Then, part your hair on the side. Take a small section of hair at the part and braid it loosely. Bobby pin it back. Then twist the rest of your hair loosely into a chignon. If a few pieces fall out, don't worry. It'll just make your look more chic.
Structured Messy Plait
If you want to combine a little bit of sleek with a little bit of messy, try this look. Pull your hair into a tight, high ponytail. Then braid it up as usual, securing it with an elastic band. Now, take your fingers and tug at sections to loosen them. Don't tug every section. Instead try pulling every other one to create a totally chic, slightly undone plaited look.
Messy Fishtail
Try this style on unwashed hair. If you've already washed your hair, add a little dry shampoo to make it look a bit more undone. Then, loosely pull hair to the side and work it into a fishtail braid. A fishtail plait is like a regular plait, except that instead of using three sections of hair, you'll use four. So, split the hair into four sections: two larger ones on the inside and two skinnier ones on the outside. Then take one of your outer skinny sections and wrap it over the adjacent thicker section, then pulling it into your other thicker section. Repeat on the other side and continue until your hair is braided.
Almost-Hidden Braid
This look works best on wavy bedhead hair. Try braiding damp hair into a few plaits and blasting it with a blow dryer. Then add a little dry shampoo to rough hair up a bit more. Now pull hair to the side. Take the top section of hair and work it into a loose braid. Secure with an elastic band. The braid worn on top of your wavy tresses will almost blend into your hairstyle.
