What’s the Difference Between a Plait & Braid?

Who says “braid” and who says “plait”?

Co-authored by Ndeye Anta Niang and Aly Rusciano

Last Updated: March 7, 2023 References

Are braids and plaits the same thing?

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Are cornrows a type of braid or plait?

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Stylish Braid & Plaits for All Hair Types

You’re watching TV when someone says “plait.” But that can’t be right—they’re gesturing to a braid. Well, what if we told you the terms aren’t as different as they may sound? We’ve explained the similarities between plaits and braids in this article (plus included plenty of cute hairstyles). So, keep reading to find out what someone means when they say “plait” or “braid.”

Things You Should Know

Braids and plaits are technically the same hairstyle, but the term you use depends on where you live.
In the United States, people say “braid,” while “plait” is used in the United Kingdom.
The terms can be used as nouns or verbs, depending on if you’re referring to a hairstyle or styling technique.

Section 1 of 3:

Are braids and plaits the same thing?

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Plaits and braids are the same rope-like hairstyle. They consist of weaving 3 or more strands of hair together to form a pattern. The hairstyle is typically done on longer hair and has many variations.
- 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.
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Plaits and braids reference the same thing but have different origins. In American English, the popular woven hairstyle is called a “braid,” while in British English, it’s a “plait.” Whether someone’s “braiding” or “plaiting” their hair, they’re doing the same thing.^{[1]
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- 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]
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Section 2 of 3:

Are cornrows a type of braid or plait?

Cornrows are a style of braid. This popular Black hairstyle is created by tightly braiding or plaiting the hair along the scalp. The style is deeply rooted in Black history, and is only consider a braided or plaited hairstyle because making cornrows involves the same maneuvers and steps as creating braids or plaits.
- Take a look at this sentence: “Bianca likes her hair in cornrows, but braiding it takes a long time.”^{[3]
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- In this example, cornrows refers to the hairstyle, while braiding explains the process of doing the hairstyle.

Section 3 of 3:

Stylish Braid & Plaits for All Hair Types

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French BraidTo French braid your hair, follow the technique for making a normal 3-strand braid or plait but add more hair into each section as you go. This hairstyle can be dressed up or down and is great for keeping hair out of your face.^{[4]
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- 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.
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Dutch BraidCreate a Dutch braid by inverting a French braid. Instead of weaving up and under a strand of hair, weave under and up. This makes a raised braid perfect for running errands or a night out.
- 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.
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FishtailThis style of braid or plait is made using 2 sections of hair. Form a fishtail by pulling your hair to one side and dividing it into 2 sections. Then, pull a small piece and bring it over to the opposite section. Alternate pulling a small piece of hair into the opposing section until the braid is complete.
- 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.
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Rope BraidRope braids are a twisted braided hairstyle that uses 2 sections of hair. To make this braid, twist 2 sections of hair in opposite directions. Then, wrap the 2 twisted sections together.
- 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.
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Crochet BraidsThis braid or plait is a technique and a style. Crochet braiding is a technique that anchors hair extensions to the scalp seamlessly.^{[5]
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Research source} Along with this, they’re also a style used on Black hair that uses a looping technique to attach synthetic hair to cornrows.^{[6]
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