What’s the Difference Between a Plait & Braid?

PDF download Download Article
Who says “braid” and who says “plait”?
PDF download Download Article

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?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a3\/Plait-vs-Braid-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Plait-vs-Braid-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a3\/Plait-vs-Braid-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Plait-vs-Braid-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    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.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e2\/Plait-vs-Braid-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Plait-vs-Braid-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e2\/Plait-vs-Braid-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Plait-vs-Braid-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    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]
    • 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]
    3. Advertisement
Section 2 of 3:

Are cornrows a type of braid or plait?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6c\/Plait-vs-Braid-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Plait-vs-Braid-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6c\/Plait-vs-Braid-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Plait-vs-Braid-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    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]
    • 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

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7d\/Plait-vs-Braid-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Plait-vs-Braid-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7d\/Plait-vs-Braid-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Plait-vs-Braid-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    To 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.
    • 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.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/13\/Plait-vs-Braid-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Plait-vs-Braid-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/13\/Plait-vs-Braid-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Plait-vs-Braid-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Create 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.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/de\/Plait-vs-Braid-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Plait-vs-Braid-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/de\/Plait-vs-Braid-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Plait-vs-Braid-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This 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.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/77\/Plait-vs-Braid-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Plait-vs-Braid-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/77\/Plait-vs-Braid-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Plait-vs-Braid-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Rope 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.
  5. 5
    Crochet Braids This braid or plait is a technique and a style. Crochet braiding is a technique that anchors hair extensions to the scalp seamlessly. Along with this, they’re also a style used on Black hair that uses a looping technique to attach synthetic hair to cornrows. [4]
    6. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    What is the difference between braiding and plaiting?
    Community Answer
    They are the same thing. Just different names as used in different countries.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 5
  • Question
    Cornrows are a type of braid, but are they called a plait, too?
    Community Answer
    Cornrows are typically referred to as braids.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      A Complete Guide to French Braiding Hair
      How to
      Make a Dutch Braid
      10 Easy Ways to Braid Your Hair
      How to
      Make a Fishtail Braid: A Step-By-Step Tutorial
      How to
      Braid Your Own Cornrows
      How to
      Braid Your Hair: The Easiest Braids for Beginners
      How to
      Tie a Braid to a Mono
      How to
      Do a Basic or French Braid Hair Style: Easy Tutorials
      Learn How to Create, Style, and Care for Your Own Box Braids
      How to
      Do Double French Braids
      How to
      Braid Short Hair for Men
      3 Crown Braid Hairstyles You Can Make at Home
      How to
      Do Two French Braids
      How to
      Wash Braids
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/braid
      2. ↑ https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/plait
      3. ↑ https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/cornrow?q=cornrows
      4. ↑ https://www.byrdie.com/crochet-braids-5082278

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 43,257 times.
      If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission .

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement