Plaits, twists and braids were all the rage at London Fashion Week (1). Romantic, Boho styles were seen at Moschino, Michael Kors chose chunky equestrian braids and Danielle Scutt opted for an urban take on the trend with tribal French braids styled down the centre of the head. Celebrities have been embracing this trend in spades with style-setters like Whitney Port (2) and Miley Cyrus (3) rocking casual, loose side plaits.

Hollywood A-listers Kim Kardashian (4) and Nicky Hilton (5) look effortlessly chic in their intricate fishtail plaits. The Lockonego Spring/Summer Princess Plaits were created to ooze romantic charm and femininity, whilst channelling an inner princess that could rival even the ever-polished Kate Middleton.

Ben Cooke

Plaits have been a hot trend for a few seasons now, and the appeal just grows and grows. A look we did for Leona Lewis (6), before the trend took off, was a messy sideways fishtail plait that was soft and not severe. It's great for girls who still like to have some hair around their face (rather than sleeked back, revealing the full face).

Princess Plaits is a style which takes inspiration from both the red carpet and the hottest shows at London Fashion Week SS12. Halo braids were seen at Valentino (7) and were paired with ethereal makeup which highlighted cheekbones, soft flushed cheeks and glowing complexions.  

Blonde beauties Scarlett Johansson and Sienna Miller (8) chose the halo braid for the red carpet which made them shine and stand out amongst the many blow dries and twisted chignons seen on other stars. Our Lockonego style embodies both the plait and braid trend in an updo which exudes relaxed, Boho daytime charm, yet also works as a glamorous, evening hairstyle.

The recent release of the Snow White & The Huntsman movie saw both Kirsten Stewart and Charlize Theron (9) with thick, braided hairstyles. Charlize’s braided crown flawlessly complimented her dark smoky eyes and her elaborate spiked crown in her role as the wicked queen. Lockonego’s Princess Plaits are much more delicate than the heavy, harsher looking plaits seen in the film. The style is guaranteed to get you noticed and it softly frames the eyes, moulding to your natural face shape to suit everyone.

Jonathan Long

Plaits are a simple and classic way of keeping long hair neat. There are several styles of plaiting from a simple braid, to a more complex fishtail style. Each of these employs different techniques, by varying twists and textures to create a variety of looks. It’s a great chance for you to unleash your creativity, whilst looking trendy and keeping cool during the summer.

Lockonego’s Princess Plaits is a style for those of you with long, tricky-to-tame hair. The look works best on second day hair as it will be slightly less flyaway and will be easier to manage. If your hair needs a wash, but you don’t have the time to do it, than plaits are a great away to disguise your slightly greasy roots. If you are heading to a festival this year, this will be a brilliant hairstyle for your weekend. The look will have you fitting in with all the other festival beauties, with no hassle, heat-styling or washing needed!  For you jet-setters, this is a great look for chilling out around the pool or the beach as it will stop the ends of the hair becoming dry, frizzed and faded by the sun. Chlorine and salt water play havoc with your hair so pile your hair up on your head in this chic style to prevent water from making contact with your tresses. This style is also brilliant for those fair skinned ladies who are easily burned in the hot summer sun. The look covers your scalp and your parting is no longer visible which will help protect you from becoming burned and sore. My must-have product for hair on holiday is the Sebastian Professional Halo Mist which will add weightless shine to leave hair as light as air and as soft as silk. With its long-lasting UV protection it will keep your head protected and your hair colour bright and vibrant.

Check out my quick guide to doing Princess Plaits yourself…

·    To achieve this angelic look prep damp hair with Sebastian Professional  Halo Mist to create a tousled effect

·    Blow-dry using your fingertips to untangle, whilst maintaining a textured effect that gives holding power for plaiting

·    Separate the hair into two sections at the front, leaving the back of the hair loose. French plait the two sections at the front of the head and pull back towards the crown of the head, securing with hair pins

·    Next, plait the section at the back of the head and bring up towards the crown

·    Once all three sections have been plaited, twist together to create an interwoven effect

·    Spritz all over with Sebastian Professional Shaper Fierce spray to achieve a firm, sleek look that lasts all day

For more information visit www.lockonego.com