Hair styling trends for spring/summer 2011: braidy bunch

Plaits are always a Summer favourite, and this season is no different. Ideal for holidays as well as evening events and weddings, braids offer an easy-to-wear, on-trend look. 

Unlike popular fishtail styles of previous seasons, this season there are no rules; plaits can be worn however your client wants. 

At the ethereal Erdem show in London, milkmaid-style plaits wrapped around the head were a hit, while elsewhere the look was long and neat, inspired by Oscar nominated western True Grit.  

London hairdresser Michael Barnes says: "I love this look. It's really cool, easy to do and extremely versatile - the variations are endless." 

"Plaits worn on the head were popular last season and will continue to be, but this season also sees partial plaits where the hair has great texture and just the ends are plaited, which I think is much more high-street for this year." 

"Experiment with plaits and pull them apart for a deconstructed look. Try using spray waxes and sea salt sprays, rather than hairspray and mousses, to create a dishevelled look. I love KMS's Sea Salt Spray - just blast it through damp hair and then dry as normal to give hair a gritty, textured feel."

Valentino

Sass & Bide

Erdem

Givenchy

True Grit