Plait vs. Braid: What's the Difference?

Introduction

Are you looking for online tutorial videos for styling cute hairstyles? But end up getting confused about plait vs braid. Well, it's not just you; many individuals assume they are not the same thing, and a few consider them the same. So, who is correct here? It's the actual concerned question. In reality, both plait and braid explain the same technique, but differences come from using words differently according to the region where people belong. We guarantee that when you understand both terms, you'll be able to style more confidently, since you can guide your stylist better, follow the exact tutorial, and select the correct method when you practice on natural hair or with hair extensions.

In this blog post, we will discuss the details about what plait and braid are, and how they differ from each other. Discover the best place like WOWANGEL for high-quality wigs and hair extensions for elevating your braiding and plaiting results.

What Do Plaits and Braids Mean?

Let us find what plaits do and what you mean by the term braids:

• Plait: From thousands of years with a strong historical background, plaits are also referred to as folds or pleats. In ancient Egyptian documents, it's mentioned for creating the detailed hairstyles of both women and men. With the passing time, the techniques of plaits were spread in different cultures and regions, giving each its own unique name.

• Braids: For over 30,000 years, it has been used till now. The Venus of Willendorf figurine is also known as the earliest depiction of a braided hairstyle. It was discovered in present-day Austria. Today, braids have grown in multiple cultures. As they start spreading, they form into new styles and shapes.

The Main Differences Between Plaits and Braids

Well, both these styling ideas use the same method or technique to intertwine the hair, but they differ in regional or language use, appearance, and technique.

1. Language and Regional Use

One of the most important differences between the two terms depends on their regional usage. If you are a native British English speaker, ‘plait’ is your standard term, but if you are an American English speaker, ‘braid’ is commonly used.

2. Technique

In the plaiting process, the outer strands are woven over the middle strands to create a symmetrical pattern. In contrast to the braiding process, it follows more complicated techniques, such as overhand or underhand weaving, for French or Dutch braiding. Plus, you can also use additional strands for creating more sophisticated and intricate designs.

3. Appearance and Style

The appearance of plait is generally traditional, simple, and neat styling. In this technique, a long braid is worn down the back to create a clean, child-friendly appearance. Plus, it is a basic braid mainly taught in beginner tutorials.

In addition, the braid has a more intricate styling. It follows protective styles with hair extensions or special techniques for styling Dutch braids, cornrows, French braids, and fishtails. It also includes hairstyles influenced by culture or social media. It means that even though the style is officially a plait, you might see a TikTok caption like "Cute braid ideas."

Popular Plait and Braid Styles in 2026

Here is the list of some trending plait and braiding hairstyles in 2026. These styles will help you in elevating your existing appearance if you properly understand your hair type and regional use where you’re currently living, as follows:

Styles linked with Plaits:

• Classic Three-Strand Plaits: It is a timeless style that can be easily created by weaving three hair strands together. You can style it as a high ponytail plait or a low-side plait. Making it ideally suitable for everyday look.

1. French-Integrated Plaits: It is an elegant plait style; all you need to gradually add hair from the sides and create a seamless design which appears to be woven into your scalp.

• Fishtail Weave Plaits: This intricate style can be completed by creating the two sections of hair and then crossing all the small strands from each over the other. In this way, you can easily create a delicate pattern of herringbone.

Styles linked with Braids:

• Raised Dutch Braid: It is an ‘inside-out’ braid. It can be created by weaving strands under each other to make a raised yet dimensional-looking appearance.

• Classic Cornrows: This style includes tight and flat braids along the scalp. You can easily style it into a simple straight line as well as an intricate pattern of geometry.

• Box Braids: This style can be created using any human or synthetic hair extensions to make an individual’s braids. Later on, that can be styled into ponytails, buns, or updos.

When to Choose a Plait vs a Braid

The question of when to choose plait vs braid is the most asked when you enter the realm of styling. But let us dive deep to dig into details, such as:

Plaits:

· It is ideal for loose and simple styling.

· Seeking a more comfortable look.

· Easy to wear.

· Suitable for temporary styling to dry the hair after washing it.

· Good for people with sensitive scalps.

Braids:

• It is better, more structured, and tighter in appearance with an intricate design.

• It will use more than three strands.

• You can easily create your favourite styles, including Dutch or French braids.

• It will create a sleek appearance when braids sit flat against your scalp.

Which style is correct for you?

Selecting the right style will depend on your desired look and your region. If you are looking for soft and casual styles, then we suggest you go with plaits. For more complex, sleek, and scalp-hugging designs, you can opt for braiding. Because most of the time, your regional language will have a greater influence on the choice of term you make.

How to Weave Plaits and Braids with Hair Extensions

You can easily weave your plaits and braids using hair extensions. Follow each step thoroughly to achieve perfect results.

1. Selecting the Correct Extensions:

You must select those hair extensions that exactly match your texture and hair color. For braiding, we suggest you take a look at WOWANGEL Human Braiding Hair – Deep Wave (100g). 

It is a perfect choice. Plus, you can also use Straight Human Hair Bundles (1pc or 3pcs) from WOWANGEL for achieving maximum results.

2. Preparing Your Hair

Detangle, wash, and dry your hair.  You can use a small amount of leave-in conditioner to help with braiding.

3. Making Hair Sections:

Your hair should be parted where you want the braid to begin. Braids with smaller sections appear thicker and may require more hair extensions.

4. Preparing Your Hair Extensions:

To achieve the desired level of fullness in your braid, take a small piece of the extension and modify its thickness.

5. Attaching Your Hair with Extensions

Put the extension's center onto the area of your natural hair. At this point, you should have one natural strand and two extension strands.

6. Start Making Braids

Next, cross the left extension strand over the newly formed middle strand after crossing the right extension strand over the middle (your hair).

7. Adding Your Natural Hair

To ensure the extensions blend seamlessly, incorporate tiny bits of your natural hair into the braid as you braid down.

8. Continue the braiding process

Keep the same tension for braiding until you reach the end of your natural hair.

9. Securing its End

The remaining extension hair should be braided and secured with a tiny elastic band.

10. Final Adjustments:

Once you have carefully trimmed your extra hair, use any serum with few pumps for smoothing your braids. We suggest you to use Kinky Straight or Straight Clip-In Extensions available at WOWANGEL for additional volume or fullness.

Tips for Perfecting Plaits and Braids

Here are a few essential tips that might help you in perfecting your plaits or braids during styling:

• You should start with simple styles and practice them often.

• Try to use a wide-tooth comb, elastic bands, and detangler for making the braiding process smooth.

• Don’t create too much tight tension.

• Try to adjust the technique according to your hair texture and type.

• Try to keep your scalp moisturized to protect the braids at nighttime.

Conclusion

In the end, we can conclude that the major difference between plait vs braid doesn't lie in their technique but in the language or the region. Both techniques involve weaving hair into a well-structured pattern. Your braids will need more protective styling with intricate designs while plaits are more simple and easier to style. At WOWANGEL, we are offering premium product option such as natural human hair wigs. By using these hair extensions, you will be able to achieve fullness and bringing the extra beauty to your gorgeous braids and plaits.