When we think about braids or plaits, we get the same image in our minds: a weaving technique using three strands to create a rope-like hairstyle. They are often used synonymously to indicate a similar hair design.
Even though they have a very similar visual representation, some dissimilarities make them different from one another.
If you need help understanding the differentiation between these two, We have you covered. In this article, we will discuss everything about these two hairstyles to help you understand their slight differences.
It will help you to broaden your knowledge about these and understand which one is more appropriate for you. You can point out your friends’ mistakes and make them understand as well.
Table of Contents
Brief Intro: Plaits
Plaits are a hairstyle with three strands of hair woven together in a rope-like design. It originated in British English, and most previously colonized countries by Britain use this term to identify braiding hairstyles.
It is a protective hairstyle that helps prevent moisture loss and protects it from breakage by friction. Plaits are considered more suitable for straight and wavy hair types that are weaved without any synthetic hair extensions.
Benefits of Plaits
- It is a protective hairstyle that prevents moisture loss and hair breakage.
- It is low maintenance and lasts for a long period.
- It is simple and easy to accomplish.
- It prevents the hair from going frizzy.
Brief Intro: Braids
From a linguistic point of view, braids are the American equivalent of plaits. It is a woven hairstyle where three strands of tresses are woven together. It is especially popular among women of African descent for their protectiveness.
In the hairstyle industry, braids comprise multiple plaits, which are weaved alongside synthetic hair to make the length longer and the hairstyle thicker. The curls of type 4 hair help the hair extensions to weave better, and it is trendy to use them.
Benefits of Braids
- It is a low-maintenance hairstyle that lasts for an extended time.
- It is a protective hairstyle.
- It is very versatile and can be styled with intricate techniques.
- It helps prevent the hair from becoming frizzy.
Are They the Same or Different?
Linguistically there are no differences between a plait and a braid, but from the viewpoint of a hairstylist, they are quite different. In this section, I will point out their difference so that you avoid thinking they are the same.
Styling Technique
Even though the maneuver is similar between a braid and a plait, the styling technique differs. Both of them are rope-like hair designs which are accomplished by weaving three strands of tresses.
Plait usually contains a single woven hair design. No hair extensions are used to create a plait; they are very simple and easy to accomplish. Once you understand the mechanism, it is effortless to achieve it. French braid, dutch braid, and fishtail braid are often called plait when they have only a single strand.
On the other hand, braids are very complex. They consist of multiple plaits to style and often use hair extensions to create unique designs to style the hair. It is better to get a braids style from a professional hairstylist. Cornrows, tree braids, and box braids are some of the amazing braiding styles made with these hair types.
Hair Type
Plaits and braids are used for different hair types. Plaits are usually used for straighter hair, while braids are usually used for curlier hair. Let me elaborate.
Women with type 1 (straight) and type 2 (wavy) hair usually use a single woven design known as plaits.
On the other hand, women with type 3 (curly) and type 4 (kinky) hair usually get braiding styles, consisting of multiple smaller woven designs that are pretty complex and take a long time to install properly.
Maintenance and Longevity
Braids and plaits are very easy to maintain, but one hairstyle takes more maintenance than the other.
Braids are usually done with kinky hair in a complex manner. For that reason, they are very easy to maintain and last for a long period. You will need to use a silk cap or a silk pillowcase while sleeping and moisturize your scalp regularly. Use dry shampoo to wash clean, and braids will last around 4 to 8 weeks without worry.
Plaits are also very low maintenance but have less longevity than braids. Plaits are usually done with straight and wavy hair and do not last longer than a week. The roots become loose whenever the hair grows, and so does the plait.
FAQ
In this section, I will answer some of the frequently asked questions about braids and plaits that might help you achieve a better understanding.
Question: Are plaits good for hair growth?
Answer: Plaits do not provide any extra incentive for the growth of your hair. Your hair growth depends on your genetics. But plaits usually help prevent hair breakage, making it look like it is helping to grow hair. In reality, it is protecting the strands you already have.
Question: Do braids protect or damage hair?
Answer: Braids are usually known as protective hairstyles that help to prevent moisture loss and hair breakage. For this reason, women with kinky or type 4 hair use braiding styles as their go-to hair design.
Question: Which hairstyle to choose between braids and plaits for curly hair?
Answer: Plaits and braids are extremely popular hair designs at this moment. Both of them are good for curly hair types. I suggest you get braids for curly hair instead of plaits. That will help you to weave hair extensions with braids for a fabulous look.
Final Statement
Braids and plaits are often used synonymously to indicate a weaving hairstyle that looks very similar. They differ from one another instead of their similar weaving technique and visual presentation.
They have different origins from one another, and even though they are used synonymously from the standpoint of linguistics, they are different in terms of Hairstyle. A single woven rope hairdo is called a plait, while multiple plaits make a braids hairstyle in most cases.
Plait is mostly preferred for straighter hair; braids are often considered the ideal choice for curly and kinky hair types using hair extensions. Have you converted into a believer in their differences, or are you still in doubt? Tell us in the comments below!
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