French Plait - Yay or Nay? Classic or Dated?

[SparkyDuchess]

Regular S&B lurker here, and could do with some thoughts.

I have shoulder blade length hair, which when I can be bothered I blow dry and straighten the bits that have gone wonky - takes about 30 mins in total, looks good (if I do say so myself )

Some days though, I blow dry the front and French plait it, starting not too high on the crown. Takes about 5 mins...

My question is, is French plaited hair classic or horribly dated? It suits me, suits the shape of my face (square jaw, high cheekbones), but is it aging (I'm 41 - look 'good' for my age, but look like an attractive 41, rather than looking younger iyswim).

If a French plait is out of the question, can you suggest anything else I can do quickly to make my frizzy if not dealt with hair look good quickly?

Bumping this as I would like opinions also!

I think plaits in any way shape or form look a bit odd on anyone over the age of about 25. Could you twist it in to a loose bun? Are we talking about hair dos for work or just schlepping around? when I'm schlepping around I use a grippy clip thing and twist it around on itself and hold it up with the bulldog grippy clip thing (Oh Gawd, I have no idea what they're called :o) I'm the same age btw, but no high cheek bones here

I think it would depend how you wear it. With mum boots and an Alice band it's never going to be a winning look! I wear one sometimes as it's easy. When my hair was a bit longer I tried perfecting a fishtail plait but found it a bit tricky. Look on YouTube for tutorials and you might have more luck. Also try sites like this for inspiration here. There are loads more out there I'm sure.

I like French plaits very much, but I do think they are 1980s. Therefore, as you are 41, I think it would draw attention to your age, whereas a younger woman might be able to get away with working a retro look. I am 45 with very long hair, and I no longer plait my hair for this reason. I usually roll my up with a clip on top, or a large chignon if I can be bothered.

Its def a dated look. A low side bun or twisted up style is far less dated. Agree Youtube a great resource for hair tutorials. I reckon only the under 25s can get away with doing a plait Im afraid

i sometimes do french plait pigtails, with a quiffy bit on top, but im 26. I think one french plait is a bit aging.

Not a good look IMHO.

Very aging unless you are at primary school.

Fine for gymnasts, synchronised swimmers and show jumpers. Whilst doing gymnastics, synchronised swimming and show jumping or dressage. Anything else is a bit dated.

Get a Brazilian blowdry done instead?

I agree that it is very dated. All you need is a fergie bow and a peplum skirt and it could be 1986.

I would go with the loose chignon and dishevelled bun. Have a look on youtube, there are loads of very good hair tutiorials on there, I am useless at putting my hair up but I can follow these, and stops me feeling I am in a rut.

I like two French plants then tuck the ends in at the nape of your neck. Also look for fishbone plant on YouTube

I like two French plaits then tuck the ends in at the nape of your neck. Also look for fishbone plait on YouTube

Fishbone plant?

Plait

French plait - classic.

So it looks like it's dated then, which was what I thought hence asking the question. Bum, it's soooooo easy.

Thanks for the links, I'll browse through and see what I can find - ideally something I can do without having to properly dry it first. I hadn't even thought of YouTube, there must be something that is easy for a lazy so-and-so like me.

Buns - I like the idea, but it always looks a mess when I try, even with a bun ring doo-dah. Perhaps I'll give it another go.

Embrace the messy bun.

It's the only do I can do.

I TRY a messy bun, but I always end up with tidy bun and look about 50

And like head mistress.

Op can I join your quest? (I stopped French plaiting my hair about 15-20 years ago btw)

Love them, but yes, it will date you.

What about a 'sock bun' - see youtube. Easy to do, and the sock (or a proper doughnut ring) gives it a nice shape and bulk if your hair is quite short. Can be messy or groomed.

Oops, x-posted. Give the bun another go. When I do DD's, I start with a ponytail, put it through the doughnut, then smooth the hair over and add a second elastic band to hold it in place, then wrap and pin the ends.

That sounds like a lot of work to me, chippy. (I am lazy.)

I just go as if I'm doing a pony, but only half pull through the hair on the second wrap of the band, then "muss".

That makes no sense, does it?

how do you muss

we need to know more

Agree - french plaits are only for children.

I'm a fan of the messy bun, I like it on the nape. Have got a doughnut, but my bun ends up like a giant 2nd head if I use it (have too much hair)

My hair is the same as yours but very fine. I wash every other day and put a pin tuck bun in on the second day. It works miles better if hair isn't freshly washed.

Put your hair in a ponytail. Starting at 12 o'clock, take a small section of hair, spray and wrap it around two fingers placed closely to the ponytail and put a hair pin in. Repeat all around. It works better if you don't look in the mirror. You can make it neat or messy.

I braid my hair at the front/side and put it in a pony.

It depends.

If you're wearing sneakers, mummy jeans and a sweatshirt, than yes, it's just wrong.

If you have good figure, wear ballet flats, skinny jeans and nice fitted jacket/loose top bit off one shoulder etc-think effortless Parisian street style- it can look good.

I think they look good. Plaits - mainly of the loose variety but still - were all over the catwalks last A/W.