Product watch: Hair plaits

Plaits were the style to be seen with at Cannes this year and Cheryl Cole’s waterfall braid is the perfect do for a summer wedding. Liz O’Regan, head stylist at The Hair Bar, tells Rachel Marie Walsh how to get the look.

Step 1: “The most important first step to any up style is to prep the hair properly.” For this braid, Liz recommends products that give volume and shine. Try Aussie Miracle Shine Shampoo and Conditioner, each €7.65. “Towel dry and gently spritz your hair with John Frieda Heat Defeat Styling Spray, €6.31. Then comb through.”

Step 2: “Apply Semi di Lino Illuminating Mousse, €16.95, for body and shine. A great tip for even distribution of the mousse is to put a dollop into your hand and run a comb through it. Then use this comb through your hair. Blowdry your hair with a large round brush and set in large Velcro rollers for extra volume. This prep work ensures that your hair maintains volume and shine throughout the event.”

Step 3: “Gently tease all of your roots with a back-combing brush and lightly dust them with Label M Resurrection Style Dust, €14.99. This product is a must to achieve volume and sturdiness for your style.”

Step 4: “Using a soft bristle brush, comb the hair directly back and high from your face. This is where you will split the hair in 2 sections, top & bottom. Secure the top half with a styling pin the same colour as your hair. Now include all the remaining hair in the braiding section.”

Step 5: “Begin braiding the rest of your hair 1 inch above the occipital bone. (This occipital bone is about 2 inches below the crown) Gradually add more hair from either side of the braid. This technique doesn’t need to be perfect. The more texture and imperfections, the better the braid looks! Secure with a ribbon at the nape of the neck. Continue braiding until all the hair is included and secure with another ribbon.

Step 6: “Seal the deal with Semi di Lino Illuminating Hairspray, €18.95. This product contains diamond dust and adds a sparkly, luxurious finish to any DIY style.”

The Hair Bar is at 12 Cook Street, Cork. Tel: [phone].