subject: How To French Pleat Your Hair Using Your Favourite Hair Clip [print this page] Whether for work or for a formal event, the French Pleat or French Twist is a classic style that suits any woman with long hair beautifully. Normally requiring an abundance of hair grips, hair spray and backcombing, the French pleat can also be made simply and quickly just using a single barrette or hair clip.
In this article you will learn how to do a quick French twist or pleated style. Once you get the hang of the technique, you will be able to put your hair up beautifully in less than three minutes.
Step 1: Hold your hair in a ponytail with one hand.
Depending on the length of your hair, your starting ponytail will create the bottom crease of your French pleat. For hair longer than shoulder length, begin with a very low ponytail at the nape of your neck. For shoulder length hair, start your ponytail at the centre of your head.
Step 2: Start twisting your hair.
Keep your ponytail down for one or two twists. Twist tightly to keep the edge of your pleat looking neat.
Step 3: Holding the twisted section of your ponytail, fold your hair up to form the basic shape of your French pleat.
Still holding the ends of your hair, pull your ponytail straight up, quite taut, and continue to twist your hair tightly. This should pull your hair from the side neatly up and over your twisted ponytail. If it doesn't, pinch some hair from the bottom and gently ease this up to create a smooth looking roll. Keep twisting your hair tightly all the way to the ends.
Step 4: Decide whether you want the tails of your hair in or out.
Once your pleat is completely formed and the crease runs up to the edge of your crown near the top of your head, if the ends of your hair are still sticking out you can leave them cascading loose, or fold them under for a clean, classic look.
To fold your ends into your pleat, tuck them into your pleated edge, hiding them underneath the roll and against your head.
Step 5: Choose your favourite hair clip to hold your French pleat.
Larger barrettes with a high arched clasp, as well as concorde style beak hair clips or Ficcare clips, are very good for giving your French pleat a strong, reliable hold. Just slide them across your pleat horizonally and close them across your hair.
If you are familiar with the Stone Bridge "back scoop" technique, then there are a variety of other hair accessories that will elegantly hold your hair in place as well.
French pleat combs give an especially good hold and are particularly recommended if your hair is fine or slippery in texture.
French U pins are very popular, as they almost disappear into your hair, but can provide an excellent strong hold.
Hair sticks and forks also look wonderful in a French pleat, creating a clean and simple finish to your hair.