Hairstyling - The pleat

This classic has been around for many years, but needs lots of practice to execute perfectly. This is another versatile look, perfect for parties, a night on the town or a bride-to-be

The classic pleat has been around for many years, but it is a style that needs lots of practice to execute perfectly. This is another versatile look, perfect for parties, a night on the town or a bride-to-be.

Hair should have been washed the previous day and be brushed through thoroughly. Taking individual sections from the front to the nape, backcomb the hair from roots to ends.
Once all the hair is backcombed, spray lightly with fine hairspray and, using a soft brush, lightly comb the top of the hair so that it is smooth.
Smoothing the right side (or whichever is more comfortable to you), use your other hand to hold the hair into place - this side is to be pinned first.
Pin with kirby grips slightly off centre, to your left (or to your right if you started with the left side). Pin right up to near the crown area.
Taking the other side that is left out and smoothing the top all the time, start to bring it around to the centre again using the back of your arm to hold it in place.
Once it is in the centre, flip the ends of the hair under to make the pleat roll.
Using a prong pin (a thicker one), lightly slide the pin in facing outwards first and then sliding it back under the hair. Do this all the way up to secure the whole roll.
Once secure, smooth and clean up the whole roll with a soft brush and fine prong pins. Using a tail comb, gently manipulate the top hair inside the roll.
Manipulate and smooth your finished look and tuck in any stray ends, using hairspray where necessary. Use the end of a tail comb to pick out areas that are slightly flat.
Style the fringe and front areas, if necessary, backcombing for added volume and then smoothing down and fixing with hairspray.
Hairstyling - The complete guide to professional results, by Georgina Fowler, is available to buy now from www.amazon.uk