Braid pigtails probably bring up some of the following phrases in your mind: schoolgirl, juvenile and Pippi Longstocking. Well, this year, braid pigtails are getting a new lease of life, thanks to the A List.
First Alexa Chung, ever the early adopter and perennial style icon, rocked her mid-length hair in baby braids, secured with ribbon bows. Then, over Christmas, Kim Kardashian West sported impossibly long, impossibly glossy French braided pigtails (with daughter North in a identical mummy-and-me style, natch). And so, a trend was born.
The pigtail braid was everywhere at fashion week, worn in a boxy, sporty style by A-listers like Karlie Kloss and celebrity royalty like Harper Beckham - mummy Victoria's cute snap of the four-year-old's braids was the most popular post on Instagram during New York Fashion Week. Looks like the humble plait has some serious social media clout...
The beauty of the modern pigtail is that it can be worn so many ways. If you're an insouciant Alexa, you can wear your 'tails unfussy and with plenty of cool, matte texture. If you're a glamour puss like Kim, you can amp up the shine factor and go for French braiding to give the look a more polished feel.
Want to try the trend? We're all for it - we recommend using some texturising spray (can't say better than Bumble & bumble's Surf Infusion Spray, £21.50) on weekend, unwashed hair, using a slick of Redken Braid Aid 03, £19 to tame flyaways and go for a loose style. When you're ready to be braver, try working two French braids (read our guide here) into pigtails and pull them tight and taut for a glossy look.
2015 might have been about the hun, but 2016 could very well be the year of the pigtail.
Celebrity Pigtails
1 of 7Alexa Chung
On anyone else, this couldn't work. Ribbons? On pigtails? Over the age of 12? But on Alexa, it's just oh-so-chic.
2 of 7Charli XCX
Charli's directional 'do shows that plaits don't have to be girly. Her style's equal parts provocative and punky, and we seriously rate it.
3 of 7Gwen Stefani
ONLY Gwen. Only Gwen. It's bonkers, but totally brilliant. Hats off!
4 of 7Jess Glynne
We love this fun, youthful look on Jess. It's super cute and a great daytime style.
5 of 7Leigh Anne Pinnock
This is a true braid bonanza. From those slicked-back plaits up top, to the rope-like twists flying free, Leigh Anne's look is seriously cool.
6 of 7Leona Lewis
We love these chunky braids on Leona - her thick, luscious hair is perfect for this style.
7 of 7Rita Ora
This could be a contender for our favourite braided style ever. Hair supremo Chris Colls whipped up this pretty yet gritty style for Rita, complete with beads and pearls. See you in Hobbycraft.