Farmer's plait: Styling ideas & braiding instructions

Whether romantic, elegant or more casual: Braided hairstyles such as the farmer's plait are not only to be admired at traditional festivals. The farmer's plait most probably originated from the farmers' wives, who almost exclusively had long hair. They often wore their hair braided while working in the fields and on the farm. This allowed them to keep their hair out of their faces during the strenuous labour in the village.

This article is about the popular, rustic braided hairstyle. We provide step-by-step instructions and helpful tips on how to braid the farmer's plait yourself and reveal beautiful styling ideas that give the wearer - whether girl or woman - a new look time and time again - from casual to elegant.

What is a farmer's plait?

The farmer's plait is a classic. In this braided hairstyle, the hair is divided into two sections and then braided crosswise. The technique is similar to the French plait. In contrast, however, the farmer's plait is not braided along the head but hangs freely. This makes the hairstyle look looser and more natural. The braid can be plaited straight back or styled sideways over the shoulder. This is entirely up to the woman's personal taste.

Braid your own plait: Step-by-step instructions

If you would like to braid a farmer's plait yourself, you will find simple step-by-step hairstyle instructions here:

• Preparation: Comb or brush hair thoroughly to remove tangles. A texture spray or beach spray will give you more grip when styling.
• Part hair: The combed hair is then divided into three equal sections at the top of the head. If you opt for the side styling option, part your hair to the desired side.
• Braiding and fixing: It is best to start with the right strand and place it over the middle strand so that it forms the new centre. Then take the left strand of hair and place it over the centre strand as well. In the next step, take a strand of hair from the right-hand side and pass it over the centre strand together with the right-hand strand. Do the same with the left strand. The technique is as follows: alternate between taking strands from the right and left side until all the hair is braided. The remaining hair is braided to the end as normal. Finally, secure the braid with a hair elastic and hairspray. The farmer's plait is finished!

What should you pay attention to when braiding?

There are a few points to bear in mind when braiding a farmer's plait to achieve the best possible result:

• The hair should not have been freshly washed, but rather cleaned the day before. All hair needs grip if it is to be braided. Freshly washed hair is too soft. The hairstyle will not last as long. Dry shampoo gives just as much grip as a salt spray.
• The more precisely and evenly you section off the strands to be braided, the more beautiful the result will be. Straight hair is easier to braid than curly hair. The latter can be perfectly prepared for braiding with a round brush and hairdryer or a straightening iron.
• Braid tightly so that the plait holds well. If you prefer a more casual look, you can easily pull out a strand here and there after braiding. Of course, you should be careful when doing this. With a few strands sticking out, you can create a modern undone version of the farmer's plait.

Styling ideas and variations for the farmer's plait

The farmer's plait offers a multitude of styling options to give free rein to your own ideas. Here are a few braid variations with a personalised touch:

Gretchen hairstyle

What is meant here is that the farmer's plait is plaited to the side and then pinned in place with pretty hairpins as desired. A classic, romantic and playful look, especially for young women and girls.

Braided hair wreath

These braided hairstyles are often seen at regional festivals and, of course, at the Oktoberfest in combination with a chic dirndl. To create a hair wreath from the rustic braid, braid two rustic braids to the right and left of the head. These are then placed over the head to form a hair wreath and fastened securely.

Accessories

Depending on your taste, motto and playfulness, hair ribbons, flowers or bows add a special touch. They decorate the hairstyles and make them even more of an eye-catcher at any party. The farmer's plait can also be put into a bun. Here, the hair should definitely be well secured - with bobby pins (hair clips) and hairspray to hold it in place.

Who does the farmer's plait suit?

The farmer's plait is a versatile hairstyle that suits almost everyone. Young women and girls are more likely to be the target group here than older women. Nowadays, of course, every woman can wear whatever she likes. And whether long or medium-length hair, straight or curly - the farmer's plait can be adapted to different hair types and face shapes. For a rather round face, a side plait is suitable, which stretches the face beautifully. The centre peasant plait is perfect for more elongated faces. It creates harmonious proportions.

Conclusion and two more tips for the farmer's plait hairstyle

If you like to wear braided hairstyles often, you should have your split ends and ends trimmed regularly. This will make the farmer's plait & co. look even more beautiful and sophisticated. Alternatively, the toothbrush trick can also help to tame stubborn hairs: Simply apply some hairspray to a clean toothbrush and use it to smooth fine baby hairs and protruding hairs. To find out which braided hairstyles suit you best, there's only one thing to do: try them out!