Braids are back for autumn/winter

Proof, if proof were needed, that fashion goes in circles: not so long ago, braids were for our little niece, secured with a fluorescent pink bobble and topped with Dora the Explorer’s plastic head — you know the look. Well, brace yourselves: braids are back in a big way. From the catwalk to magazine pages and the artfully styled manes of our favourite celebrities, they’re everywhere. Sometimes fine and discreet, sometimes worn as a crown woven close to the scalp, left messy or polished to the last hair… Yes, braids are the breakout hairstyle trend of autumn/winter, and they work in every possible guise.

Jennifer Aniston never abandons her glossy blow-dry or Californian blonde, and when she wears a braid it’s all in the finesse: sleeked close to the scalp in a minimalist version over wavy hair.

Molly Sims’s golden mane is styled in that knowing done-undone way, with a side braid pinned close to the scalp and the rest of her hair gathered to one side. We love the slightly bohemian look it gives her, for day or night.

For anyone who still finds braiding a challenge, there’s the option of small braids scattered here and there: take a cue from Rachel Bilson, once of The O.C., who tucks two little plaits into soft waves — a simple style with a deliberately considered feel.

Rebecca Romijn, meanwhile, chooses an easy side braid: remember to let a few loose strands escape for a more bohemian than classic finish.

Nicole Richie, queen of boho style, goes for a braid woven across the scalp that ends in a soft, messy bun low on the nape. We love how her blonde balayage lights up the intertwined sections. She gets it absolutely right.

A quick aside for this model, who wears a long, tight braid tied with a piece of fabric for a rustic touch.

For blonde Sienna Miller, it’s a braided crown over a messy bun: note the strands escaping on all sides, which reinforce the playful, romantic look.

Blake Lively, like Rachel Bilson, opts for braids in small doses, prettily scattered through the blonde waves of her mane: you notice them more than they announce themselves.

Ciara wears cornrows braided close to the scalp, which frame her pretty heart-shaped face.

Fergie leans further into boho influence, wearing a tight black braid with hair slicked close to the scalp and a wet-look finish. Note the silver tie fastening the braid — a good idea to adapt to your own mood. But before the vampy braid, Fergie wore it very blonde and a little undone, for a much more romantic feel.

Sarah Michelle Gellar goes for a braid laid across the head and a tousled bun, adopting the trend without hesitation.

Kate Hudson chooses a romantic braid with plenty of volume at the back of the head and a few curls left loose around the face. It’s actually a fairly simple style to do, and it makes quite an impression.

On Leighton Meester, the braid starts on the scalp and is tied behind the head like a half-up style — very clever.

On redhead Isla Fisher, a fine braid crosses glossy, straightened hair and blends freely into the back of the head.

Blake Lively again, with a slightly messy braid that starts as a high ponytail and falls into a tangle of strands that isn’t always obvious. A pretty result, but for all its apparent disorder this style still needs a fair bit of skill.

Mary-Kate Olsen wears the grungy braid: tousled strands framing her face and a fine, messy side plait, a very ‘just got out of bed’ look that we know she loves.

Jessica Alba, for this pretty messy bun with a braid across the scalp: decidedly the star hairstyle of the moment.

What it costs

Budget depends on who does the braiding. If you do it yourself, expect to spend a few pounds: a metal-free spiral hair tie, a satin ribbon and a soft brush can be found at a supermarket or haberdashery for a small sum, and they’ll last for months.

In a salon, simple braided styles often start at around £30–£50; a braided crown or bun for an occasion is more likely to sit between £50 and £90; and styles with added hair, cornrows or knotless braids tend to rise to between £80 and £200. Three factors affect the price: the length and density of your hair, the intricacy of the work requested, and the time spent in the chair — a whole afternoon is not unusual for the most elaborate styles. Prices also vary a great deal from one city and salon to another: ask for a quote before you settle in, especially when the style is meant to last several weeks.