STEP 1: Shampoo hair and follow with a deep conditioner, such as Aussie Three-Minute Miracle Reconstructor (£5.29 for 250ml). Apply conditioner liberally on the ends, as this tends to be the driest part of long hair. After gently towel-drying your hair, apply a liberal application of a moisturising styling lotion and comb through to evenly distribute.

STEP 2: Part hair down the middle. You will be plaiting it in rows starting from the scalp and working back towards the base of the head. Using your comb, divide off a one-inch section of hair closest to your part at the hairline. Begin plaiting at the base of the head and continue using moderate tension. Secure the braid with a coated hair-band.

STEP 3: Continue plaiting the top row in this manner until you reach the back of the head, then begin another row just down from the first, until that side of the head has three complete sets of plaited rows, top, middle and bottom. Repeat the process for the other side.

STEP 4: It is important that your hair is completely dry before you undo the plaits, which, depending on the thickness of your hair, may take several hours. Before taking out the plaits, try a test strand from one of the back bottom rows to make sure the hair is completely dry.

 

STEP 5: Remove all hair-bands and carefully unplait the hair using your fingers – don’t comb it, as this will make your hair frizzy. The look you’re going for is textured and tousled waves.