Plait vs. Pigtail — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 27, 2024
Plaits are a form of hairstyle involving strands of hair intricately woven together, often in a three-strand pattern, while pigtails typically refer to hair divided into two sections and tied, usually not braided, on each side of the head.
Difference Between Plait and Pigtail
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Plaits, known for their versatility, can be styled in various ways including the classic three-strand braid, French braid, or fishtail, among others. They are often seen as a sophisticated or intricate hairstyle that can vary in complexity. On the other hand, pigtails are most commonly associated with younger girls and are characterized by dividing the hair into two sections from the center and tying each section either with a ribbon or a hairband, usually at the back or sides of the head. While pigtails can be braided, the term more often implies unbraided or loosely braided styles.
In terms of cultural significance, plaits have been worn for centuries across different cultures around the world for both aesthetic and practical reasons. They can symbolize various societal roles or marital status, depending on the culture. Whereas, pigtails often carry a more lighthearted and youthful connotation, frequently associated with children's hairstyles, though they can also be adopted by elders for a playful or sporty look.
Regarding occasions and perceptions, plaits are adaptable and can be suited for both formal and informal settings depending on the styling. Intricate plaited hairstyles are often chosen for events like weddings or formal gatherings. Pigtails, however, are typically considered casual and are more commonly worn in informal settings or during physical activities to keep hair out of the face.
The skill level and time investment for creating plaits versus pigtails can differ significantly. Plaiting may require more dexterity and time, especially for more complex designs like a fishtail or a four-strand braid. Pigtails are generally simpler and quicker to style, making them a convenient option for daily wear or when time is limited.
Comparison Chart
Definition
A hairstyle achieved by interweaving strands of hair.
Hair divided and tied on each side of the head, may be braided or unbraided.
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Complexity
Can range from simple to complex, involving various braiding techniques.
Generally simple, with or without braiding.
Cultural Significance
Worn worldwide, often with cultural symbolism.
Viewed as youthful or casual, less culturally significant.
Occasions
Versatile, suitable for both formal and informal events.
Primarily casual, favored for daily wear or sports.
Skill Level
Varies, can require significant skill for intricate designs.
Simple, easy to create with minimal skill.
Compare with Definitions
Plait
Often used for both functional and decorative purposes.
She plaited her hair to keep it tidy while working.
Pigtail
A section of hair tied off from the rest, typically one of two such sections.
She decided to wear her hair in pigtails for the gym class.
Plait
Can refer to a single braid or multiple braids in various styles.
Her hairstyle featured several small plaits along the scalp, merging into a larger braid.
Pigtail
Represents a simple and quick hairstyle option.
With no time to spare, she quickly tied her hair into pigtails.
Plait
Symbolizes different meanings across cultures.
In some cultures, a plait can indicate a woman’s marital status.
Pigtail
Often associated with a youthful or playful appearance.
The character in the book was described as having bubbly pigtails.
Plait
A technique that can be applied to materials other than hair, such as fabric or wire.
The artisan plaited fine wires to create the jewelry.
Pigtail
Sometimes used in plural to refer to a single style.
His costume included a wig with pigtails.
Plait
A hairstyle created by weaving three or more strands of hair together.
She wore a classic three-strand plait to the party.
Pigtail
Can be worn braided or unbraided.
For a casual look, she wore her pigtails unbraided.
Plait
A single length of hair, straw, rope, or other material made up of three or more interlaced strands
She wore her dark hair in plaits
Pigtail
In the context of hairstyles, the usage of the term pigtail (or twin tail or twintail) shows considerable variation. The term may refer to a single braid, but is more frequently used in the plural ("pigtails") to refer to twin braids on opposite sides of the head.
Plait
Archaic term for pleat
Pigtail
A braid or ponytail, especially one of a pair worn one on each side of the head.
Plait
Form (hair, straw, rope, or other material) into a plait or plaits
Her hair had been plaited and coiled at the back of her head
Pigtail
A short length of wire used to connect other wires to each other or to an electrical device.
Plait
A braid, especially of hair.
Pigtail
A twisted roll of tobacco.
Plait
A pleat.
Pigtail
Tobacco twisted into a string or roll.
Plait
To braid.
Pigtail
A braided plait of hair; now especially, either of two braids or "tails" on the side of the head.
Plait
To pleat.
Pigtail
(informal) A person who wears a pigtail or queue.
Plait
To make by braiding.
Pigtail
(electrical engineering) A short length of twisted electrical wire.
Plait
A flat fold; a doubling, as of cloth; a pleat.
A box plait
Pigtail
The flamingo flower anthurium
Plait
A braid, as of hair or straw; a plat.
Pigtail
The tail of a pig.
Plait
(transitive) To fold; to double in narrow folds; to pleat
To plait a ruffle
Pigtail
(medicine) Twisted stent terminal; stent-end, usually but not necessarily a different fastened part.
Plait
(transitive) To interweave the strands or locks of; to braid
To plait hair
Plaiting rope
Pigtail
The tail of a pig.
Plait
A flat fold; a doubling, as of cloth; a pleat; as, a box plait.
The plaits and foldings of the drapery.
Pigtail
A cue, or queue.
Plait
A braid, as of hair or straw; a plat.
Pigtail
A kind of twisted chewing tobacco.
The tobacco he usually cheweth, called pigtail.
Plait
To fold; to double in narrow folds; to pleat; as, to plait a ruffle.
Pigtail
A braid of hair on either side of the face
Plait
To interweave the strands or locks of; to braid; to plat; as, to plait hair; to plait rope.
Plait
A hairdo formed by braiding or twisting the hair
Plait
Any of various types of fold formed by doubling fabric back upon itself and then pressing or stitching into shape
Plait
Make by braiding or interlacing;
Lace a tablecloth
Plait
Weave into plaits;
Plait hair
Common Curiosities
What is a plait?
A plait is a hairstyle achieved by weaving three or more strands of hair together.
What are pigtails?
Pigtails are a hairstyle where the hair is divided into two sections and tied, typically at the back or sides of the head.
Do pigtails have cultural significance?
While less culturally significant than plaits, pigtails can represent a youthful or sporty appearance in various contexts.
Are plaits and braids the same?
Yes, in many contexts, plaits and braids are interchangeable terms for the same hairstyle.
Can pigtails be braided?
Yes, pigtails can be braided or left unbraided.
Are plaits suitable for formal occasions?
Plaits can be styled to suit both formal and informal occasions, depending on the complexity and design.
How long does it take to create plaits?
The time it takes can vary widely from a few minutes for a simple plait to an hour or more for intricate styles.
Do pigtails require special accessories?
Basic accessories like hair ties or ribbons are usually sufficient for pigtails.
What's the main difference between plaits and pigtails?
The main difference lies in their styling and complexity; plaits involve weaving hair, while pigtails are simply tied sections of hair, which may or may not be braided.
Which is more complex to create, plaits or pigtails?
Plaits can range from simple to complex in design, whereas pigtails are generally simpler.
How do plaits vary around the world?
Plaits vary widely, with different cultures adopting specific styles for aesthetic, practical, or symbolic reasons.
Are pigtails easy to maintain?
Yes, pigtails are considered an easy-to-maintain hairstyle, especially if unbraided.
Is there a specific occasion for wearing plaits?
No specific occasion is required; plaits are versatile enough for both everyday wear and special events.
Can men wear plaits?
Yes, men can and do wear plaits in various cultures and contexts.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
