Try this romantic braided updo for your next party or date night, inspired by a style worn once worn on the red carpet by actress and styled by Marc Townsend. It's super purdy, right?

Step 1: Day-old locks work best for this look. If you need some grit, Townsend, who has styled Jennifer Lawrence and Natalie Portman, recommends a spritz of dry shampoo or texturizing spray. Create a centre part and divide your hair into two sections at the back of your head. If your hair is shorter, the sections can be on the sides of your head, above your ears. 

Step 2: Section off front strands on both sides, creating softness around the face. For pin-straight tresses, use a large-barrel curling iron to give the tendrils a slight bend. If you have bangs, leave a few pieces next to your ears, in front and behind. 

Step 3: Braid both sections making sure they're tight, then secure each with a clear hair elastic. Using a dime-size amount of styling cream, rub your thumb and index finger together over the hair, working your way from the base of the braid to the tip. This adds texture, which gives the braid a more modern bohemian vibe, says Townsend. 

Step 4: Wrap one braid over your head, setting it about an inch back from your hairline, then secure the end with bobby pins. Wrap and secure the other braid in the same way. The braids might overlap, depending on the length of your hair. Finish with a spritz of flexible-hold hairspray. 


The final result
Tool kit:

Redken Braid Aid 03 Braid Defining Lotion, $25,  redken.ca . Dove Style+Care Flexible Hold Hairspray, $8, dove.ca . L'Oréal Professionel Wild Stylers by Techni.Art Crêpage de Chignon, $24, at select salons.

Read more: 

The top fall hair trends worth trying
Bangs on: 8 amazing celebrity hair transformations
How to chose the right hair colour

This story originally appeared in the October 2015 issue of Canadian Living.  

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