Plaits, Please

Certain fashion commentators gave Sienna Miller a solid thrashing for the headband of braided hair she wore at this year’s Golden Globes. But it placed her among other eclectic stars—like Gwen Stefani and Maggie Gyllenhaal—who have also rocked the Heidi look, and in the company of models who sported the look for the spring 2007 Bottega Veneta show. Even if you’re not ready for pinning on a hairpiece (which is what Sienna used), adding braids gives a modern twist to the updo and is ridiculously easy to do. Tim Lehman, from New York’s John Frieda Salon, says start by smoothing in a dollop of shine product to give definition, and braiding only the sections of hair that frame the face. “You can pin them back to the sides or on top of the head. Just be sure to keep some wispy pieces free at the front so it looks soft.” Lehman recommends pulling the rest of the hair up into a ponytail or bun, or leaving it down for a retro Seventies vibe. “It’s such a cool and young look, and is perfect for nights when your hair refuses to cooperate,” he says.