How to Create a Braided Updo Yourself

All seen a glamorous celeb hit the runway with some cool, funky updo and said to ourselves, "Um, sure must be nice to have a personal stylist".  Well, after seeing so many braided looks lately, it suddenly dawned on us, we can braid, too!  Then we began to wonder how complicated some of these hairstyles really are.

We especially loved Blake Lively's braided look and were determined to recreate it.  Now by following a few steps, and exercising a little patience, you can join us in sporting your own super stylish 'do.

1. Make a center part and on each side section out tresses from the hairline to about the back of the ear. These sections should run vertically. Start on one side and begin to French braid on the diagonal, making sure not to draw in any hair from outside the section. (If you do, no worries. This look is supposed to be causal and a little messy anyway.) Once you run out of hair to incorporate, braid the ends regularly, secure with a hair elastic and repeat the process on the other side.

2. Ignore the two braids for a moment and backcomb the hair throughout the crown. This will help create volume and the added texture will help the updo hold better.

3. After backcombing, smooth the hair slightly. Pull everything back, except for the braids, and twist vertically from the nape of the neck to the center of the back of the head. Now, take a deep breathe and hold the twist in one hand while inserting bobby pins vertically, close to the scalp. Once this is done, ignore the loose ends of the twist for a moment.

4. Now you can get back to the braids.  Pick them up pull them back, across the top of the twist and just under the loose section. Wrap the braided ends together and pin tightly, making sure to attach the braids and the twist together. This will hide the braided hair ends and support the loose hair.

5. You'll have the option to leave the unsecured hair alone or curl it or pin it under or work it back into the twist. The sky's the limit. The only thing now is to mist your cool new 'do with some medium-hold hairspray.