Since being a bridesmaid often means shelling out $$$ for a fancy dress and professional hairstyle, the latter might as well be one you really love (especially if the former is not). If formal updos aren't your thing, consider braiding instead—it looks just as dressed-up but with more of a bohemian vibe. Here's a brand-new red carpet braid to use as inspiration: the one Kate Bosworth wore to an event this week.
"Kate's braided hairstyle was intricate and romantic to match the scenery at the Chateau Marmont and her gorgeous Valentino dress," says celebrity hairstylist Bridget Brager, who created the look. Here's her how-to:
1. Generously apply a volumizing styling product. "I started by giving her hair a good douse of Phytovolume Actif Volumizing Spray, roots to ends."
2. Rough-dry the hair. "To set in texture and add thickness, I blew her hair dry using my hands, really concentrating on lifting the hair away from the scalp and up off of her head, especially around the hairline."
3. Create a not-too-perfect deep side part. Bridget calls this one "disheveled".
4. Braid. "Starting at the crown, along the part, I began braiding forward so the braid would fall towards her forehead concealing her hairline, which is what gave way to a soft romantic feel. Then I started a second and third braid at her temples, braiding back on each side."
5. Add these finishing touches. "Using Kevin Murphy Easy Rider pomade to tame fly aways and add a bit of shine, I loosened the braids to make them billowy and voluminous. To get the detail in the back, I wove the braids together and pinned them low to give a halo effect. To finish, I sprayed a light coat of L'Oreal Elnett hairspray and allowed any bits to fall as they may—and she was set!"
Would you wear a braided bridesmaid hairstyle? Do you like this version on Kate Bosworth?