How to Get the Milkmaid Braid Right Off the Golden Globes Red Carpet

At the Golden Globes this weekend, braids were the biggest hair trend of the night. Even Jared Leto sported a plait in his ombré locks! We're excited to see that the sideswept waves and chignons typical of award season are getting upstaged by real-girl-friendlier looks. A braid is easy to do, and you can wear it on date night without looking overdressed. With the help of hairstylist Jill Engelsen of Butterfly Studio in NYC, we broke down the steps you need to re-create Golden Globe winner Joanne Froggatt's milkmaid style.

Now, this isn't your average second-day-hair updo. This milkmaid braid becomes more formal when you erase the deep part going down the back and add delicate fringe around the face. Ashley Streicher, Joanne's stylist on Sunday, wanted to create a young and modern style that would show off the actress's long drop earrings. Keep reading to get our step-by-step guide to elevating the halo braid from Heidi to Hollywood red carpet worthy. Source: Getty / Jason LaVeris, Caroline Voagen Nelson

Step 1: Blow-Dry
Caroline Voagen Nelson

Step 1: Blow-Dry

Begin by applying dry texturizing spray to the hair from roots to midshaft, and blow-dry the product into the hair for a smooth finish. Using a round brush, give the crown of the hair extra volume. To prevent tangles, Engelsen recommends putting the blow dryer down altogether.

"Set the blow dryer down, take a section at the top of your head where you want the volume, and place your round brush into the base of the hair, going away from your face," she explained. "Then pick up the blow dryer and move the nozzle with the brush all the way to the ends."

Step 2: Tease
Caroline Voagen Nelson

Step 2: Tease

Create a middle part, but don't worry if it's not quite straight. Follow the natural flow of your hair to get a less-than-formal fringe. Use a fine-tooth comb to create a zigzaggy part half an inch from the hairline on both sides of the center part. Pin away these bangs.

Back-comb hair starting at the hairline and working back to the nape in an alternating pattern, as if you were laying tile. "[Teasing] creates volume and a grip for the bobby pins when you put the braid on top," Engelsen said. Once you've teased the entire back section, smooth all the hair back using a bristle brush.

Step 3: Pigtails
Caroline Voagen Nelson

Step 3: Pigtails

Make a diagonal part from the top right to the bottom left of the larger section using just your fingers. You eventually want this part to disappear, so using a comb would make it too stark. Secure two separate pigtails with an elastic that matches your hair color.

Step 4: Plait
Caroline Voagen Nelson

Step 4: Plait

Apply more dry texture spray to the lengths of each pony, and then braid. As you go, pause periodically to loosen the plait to get a fuller, more textured milkmaid. Secure the ends with an elastic.

Step 4: Smooth

Step 4: Smooth

Using the long end of a rattail comb, lift the hair at the crown to make sure the lifted portion is even and the part is invisible. Then, smooth the section down and apply a wax to tame flyaways. This section should be sleek in comparison to the mussed-up braids.

Step 5: Pin
Caroline Voagen Nelson

Step 5: Pin

Flip the left braid up and cross it over the base of the right braid. Use bobby pins to secure the braid above the ear and over the hairline. Repeat on the other side. Where the ends meet front and center, tuck the elastics underneath the braid to create a seamless crown.

The Finished Look
Caroline Voagen Nelson

The Finished Look

The Finished Look
Caroline Voagen Nelson

The Finished Look