Get the look - the chic quiff and French-braid up-do

The Bling Ring star Emma Watson couldn’t look less like her Paris Hilton-wannabe character with this chic quiff and French-braid up-do.

I asked Deirdre Walsh, proprietor and senior stylist at Artisan Hair Studio, how to get the look.

“Emma’s glossy plaits show off her healthy hair so begin by using a shampoo and conditioner that’s suitable to your hair’s needs.

“For this look, hair is best blow-dried smooth but not straight. You could pop a few heated or velcro rollers on the front section for the quiff, if you wish.”

Step 1: “Section the hair into four parts: a) from side parting to back of quiff including from ear forward on opposite side of parting.

b) From side (of parting) under the crown.

c) and d) are made by dividing last lower section in the middle.”

Step 2: “Sprinkle label.m Resurrection Style Dust, €14.99, on the crown for root lift.”

Step 3: “French plait section b) horizontally across keeping the roots at the crown slightly loose. To French plait, first divide the section into three equal strands. The French plait is created by crossing the outside strands of hair over the central strand. Take one of the outside strands and cross it over the centre strand. Repeat this move with the other outside strand. Using your little finger, take a further section of hair, about half the thickness of your original section, and add it to the outside section on that side.

“Cross the thickened section over the centre section. Repeat on the other side. Continue down the length of the hair, working from one side to the next and gathering all the hair from the central section into the outside sections. You should only ever be working with three sections. Continue working down the length of the sections until you run out of hair. ”

Step 4: “French plait section c) and d) up from nape vertically following outside hairlines secure underneath upper plait with. If your hair is mid-length like Emma’s, the secret is to keep the braids soft and a bit messy at the back to camouflage them being a bit shorter.”

Step 5: “Lightly back comb the roots of the front section a) lightly and sweep the hair into a soft quiff. Finish with light mist of shine spray, such as Kérastase Elixir Ultime Oil, €34.”

* Artisan Hair Studio is at Unit 6 Morris House, Douglas, Cork. Tel: [phone].