Inspired by Sienna Miller’s statement braided ‘do at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival, our Creative Director Kieron Fowles shows you how to create a similar braided chignon – perfect for the Christmas party season!

STEP 1: Smooth a small amount of Wella SP Luxe Oil through damp locks before blow drying.

STEP 2: Take a diagonal section of hair from the top of the head at each side.

STEP 3: Split the hair into two down the centre, pinning one side out of the way.

STEP 4: Start to plait the hair from the front in a reverse scalp braid. A reverse braid uses three pieces like a French braid but instead of crossing each section over the other, take them through the central braid each time.

STEP 5: Once all of the hair from the central panel has been added to the braid, continue plaiting to the ends and secure with a hair tie.

STEP 6: Repeat the braiding technique on the other side.

STEP 7:  Split the rest of the hair into five sections: two at the front, another two on each side and one at the back.

STEP 8: Braid the back section of hair first and secure at the ends.

STEP 9: Take the front left panel of hair and braid in the same way. Repeat on the right side.

STEP 10: For the side sections, create a fishtail plait. Cross each piece of hair from the outside into the centre – for more tips on how to do a fishtail braid, watch our how-to video.

STEP 11: Gently pull out each braid for a relaxed finish.

STEP 12: Cross over the top two braids at the back of the head and pin into place.

STEP 13: Cross the front braid under the top braid and repeat on the opposite side.

STEP 14: Plait the three braids together on each side and secure at the ends. 

STEP 15: Cross the braids over each other again, fold the hair underneath and pin into place. Finish with a mist of Wella SP Luxe Oil Light Spray for subtle shine.

For more party hair inspiration, why not take a look at more of our how-to guides? Faux bob, Hollywood waves and glamorous twisted ponytail.

(Photo credit – Sienna Miller: Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock)