Romantic, chic and easy-as-pie? The roughed-up mega-braid Jessica Alba wore to the 2016 Baby2Baby Gala November 12 is giving Us life! Think of this look as your go-to for every holiday party, all season long. And the best news? The messier, the better — so no worries if you’re on day three (or seven!) of your blowout. Plus, it flatters pretty much everyone. We’re not sure if, um, that massive braid is all Alba’s real locks, but clip-in hair extensions (such as Christie Brinkley’s Hair2Wear) can add braid-able length to shorter styles and beef up thinner tresses.
From left: Honestly Uplifted Volumizing Spray ($24), Honestly Effortless Sea Salt Spray ($18), Harry Josh Pro Tools 1.25-Inch Curling Iron ($185)
Stylish caught up with Davy Newkirk, the mane man behind Alba’s look, to get all the deets. Newkirk, who also works with Rachel Bilson and Nicole Richie, started the style with wet hair (but if you’re going from cubicle to cocktails, jump ahead to the next paragraph). First, he gave roots several shots of volumizing spray, then misted a surf spray (both from her line Honest Beauty) from scalp through ends to boost body. After rough-drying hair using his hands, Newkirk waved random sections on a 1 1/4-inch curling iron to add texture throughout.
Then the braiding magic began. First, Newkirk brushed hair out to give it that romantic feel, then created a basic three-strand plait, starting at the nape of the neck, securing with an elastic a few inches from the bottom. He suggests roughing up the braid with your fingers, gently pulling it out at the sides and loosening a few strands around the hairline.
From left: Truly Kissable Lip Crayon in Mulberry and Marsala ($18 each), Honestly Beauty Brow Filler, ($15)
But the fab hairstyle isn’t the only thing we’re crushing on. Another source of totally doable holiday glam inspiration is this effortless makeup look, the mainstays of which are bold brows and universally flattering candy-pink lips. The mom of two (Honor, 7, and Haven, 5, with husband Cash Warren) layered two shades of berry lip crayons to get the perfect saturated stain.