Emily Blunt’s braided updo is about to become your new staple

We just want to take a moment to chat to you about Emily Blunt’s excellent braid - because it’s EVERYTHING.

The actor attended and (hosted) the recent American Institute for Stuttering (AIS) Benefit Gala wearing the most enviable braided crown updo.

If there’s one person who loves braids and waves, it’s Emily Blunt - she’s no stranger to this stunning red carpet ‘do (just see here and here). However, in our honest opinion, this ethereal, intricate little number is definitely The One.

Celebrity hairstylist and braiding queen Sarah Potempa is the owner of the nimble hands behind the striking hairstyle – and while it seems like it would be almost impossible and fiddly to ever copy, we have come bearing good news (as always).

Potempa, who is also the creator of the rotating curling wand, the Beachwaver (see it in action here), proved that Emily’s braid is actually super doable when she shared the DIY details in a recent blog post. You’ll master it in no time! (P.S. brides-to-be, take note!)

Before you start, your hair should have a slightly rough, thick texture, so brush your hair to remove any tangles and knots before applying a smidgen of hair gel throughout the lengths to ensure a long-lasting hold. 

From here, we’ll pass over to Potempa to fill you in on the rest.

First up, she curled Emily’s hair with her Beachwaver S1 for texture and volume. Then, she sectioned the hair below the ear and used a Darby Clip to keep the rest of the hair out of the way. Next, Potempa separated the hair that was left out into three pieces and began to create a Dutch braid, repeating the mantra, “Left under the middle, right under the middle.” 

Potempa then continued to repeat this motion, adding small sections of hair from the root as she worked her way around the crown of the head (pro tip: to keep it looking sleek, braid smaller sections of hair and keep each strand taught and tight!), leaving out a couple of waved tendrils around the hairline.

“When you’ve gone all the way around, complete the braid to the ends of the hair, and secure with a clear elastic. Take the tail of the braid and tuck it under the side you started. Secure the ends with two bobby pins,” says Potempa.

To make sure your braid stays in place, we recommend finishing with a hairspray such as Pantene Smooth Hairspray to give control and shine.

Voila! Braided perfection.

Nailed this braided crown updo? Check out some more amazing braid looks and hairstyle techniques that’ll seriously up your hair game.

What do you think of this DIY braid crown? Would you try it? Let us know in the comment section below.

Main image credit: Getty