How-To: Haley Bennett by Hair Prescriptives

In-demand celebrity stylist Giannandrea, Creative Director for Hair Prescriptives hair care, calls the look he gave “it-girl” actress Haley Bennett at the Rome Film Festival “a regal, modern, glamorous updo with a sense of romanticism. This soft, yet elegant, updo is the perfect choice for a contemporary aesthetic that blends a classical imperial theme of a romantic era with a modern, soft, braided crown. This paired perfectly with her magnificent dress by Dolce & Gabbana.”

Giannandrea was honored in 2015 with a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Hairstyling for his work with Christina Aguilera on NBC’s "The Voice." In 2016 and 2017, the Hollywood Beauty Awards nominated him for Hairstylist of the Year.

He shares how to achieve this look:

1. Blow dry freshly washed hair with a large round brush in sections to create overall volume. "On Haley, I had 12 sections in total," Giannandrea says. Apply a working hair spray to each section and pin into place, and let the hair cool down for a few minutes.
2. Release the hair from the pins, and brush through hair lightly with a boar brush to amplify the volume.
3. Using a tail comb, create a triangle on the top part of the head from temples to top crown. Then clip/pin that place; it will be the last part of the hair to be gathered prior to finishing. 
4. Split the back of the head in 2 sections. Brush each section upward to the top side of crown. Using a thin elastic band, make a ponytail from each section for later braiding.
5. Apply Hair Prescriptives Daily Nourishing Styling Cream. "I used a small dab, emulsified in my hands/fingers and ran it only through in the ponytail before braiding," Giannandrea notes.
6. Braid each pony lightly and cleanly in an ordinary braid, and tighten the end with a very small, clear elastic band. At this point, the back and sides of hair will be up into 2 braids.
7. Take down the triangle section on top and brush it sideways to allow the hair to cover the temples and part of the sides. Gather the hair on top between the braids and wrap it into a small bun.
8. Taking one of the braids, start from back to front and wrap it around the bun while pinning it in place as you go around it. Do the same with the second braid, and pin it in place to create a double top crown.

Giannandrea notes, “Make sure the braids are secured into the top bun! Once complete, open up the braids slightly, using your fingers. The front part of the hair must be kept into a side soft top swooping volume. Leave little bits of hair around the face and ears to enhance the overall softness and frame the face!”