<p>The party season has officially begun. </p><p>You've got your dream party dress - tick, fabulous new heels - tick, the oh-so gorgeous Anya Hindmarch Valorie clutch - tick, but what about your hair? The right style can make or break a party look, but don't stress- we've got it sorted.</p><p>The ELLE team have duteously searched for and tested the very best in-salon styles that you need to be wearing this Christmas and put together an easy how-to so you can create your dream up-do whenever and wherever you are...</p><p>This week, inspired by the ever-glamorous <a href="http://www.elleuk.com/star-style/celebrity-style-files/jessica-alba">Jessica Alba</a>, Shannon Peter, ELLE Beauty Intern headed down to The Braid Bar at <a href="http://www.fourlondon.com/">FOUR London</a> where Hair Architect Amy Heath created this braided up-do, that looks both effortlessly pretty and party-worthy in
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<p>Apply mousse through the front section of the hair to keep the hair smooth and to add gloss and shine.</p><p>ELLE loves <a href="http://www.boots.com/en/Aussie-Volume-Conditioning-Mousse-150ml_927477/">Aussie</a> Volume and Conditioning Mousse, £4.89</p>
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<p>Blow-dry the hair smooth in section, clipping each piece into a curl as you go. This will add volume and a soft wave which will help when braiding the hair later on. </p><p>Spritz with hairspray to help the curls hold their shape [ELLE loves <a href="http://www.boots.com/en/Elnett-Satin-Normal-Strength-Hairspray-400ml_1285/">Elnett</a> Satin Normal Strength Hairspray, £6.]</p>
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<p>Release each of the curls and run your fingers through to soften the wave.</p>
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<p>Section the front of the hair and use clips to hold into place. </p><p>Backcomb the rest of the hair from the front to the crown and use hairspray to hold in the volume.</p>
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<p>Using a soft bristled brush smooth the hair over the backcombed section to create a glossy bouffant look.</p><p>Pin with kirby grips at the back of the head to secure it in place.</p>
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<p>Then french plait the front sections from the centre of the head down to behind the ear. Keep the plaits fairly loose for a more natural, romantic style.</p>
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<p>Plait the section to the very end of the hair and then repeat on the other side.</p>
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<p>Cross over the two plaits and pin in the middle to secure into place.</p>
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<p>With the leftover hair, braid a few sections with either the usual plait technique or try a fishtail plait.</p><p>Then pull some of the plaited hair loose so the style doesn't look too polished.</p><p>Need some help mastering the fishtail plait? Watch our video tutorial <a href="http://www.elleuk.com/elle-tv/beauty-school/beauty-school/beauty-school-fishtail-braid">here</a>...</p>
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<p>Then begin twisting and pinning the hair at the nape of the neck, weaving the sections on top of each other. . </p>
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<p>Keep pinning the hair up as it curls naturally until all the hair is up, making sure you tuck in the ends of the plaits as you go. </p>
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<p>Finish with a quick spritz of hairspray to hold the style throughout a night of dancing. Et voila, you're good to go!</p><p>Don't fancy the DIY approach? Book in to The Braid Bar at <a href="http://www.fourlondon.com/">FOUR</a> London (prices from £35) where you can flick through a whole library of braid inspiration images or bring in a picture of your own favourite braid design.</p><p>Want some more hair inspiration? Take a look at our pick of the 50 Ultimate Celebrity Hair Looks 2012 <a href="http://www.elleuk.com/beauty/hair/hair-features/ultimate-celebrity-hair-looks-2012">here</a>.</p>