Today’s entry comes courtesy of The Hair Book‘s new editor-in-chief, Lauren Lipton. Take it away, Lauren!

The Hair Book’s vote for the most beautiful hair on the Spring/Summer 2012 runways: The sparkling French twists at Badgley Mischka. “It’s a red carpet, real old school hairdo,” says Peter Gray, who created the glamorous, modern style. But surprise: “It’s actually quite easy to do yourself,” jeweled part and all.

You’ll need: U-pins or bobby pins that match your hair color, a rat-tail comb, a paddle brush, a 1-inch barrel curling iron, Duo Eyelash Adhesive, and a strip of rhinestones or crystals. You can find Duo adhesive at drugstores and beauty supply stores; it comes in light and dark to match various skintones. Find the crystals or rhinestones at fabric or crafts stores. Be sure they’re attached to a fabric backing, not a plastic backing, so they adhere better to your scalp.
The French twist works best on longer hair. “The fewer layers you have, the easier it is,” Gray says.

1. Use the comb to part damp hair on one side. You’re aiming for a diagonal part that starts at your temple and goes all the way back to the nape of your neck. Brush the lower side of your hair flat and back, and then twist that section like a rope, following your hairline, all the way to the back of your neck. Secure the rope into a low ponytail.

2. Blowdry the hair on the opposite side using the paddle brush. Gray prepped hair with Moroccanoil Hydrating Styling Cream for “a smooth, shiny texture and soft hold,” he says. Divide hair into sections, then create horizontal barrel-style curls with the curling iron. Gray rolled each curl upward instead of downward and sprayed each section with Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray.

3. Let the curls cool, then brush them out.

4. Starting at the temple, roll hair into a French twist to the nape, securing with pins. Pull the two side ponytails together and fasten them into a single pony. Twist the single pony into a low, off-center chignon.

5. Dab your part with a little astringent to make sure it’s very clean. After skin is dry, use the lash glue to attach the strip of crystals from the front to the back of your head.

6. Brush the larger roll of hair very lightly, pulling free a few strands to make the look softer.
All thumbs? No problem. Enlist a friend to help, or book a salon styling appointment and let a pro do it for you. Enter your ZIP code in the box at the top right of this page to find a Regis Salon near you.