Need a New Year hair do but sick of curls or trying to ace the perfect blow wave? Well, the great news is that 'up dos' are very hot right now...

and they hide lots of hair sins such as locks that are in need of a wash or tresses that need taming after a day spent in the sun.

My best advice this season is to embrace your schoolgirl days, and fall in love with plaits. Of course, no one wants to imitate early Britney, so when thinking braids, think incorporating them into a stylish up do. Here's how...

  1. Pull your hair into a loose pony and pull out a small section in the front (in other words where your bangs would be) and tie the rest of your hair back so it’s out of the way while you plait.
  2. Plait this front section as neatly as you can till the braid reaches the bottom point of your ear and secure with a hairgrip behind your ear so it’s hidden.
  3. Undo your tied back tresses and brush your loose hair into a neat, low pony and secure with a hair band at the nape of your neck.
  4. Now plait your pony into a neat braid and then immediately wind the braid into a soft bun and secure with grips.
  5. Spritz on a little fixing spray for hold and smooth over with your hands to keep fly-aways in place.