Hair's the Scoop

Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic

Seen here at Sunday's American Music Awards, Paula Abdul finally gets it right with soft, tousled curls and a neutral color palette.

Steve Granitz/WireImage, Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images

Recreate Alicia Keys' intricate updo with this step-by-step guide, compliments of celebrity stylist Tippi Shorter:

Step One: Cleanse & Protect
After cleansing and conditioning Alicia’s hair, Tippi sprayed Pantene Pro-V Detangling Light Conditioning Spray for added protection from heat styling. It also helped smooth Alicia's hair as Tippi blow-dried with a Mason Pearson brush.

Step Two: Divide & Conquer
Tippi wanted to recreate the backward Mohawk braid that she did for Alicia’s most recent music video, so she first sectioned the hair into three sections, front to back.

Step Three: Pony Up
Next, she gathered the two outermost sections of Alicia's hair and secured it in a ponytail using Ojon Animated Styling Cream.

Step Four: Tuck It In
Using the center section, Tippi started a braid from the nape all the way to the front, making it a little off center. She then tucked the end of the braid underneath the main braid and secured with bobby pins.

Step Five: Secure Your Style
To finish the look with strong hold, Tippi used Ojon Tunu Elastik Hairspray and Bed Head Headrush Shine Spray.

Will you be experimenting with Alicia's latest look?