Julia Stiles Just Served Some Serious Hairstyle Inspo to Help Beat the Heat Wave

We're breaking down the star's better-from-the-back hairstyle

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Published on July 19, 2016 04:37PM EDT

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A major heat wave is scorching the nation this week, and while you get to sit and shiver in your office AC, celebs are still required to hit the red carpet in full hair and makeup to promote their latest projects (even in stifling humidity). And while an updo might seem like an easy fix for beating the heat, Julia Stiles decided to have the best of both worlds, combining her pretty waves with a hidden braid that kept her hair off her neck.

Celebrity hairstylist Creighton Bowman shared the scoop on how he gave the actress her better-from-the-back hairstyle at the Jason Bourne premiere.

“Our look was a gypsy inspiration,” Bowman says of the tousled braid-to-waves look. “Wild, untamed and tons of movement.”

“For this look there were no photos for inspiration,” Bowman tells PeopleStyle. “Instead it was a feeling — trying to capture the effortless style of a gypsy woman. I suggested the braid to keep it more current and give it an edge. It also gave her more freedom knowing her hair was held over one shoulder (and showing off the back of the Lela Rose dress).”

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To create the “gypsy chic” style, Bowman first began by prepping the newly-engaged star’s towel-dried strands with Leonor Greyl Tonique Hydratant to give a “nice moisture balance in the dry desert heat.”

After blowing-out Stiles’ tresses with a round brush, Bowman added random waves throughout the hair with a large-barreled curling iron to give it that “slept-in, next-day texture” appearance. The hair pro then pulled all of the actress’ strands to one side, twisted it into a slightly messy plait that ran across the back of her neck, and pinned it into place. He kept a few pieces out for a “modern and sexy” vibe.

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Bowman finished the look with a matte styling balm — Leonor Greyl Baume Bois de Rose — to prevent flyaways and then added a quick spritz of Leonor Greyl Voluforme to hold the look in place all night long.

“[Julia] was totally glowing and so ready for the premiere,” Bowman tells PeopleStyle. “She loves watching it all come together. She was excited that we captured a style that she envisioned: Sexy, strong, bold, and wild!”

What do you think of Julia’s hidden braid? Share below!

–Sarah Kinonen