How to Create Cheryl Cole's Top 5 hairstyles

1. Alexander Wang style plait.

As seen on the X-Factor show, Cheryl Cole has applied extra long extensions for this particular hairstyle. This look can be also be recreated with mid-length hair, so no need to splash out on extensions.

1. Apply texture spray to the hair in random sections and blast with a hairdryer for that slightly messy, effortlessly sexy appeal. 
2. Apply a styling cream or mousse through the mid-lengths and ends. Creating a small side parting, bring the hair over and divide it into 3 random sections. The random sections will give the plait that uneven pattern for a more laid-back appearance.
3. Plait down, continuing the plait to the ends and secure by knotting. If your hair is too silky to stay in place with few knots, you can use a thin elastic hair band.
4. To finish, give the hair that matte texture by applying a small amount of moulding paste. Warm it in the hands for even application, and tease out small strands of hair for that final messy look.

2. Cheryl Cole’s faux bob.

Cheryl wears this hairstyle, amongst many, for her most recent music video 'Parachute'. This look works for all hair lengths, as well as being appropriate for all occasions.

1. Part the hair to the side and curl all over, using a wide tong for large, natural waves.
2. Split the hair into four sections (right, left, top and bottom) and tightly plait the bottom section at the back. Wind the plait into a bun close to the scalp. If you have shorter hair you can twist it into a ballerina bun. This will be concealed by the bob, so don’t worry about being too neat.
3. Backcomb the bottom of the top section with a fine-tooth comb. This will add volume to the hair for that textured lift.
4. Twist the smaller side section round to the back, and secure it to the bun underneath. 
5. Take the larger side section and top section (which you have backcombed) and create one plait, working from the middle down. Twist the plait to the side and tuck it underneath, using pins to secure it to the bun underneath. Make sure you have left a section of hair at the front. For shorter hair, you don’t need to plait it, simply tuck the hair under itself and secure it with pins.

3. Classy Updo

1. With your hair straightened, apply a small amount of styling mousse all over for that extra fix. Use a fine-tooth comb or brush to backcomb your hair. Backcomb in sections, starting from the bottom of the back of your hair. If you have long hair, concentrate your backcombing towards the roots. If you have shorter hair, backcomb to the tip. This will give the hair volume for the shape we want to create.
2. Work your way up to the top of the crown, making sure you spray a list mist of hairspray for each layer you backcomb to hold the volume in place. Leave a section at the top to smooth over our textured, backcombed hair. This section should be large enough to cover the whole updo, without having any of the hair underneath showing through.
3. Take the backcombed section and tuck the ends under at the nape of the crown, securing in place with kirby grips or a claw grip.
4. Use a mixture of thin headbands at the front of your hairline to tame back any strays and add decoration.
5. Smooth the remaining top section of you hair over your updo, using a wide-tooth comb to smooth out any gaps. Add a few extra kirby grips to secure in place at the nape of the neck, with the rest of the hair.

4. Voluptuous curls.

Cheryl styled this look using extensions to help give it more body, however this look also works without hair extensions. If you are using hair extensions, choose real hair, as they can withstand the heat of the curling tongs.

1. With dry hair, prepare the hair with a curling or smoothing cream that also protects your hair from the heat. Make a side parting and split the hair into sections (left, right, back and top) to make it easier to manage.
2. Then, using a curling iron, curl small sections of the hair, leaving a couple of inches gap at the roots. Leave the tongs on for about 10 seconds. Go for a medium barrel curling iron if you can, as this will create more natural looking, loose curls. The trick is to twist the curl through with your finger once you have released it from the curling iron. This will help set the curl as it cools down.
3. Do this to all of your hair, starting from the nape of the crown and working up.
4. Use your fingers to gently separate the curls, giving them a more natural finish. Then use a hair band to loosely tie the hair about half way down.

5. Elegant Ponytail.

Again, Cheryl has used extensions for an extra long and dramatic style, but this look will look great for anyone with medium length to long hair.

1. Making sure you have protected your hair with heat defense spray, straighten your hair until it is poker straight. - Plait small sections at random around the hairline.
2. Take the top section of hair (leaving out the very front) and backcomb the roots, working from the bottom of the section upwards. This will give your hair the height that it needs. 
3. Leaving out the backcombed section, pull the hair tightly back into a ponytail, using a fine-tooth comb to make sure the hair is smooth to the head. Add the backcombed section into the ponytail, loosely smoothing over the top with the comb. Spray a light mist of hair spray to prevent any flyaways and if your hair is layered, you can use kirby grips to keep the short layers in place.
4. When you are tying the ponytail, don’t pull the hair all the way through on the last tie, leaving a small loop at the back. You can use kirby grips to make sure it is extra secure. Let the hair hang down over one shoulder.
5. Finally, use a shine spray to give it that sleek glossy finish.