The baroque era is synonymous with opulence, drama, and intricate detail, and its hairstyles are no exception. A baroque-inspired hairdo, with its impressive volume, cascading curls, and ornate accessories, is a perfect choice for a grand occasion like a ball or carnival. This style transforms hair into a true work of art, ensuring you make an unforgettable entrance. Creating this look is a process of building structure, shaping curls, and adding the perfect finishing touches to capture that historical elegance.
Foundations for Baroque Volume
The hallmark of any baroque hairstyle is its dramatic volume, especially at the crown and sides. Achieving this gravity-defying height requires proper preparation and the right techniques to build a solid foundation. Without a strong base, the style will not hold its magnificent shape throughout the event.
Start with the Right Base
Begin with clean, completely dry hair. Applying a volumising mousse or root-lifting spray to damp hair before blow-drying can provide an initial boost. Direct the heat from the blow-dryer at the roots while lifting the hair with your fingers or a round brush to encourage lift from the very beginning. It's crucial that your hair is free of any heavy products that might weigh it down.
The Technique of Backcombing
Backcombing, or teasing, is essential for creating the core structure. Work in small, manageable sections, focusing on the crown area and the upper back of your head. Hold a section of hair straight up, and using a fine-tooth comb, gently push the hair down towards the scalp in short, soft strokes. This creates a cushioned base of volume. Once you have teased a section, gently smooth over the very top layer of hair to hide the backcombing, creating a smooth yet voluminous surface.
Crafting Exquisite Curls
Baroque curls are not loose, beachy waves; they are intentionally shaped, structured, and polished. The goal is to create defined ringlets that can be arranged artfully, whether they are pinned up or left to cascade down. The uniformity and bounce of the curls contribute significantly to the hairstyle's luxurious feel.
Using Heat Styling Tools
A curling iron or wand with a medium-sized barrel is ideal for this. Take one- to two-inch sections of hair and wrap them around the barrel, holding for several seconds before releasing. For maximum longevity, pin each fresh curl to your head with a clip while it cools. This helps the curl set in its shape, ensuring it lasts for hours. Continue this process all over your head until all your hair is curled.
Structuring the Updo: Half-Up vs. Full Updo
With your voluminous base and set curls, you can now decide on the final structure. Both half-up and full updo styles are authentic to the baroque spirit, offering different ways to showcase the hair's volume and texture.
The Elegant Half-Up, Half-Down
This style is romantic and slightly softer. Gently gather the top half of your hair, including the voluminous crown you created with backcombing. Pull it back and secure it high on the back of your head with hairpins or a clear elastic. Ensure the height at the crown remains prominent. You can then artfully arrange some of the pinned curls around the fastening point, letting the rest of the curls fall freely down your back and over your shoulders.
The Classic Full Updo
For a more formal and dramatic statement, a full updo is the perfect choice. This involves strategically pinning up all the curls. Start by pinning curls at the nape of your neck, working your way up. Arrange the curls in a visually pleasing cluster at the back of your head, allowing some to sit higher than others to build dimension. Don't aim for perfect symmetry; a slightly asymmetrical arrangement often looks more sophisticated and natural. Use plenty of U-shaped hairpins to secure the style without flattening the curls.
The Final Flourish: Choosing and Placing Accessories
Accessories are the final, defining touch of a baroque hairstyle. They elevate the look from a simple updo to a statement of grandeur, catching the light and drawing attention to the intricate details of your hair.
Selecting Your Adornments
Choose accessories that complement the opulent theme. Good choices include:
- Pearl-tipped hairpins
- Crystal or rhinestone hair combs
- Delicate silk or velvet ribbons
- Small, decorative hair vines
- Feathers or subtle floral pieces
Strategic Placement and Finishing
Place your chosen accessories where they will have the most impact. A sparkling comb can be slid in at the side of an updo, while individual pearl pins can be scattered throughout the curls to create a starlit effect. A ribbon can be woven through the updo or tied at the base of a half-up style. Once all accessories are in place, generously mist your entire hairstyle with a strong-hold hairspray. This will lock everything in place, control flyaways, and ensure your magnificent creation lasts all night long.
