An elegant updo can elevate any look, transforming your hair from simple to sophisticated in minutes. Many believe that creating a polished, secure hairstyle is a skill reserved for professionals, but with a few basic techniques and the right approach, anyone can master beautiful updos at home. Whether you're preparing for a special occasion or just want a chic way to keep your hair out of your face, this guide will walk you through the essential steps for creating and setting simple yet stunning styles that last all day.
Preparation is Key to a Perfect Updo
The foundation of a long-lasting updo begins long before you start styling. The texture of your hair plays a crucial role in how well it will hold a style. Hair that is freshly washed is often too soft and slippery, making it difficult to secure. For best results, it's often better to style your hair on the second or even third day after washing. This allows your hair's natural oils to provide some grip. If you must start with clean hair, you can add texture and hold by using the right products.
- Add Texture: Before you begin, apply a texturising spray or a light mousse to your dry hair. This will give it more grit and make it easier to manipulate and pin.
- Gather Your Tools: Ensure you have everything you need within reach. This includes a good quality hairbrush, a fine-toothed comb for smoothing, strong hair elastics, and plenty of bobby pins that match your hair colour.
- Brush Thoroughly: Start by brushing your hair to remove any knots or tangles. Smooth hair is much easier to work with and results in a cleaner, more polished finish.
Three Classic Updos for Beginners
You don't need complex skills to create an impressive hairstyle. These three classic updos are simple to learn and can be adapted for various occasions and hair lengths.
1. The Effortless Bun
The bun is a versatile classic that can be worn high on the head for a dramatic look, low at the nape for an elegant feel, or to the side for a softer, more romantic style. To create a simple bun, first, gather your hair into a ponytail at your desired height and secure it with a hair elastic. Twist the ponytail tightly from the base to the ends. Next, wrap the twisted hair around the base of the ponytail, creating the bun shape. Tuck the ends under the bun and secure them firmly with bobby pins. For a fuller look, you can gently tug at the sections of the bun to loosen it slightly.
2. The Simplified French Twist
The French twist exudes elegance, and a simplified version is surprisingly easy to achieve. Start by gathering your hair at the nape of your neck as if you were making a low ponytail, but don't secure it. Twist the hair upwards, keeping it tight and flat against the back of your head. As you twist, the hair will naturally start to roll inwards. Continue twisting until you reach the ends, then tuck the ends into the 'seam' of the twist. Secure the style by inserting bobby pins vertically along the seam, making sure to catch hair from both the twist and the hair underneath.
3. The Quick Braided Updo
Braids add beautiful texture and intricacy to any updo. For a very simple braided style, start by creating one or two basic three-strand braids. If you make one braid, simply coil it into a bun shape and pin it securely at the nape of your neck. If you opt for two braids (pigtails), you can cross them over the back of your head and pin the ends discreetly on the opposite sides for a lovely coronet effect.
Tips for Securing and Finishing Your Style
The secret to a professional-looking updo is a flawless finish and a secure hold. Knowing how to use your tools correctly is essential.
- Mastering Bobby Pins: For maximum hold, insert bobby pins with the wavy side against your scalp. This design helps to grip the hair more effectively. Push the pin in the opposite direction of the hair you are securing first, then rotate it to anchor the style.
- Taming Flyaways: To smooth down any stray hairs or flyaways for a sleek finish, lightly spray a clean, unused toothbrush or a mascara wand with hairspray and gently comb the stray hairs into place.
- Adding Volume: If your hair is fine or you want a fuller look, gently backcomb the hair at the crown of your head before you start styling. This creates a cushion of volume that will support your updo.
How to Make Your Updo Last All Day
Once you've created your perfect updo, the final step is to set it. To ensure your style stays in place from morning to night, hold a can of medium or strong-hold hairspray about 20-30 centimetres away from your head and mist it evenly over your entire style. This distance prevents the spray from concentrating in one area and making your hair look stiff or wet. Avoid touching your hair throughout the day, as this can loosen the style and create frizz. With these techniques, you can confidently create beautiful, long-lasting updos for any occasion.
