Updos for Long Hair: Step-by-Step Hairstyle Guides

Long hair offers a beautiful canvas for a variety of stunning hairstyles, and a sophisticated updo is the epitome of elegance and grace. Whether you're preparing for a special occasion or simply wish to add a touch of refinement to your daily look, mastering a few key updo techniques can transform your appearance. An intricate style can look complex, but many classic updos are surprisingly achievable with a little practice. This guide will walk you through several step-by-step methods to create beautiful updos at home.

Preparing Your Hair for the Perfect Updo

The foundation of a successful and long-lasting updo lies in proper hair preparation. Contrary to what some might think, freshly washed, silky hair can be difficult to style as it's often too slippery for pins to grip. Hair that was washed a day before often has a better texture and hold. If you must start with clean hair, using a texturising spray or a light dusting of dry shampoo at the roots can add the necessary grit and volume.

Essential Tools and Products

Before you begin, gather your styling kit. Having everything within reach will make the process much smoother. You will generally need:

• Hair ties: Both thick ones for ponytails and thin, clear elastics for securing smaller sections.
• Bobby pins: Choose pins that match your hair colour. For a stronger hold, look for pins with a matte finish.
• Hairspray: A flexible-hold spray allows for adjustments, while a strong-hold spray is perfect for setting the final look.
• A brush and a comb: A paddle brush is great for detangling, while a tail comb is useful for creating clean parts and smoothing sections.
• Optional extras: A texturising spray for grip, a volumising mousse for body, and a shine spray for a polished finish.

Before starting any updo, brush your hair thoroughly to remove any knots or tangles. If your hair is naturally very straight, you might consider adding some gentle waves with a curling tool to give the updo more texture and make it easier to shape.

Classic Updos for an Elegant Look

Some hairstyles are timeless for a reason. These classic updos are versatile enough for both formal events and more casual settings, offering a polished and put-together appearance.

The Low Chignon

The chignon is a symbol of classic elegance. This low bun, resting at the nape of the neck, is both simple and incredibly chic. Here’s how to create it:

1. Start by gathering your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck. Secure it with a hair tie.
2. Gently twist the ponytail from the base to the ends.
3. Wrap the twisted ponytail around the base of the hair tie, creating a neat bun shape.
4. Tuck the ends of your hair underneath the bun.
5. Secure the chignon firmly in place using bobby pins. Insert the pins around the bun, making sure to catch hair from the bun and the base to anchor it to your head.
6. For a softer look, you can gently pull on the bun to increase its volume or leave a few strands out to frame your face. Finish with a light mist of hairspray.

The French Twist

The French twist is a sophisticated and sleek updo that creates a beautiful vertical roll of hair at the back of the head. It may seem intricate, but it follows a straightforward technique.

1. Brush all your hair smoothly to one side, holding it at the back of your head.
2. To create an anchor, insert a row of bobby pins vertically down the centre of the back of your head, where you want the twist to sit.
3. Now, take the hair you are holding and begin to twist it back over the row of bobby pins, moving towards the centre.
4. As you twist, continue to roll the hair tightly, tucking the ends inside the roll. The bobby pins you placed earlier will give the twist something to grip onto.
5. Once the entire length of your hair is in a neat roll, secure it with more bobby pins. Insert them discreetly into the seam of the twist, angling them downwards.
6. Smooth any flyaways with a comb and set the style with a strong-hold hairspray.

Romantic and Relaxed Updos

For a softer, more bohemian feel, a relaxed or braided updo is an excellent choice. These styles are perfect for daytime events or when you want a less structured look.

The Braided Crown

A braided crown creates a beautiful, ethereal frame around the head. It's a stunning way to keep your hair up while showcasing its length and texture.

1. Part your hair down the middle, creating two equal sections.
2. Braid each section into a simple three-strand braid, starting from just behind the ear. Secure the end of each braid with a small, clear elastic.
3. To add volume and create a softer look, gently pull on the sides of each braid. This is often called 'pancaking' the braid.
4. Take one braid and lift it up and over the top of your head, like a headband. Position it an inch or two back from your hairline and secure it with bobby pins.
5. Take the second braid and wrap it over your head, placing it just behind the first braid. Tuck the end of the second braid underneath the first one to hide it.
6. Secure the second braid with bobby pins, ensuring both are stable. Remove the clear elastics if they are visible. Adjust as needed and finish with a flexible-hold hairspray.

The Effortless Messy Bun

The messy bun is a go-to for a reason: it's quick, easy, and effortlessly chic. The key is to make it look intentionally undone, not just unkempt.

1. Gather your hair into a high ponytail on the crown of your head. Don't worry about making it perfectly smooth.
2. On the last pull-through of the hair tie, don't pull your hair all the way through. Create a loop, leaving the ends of your hair out.
3. Take the loop and the loose ends and wrap them around the base of the ponytail.
4. Secure the bun with bobby pins. The placement doesn't have to be perfect; the goal is a relaxed shape.
5. Gently pull out a few small strands of hair around your face and at the nape of your neck to soften the look. You can also gently tug at the bun itself to add more volume and texture.

Making Your Updo Last All Day

Creating a beautiful updo is only half the battle; ensuring it stays in place is just as important. A few professional tricks can make all the difference.

• Criss-cross your bobby pins: For an extra-secure hold, insert two bobby pins in an 'X' shape. This locks the hair in place much more effectively than a single pin.
• Spray your pins: Before inserting bobby pins, lightly spray them with hairspray or dry shampoo. The added texture will give them more grip and prevent them from sliding out of your hair.
• Build a solid base: For styles like a high bun or ponytail, a secure base is crucial. Use a strong hair tie and ensure the ponytail is tight enough to support the weight of the updo.
• Finish with hairspray correctly: Hold the hairspray can about 30 centimetres away from your head and spray in a light, even mist. Spraying too close can make the hair wet and heavy, weighing the style down.