Curls possess a unique beauty and texture, but styling them into an updo can sometimes feel like a challenge. The goal is to create an elegant, secure style without sacrificing the natural bounce and volume that makes curly hair so special. Fortunately, with the right techniques and a light-handed approach, you can achieve stunning updos that last all day while feeling completely weightless. This guide will walk you through simple methods for styling your curls into beautiful updos, ensuring they remain vibrant and full of life.
Preparing Your Curls for an Updo
A successful updo starts long before you pick up a single hair pin. Proper preparation is key to ensuring your curls are defined, manageable, and ready to be styled.
Start with a Good Foundation
Your wash day routine sets the stage for your style. Use cleansing and conditioning products formulated to enhance moisture and definition in curly hair. Avoid heavy formulations that can weigh down your strands from the start. After washing, apply your preferred curl-defining cream or mousse to damp hair, distributing it evenly. It is often best to let your curls air-dry or use a diffuser on a low heat and speed setting. This helps to form well-defined, frizz-free curls that will look polished in an updo.
Refreshing Second or Third-Day Curls
Updos are a perfect styling option for hair that isn't freshly washed. To prepare second or third-day curls, you may not need to wash them again. Instead, lightly mist your hair with water or a curl-refreshing spray to bring back some moisture and bounce. Gently scrunch your hair to reactivate the curl pattern. This simple step will make your hair more pliable and easier to shape into your desired style.
Quick and Easy Updo Techniques
You don't need complicated techniques to create a beautiful updo. These simple styles work wonderfully with the natural texture of curly hair, celebrating its volume and shape.
The Elevated Messy Bun
The messy bun is a classic for a reason, and it looks particularly stunning with the texture of curly hair. To create it, gather your hair loosely at the crown of your head, as if you are making a high ponytail. On the last pull-through of your hair elastic, only pull the hair halfway to create a looped bun, leaving the curly ends free. You can then gently pull at the base to add volume and arrange the loose ends around the bun, pinning them where needed. The key is not to pull the hair too tightly, allowing the curls to maintain their natural shape.
The Pineapple Updo
A 'pineapple' is a high, loose ponytail on top of the head that lets your curls cascade forward. While often used to protect curls while sleeping, it can easily be adapted into a chic daytime look. Simply gather your hair at the very top of your head and secure it loosely with a soft hair tie. Fan the curls out and arrange them artfully. For a more formal look, you can wrap a silk scarf around the base of the ponytail or use decorative pins to secure a few tendrils in place.
The Low Curly Ponytail or Bun
For a sophisticated and elegant style, a low ponytail or bun is an excellent choice. Part your hair as you prefer, or simply sweep it back. Gather your curls at the nape of your neck and secure them with a hair tie. You can leave it as a simple ponytail, letting the curls create a beautiful cascade down your back. Alternatively, twist the ponytail and wrap it into a low bun, securing it with pins. Remember to leave a few face-framing tendrils out to soften the look.
Securing Your Style with a Light Touch
The secret to a long-lasting curly updo is securing it effectively without flattening the curls or creating tension. The tools you use are just as important as the technique.
Choosing the Right Pins
Standard bobby pins can sometimes be too tight for voluminous curls and may disrupt the pattern. Consider using alternatives for a gentler hold. U-shaped hair pins are excellent for anchoring sections of hair without compressing them. Spiral or spin pins are another fantastic option; just two of these can often do the work of twenty bobby pins, holding a bun securely in place with minimal disruption to your curls.
The Art of Strategic Pinning
When pinning your updo, work with the natural direction of your curls. Instead of pinning strands flat against your head, use pins to anchor the base of a section to your scalp, allowing the rest of the curl to remain free and voluminous. Hiding the pins within the bulk of the hair will give your style a more seamless and professional finish. The goal is to create an internal support structure for the style, rather than forcing the hair into place from the outside.
Achieving a Lasting, Weightless Hold
The final step is to lock in your style. With curly hair, it's crucial to choose products that offer hold without stiffness or residue.
- Light-Hold Hairspray: Opt for a flexible or light-hold hairspray. These are designed to provide control while allowing for natural movement.
- Finishing Mist: A shine or anti-frizz mist can add a beautiful lustre to your finished style and help tame any flyaways without adding weight.
- Correct Application: Whatever product you choose, application is key. Hold the can or bottle at least 20-30 centimetres away from your head and apply it in a light, even mist. Avoid concentrating the product in one area. A light layer is all that's needed to give your beautiful curly updo the longevity it deserves.
