Naturally curly hair possesses a unique beauty, with its intricate texture and voluminous form. Creating an elegant updo can be a wonderful way to showcase these qualities, turning bouncy spirals into a sophisticated hairstyle. The key to a successful updo with curly hair lies not in taming the curls, but in working with their natural shape to create a look that is both structured and full of life. With the right preparation and techniques, you can achieve a stunning style that lasts.
Preparing Your Curls for an Updo
The foundation of any great curly updo is well-prepared hair. Starting with clean, moisturised, and defined curls is essential to prevent frizz and ensure your style holds. Begin with your usual washing and conditioning routine, using products that cater to curly hair's need for hydration. After washing, while your hair is still damp, apply your preferred styling products like a leave-in conditioner, curl cream, or mousse. Distribute the product evenly using your fingers or a wide-tooth comb. To encourage definition, you can scrunch sections of your hair upwards towards the scalp. Allow your hair to air-dry or use a diffuser on a low heat and speed setting to dry it without disrupting the curl pattern. It is crucial to avoid creating an updo with wet hair, as this can stretch the curls and lead to a less defined result once dry.
Techniques for Creating Volume and Structure
Volume is often a natural gift of curly hair, but for an updo, you may want to enhance it, particularly at the roots. To build volume without creating frizz, work with dry, prepared hair. Gently use your fingertips to lift the hair at the crown and massage the roots. This creates a soft, natural lift. For more targeted volume, you can use a pick comb to fluff the hair from underneath, being careful not to disturb the outer layer of curls. Another technique involves sectioning the top part of your hair and inserting small clips at the roots to hold them upright for a few minutes. This simple trick can provide a subtle but effective lift that supports the structure of your updo.
Simple and Elegant Updo Ideas
You don't need complex techniques to create a beautiful updo. Simple styles often work best to highlight the texture of your curls.
The Pineapple Updo
This is a classic and easy style for curly hair. Gather your hair into a very high, loose ponytail on top of your head, allowing your curls to cascade forward and around your face. Secure it with a soft hair tie or a scrunchie to avoid creating a dent. This style is not only chic for a daytime look but also practical for protecting your curls while you sleep.
The Twisted Crown
For a romantic and elegant look, a twisted crown is a perfect choice. Part your hair as you prefer. Take a section of hair from one side of the parting near your face and begin to twist it backwards, gradually incorporating more hair as you move along your hairline. Pin the twist in place at the back of your head. Repeat on the other side. You can then either twist the remaining loose hair into a low bun or pin the ends of the twists to create a seamless crown.
The Low Bun with Face-Framing Tendrils
This sophisticated style is ideal for more formal occasions. Gently gather your hair at the nape of your neck. Instead of pulling it tight, keep it loose to preserve volume. Twist the hair into a bun and secure it with U-pins or bobby pins, which are often better at holding curly hair without flattening it. Carefully pull out a few curls around your face to soften the look and frame your features.
The Art of Pinning and Securing
Securing curly hair requires a gentle touch. Standard bobby pins can sometimes be too tight or get lost in voluminous hair. Consider using U-shaped pins (also known as hairpins), as they can hold sections of hair in place with less tension. When using bobby pins, try inserting them with the ridged side against your scalp for a better grip. To secure a bun or a twist, insert the pin in the direction opposite to the way you wrapped the hair, then rotate it and push it into the base of the style. This creates an anchor that holds the hair securely without being visible.
Enhancing Your Updo with Accessories
Accessories are the final touch that can elevate your curly updo from simple to stunning. The texture of curly hair provides a fantastic backdrop for a variety of embellishments.
- Decorative Pins: A few strategically placed pearl or gemstone pins can add a touch of glamour to a bun or twist. Nestle them into the folds of your updo to catch the light.
- Ribbons and Scarves: A thin silk ribbon or a small scarf can be woven through a crown twist or tied around the base of a high ponytail for a pop of colour and softness.
- Combs and Clips: An ornamental comb slid into the side of a low bun or a decorative clip placed above the ear can create an elegant focal point. Choose accessories that complement your hair's volume rather than competing with it.
