Make the most of your hair for a special occasion, whether it be a wedding, formal event or just to go out with your friends. Here are some basic tips on how to create the perfect updo.

The basic essentials for an updo are hair pins, hair mousse or hair spray, hair ties, a hair brush and a comb. For weddings or a prom you can add flowers or pearls to pin up your hair.

Some tips before getting started: Do not wash your hair on the same day. It is better to wash it the night before using a mild shampoo such as Aveda hair shampoo. It makes your hair easier to style, it is not as slippery and the hairstyle lasts longer. Avoid putting in styling products and tying your hair up.

Pin curlers and apply hair mousse–Schwarzkopf professional is a great brand to try–to add fullness and build volume for thin or fine strands of hair.

Start with front section using hair pins and a comb: Simply divide strands with the comb and put it up with hair pins. Continue on with the sides and finish with the back of the head. You can leave fine strands out if you like a more romantic look. In the end, add hair accessories and fix the updo with hair spray.

This is how you do the most common ones:

Chignon – Tie your hair up into a loose ponytail. Comb back the ponytail and tie the lower end with a hair tie. Turn the lower end, including the hair, tie inwards. Pin up the upper and lower hair tie with hair pins. Pull Chignon gently apart to both sides. Pin it up on both sides and fix chignon with hair spray.

Easy updo (great if you’re short on time) – Comb back hair and draw back gently. Twist strands from sides into one braid and pin them up. It is important to have really thick strands. Tie your hair into a ponytail, and the second time do not pull it all the way though the hair tie.

Upgraded Bun – Brush hair tight to the back and tie it up into an upper ponytail. Roll a strand around the hair tie and pin it up. Split hair into two thick strands, turn inwards and pin them up with hair pins. Gently fan them out to both sides and pin up. Wrap split ends around bun and pin them up. It sounds a little complicated but it is not. Just try it!

Updo for special occasions – Comb back hair and draw back gently. Turn in hair loosely on your neck and roll into a bun. Pin up sides of bun with hair pins. Pull out single strands around our face with a tail comb. Pin up ad libitum, and roll them around a finger or into a string. Alternatively, use a HerStyler curler to make strands curl smoothly. In the end, fix updo with hair spray.

Updos are easy with a little practice!

Did you know?
Most men in Europe wore their hair long and tied back in the second half of the 18th century. The ponytail was gathered into a silk bag rather than allowed to hang freely. It was a common hairstyle for men in all European armies. The British Army was the first to dispense with it and by the beginning of the early 1800s most armies had changed their policy to make short hair compulsory.

-Linda

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