Whether your hair is thick, thin, curly, pin straight, or frizzy, there are a few universal tricks to keeping your hair in place whatever the texture. Messy updos are a go-to hairstyle for formal dances, and one of my favorite styles to do. Why? THEY ARE SO EASY, and they allow you to be creative and play around. Not only are they easy, but if you pin the right way, they are durable and will stay looking good whatever your evening may bring. So here are they key tricks to taking that big wad of hair and turning it in to something elegant.
Tip 1: Curls DO NOT need to be perfect. When you are curling hair for an updo, the only layer of hair that really matters is the top layer. Save time and energy and do a half-decent job---its okay!!!
Tip 2: Separate your hair into two sections horizontally. Take the bottom half and secure it in to a ponytail with a little clear elastic rubber band. This tip is helpful if you or your client has thick, or a lot of fine hair.
Tip 3: Before bothering with the top layer, begin to pin the pieces of hair in the ponytail. My favorite technique for thin hair is to take a curled piece of hair by the very tip, and push the piece of hair toward the head while holding on to one tiny strand. (think of how to tease) the curl will form a perfect ringlet that you can pin directly to the head.
Once all of the curled pieces of hair are pinned to the head, they should form a bun. It is better to keep them pinned close together so your updo does not take up the entire back of the head.
Tip 4: Once you finish pinning the ponytail (base of the bun) release the top layer of hair and touch up any curls that might have fallen.
Tip 5: TEASE. Go to town on the top layer of hair, but don't forget to run through a teased section to keep the lift but to prevent any knots or "birds nests" that might have formed along the way.
The rest is really just art. Play around with the top piece of hair and structure them into the already formed bun. The goal of the "messy" updo is make it look effortless. Don't be afraid to let some pieces hang freely.
Things you will need:
Curling Iron
Bobby pins
Elastic hair tie
Hair Spray
Teasing Comb
