UPDO HAIR STYLE GUIDES

A classic updo is the perfect way to add an elegant touch for your formal occasion, whether it be a wedding or prom or a special event.

No matter what your face shape, you can find an updo to suit your face. A long, narrow shaped face may benefit from a few face-framing tendrils of hair to soften the look.

Its also important to consider the style of dress you will be wearing. If your prom dress is fun and funky then a cute spikey hairdo could really compliment your look. If you are wearing a more formal style dress or gown, then a simple classic updo hairstyle would be better suited.

TWISTED BUN

What you need:

• Two elastic bands in the same color as your hair. Be sure to get elastic bands that will hold the thickness of your hair.
• Bobby Pins.
• Hair pomade/styling paste, wax and hairspray.
• Hair accessories, such as crystal pins, headbands, flowers.

Instructions:

• This style works best on slightly dirty hair. Usually a 12-24 hour period since washing your hair. Newly washed hair is often too soft to handle and has the annoying problem of flyaways.
• Rub a small dollop of hair pomade/styling paste into your hands and through your dry hair.
• Tie your hair up into two ponytails - the first at the middle of the crown and the second laying lower, closer to the nape of the neck. NOTE: Be sure to gather an equal amount of hair in each ponytail.
• Starting with the bottom ponytail, take small sections of hair, approximately ½ to 1 inch in thickness and twist the hair until desired tightness is reached.
• Pin the hair strategically around the ponytail.
• Repeat the twisting and pinning steps with the top ponytail.
• Use hairspray to hold all hair in place.

images from hairboutique.com

---

KNOTTED LOOK

There is a variety of knotted and twisted updos, for a creative and elegant look for the prom, wedding or other formal occasion. Twists and knots can work with just about any length of hair, color or style.

Instructions:

• This style works best on slightly dirty hair. Freshly washed hair will be harder to work with and more flyaway.
• Brush hair back from the face and secure the hair into 6 equally spaced sections.
• Take small sections in each individual section and start to twist it until it starts to roll into itself. Continue twisting your hair loosely to form a spiral on top of your head.
• Pin the spiralled sections of hair to your scalp with a bobby pin.
• Continue twisting and pinning the other secions of hair until you have created a pattern of twists and knots from the front of your hair all the way to the nape of your neck.
• Use hairspray to hold all hair in place.
• For extra glamour - add sparkly hair pins or jewels throughout the style.

---

LOOPED UPDO

This beautiful and elegant updo suits any formal occasion, and because the style sits on the back of the head it works well with many types of bridal veils.

It can be worn with or without bangs, and requires your hair to be shoulder length or longer. If you hair is curly or wavy, you must straighten it first.

Instructions:

• Brush the hair into a firm ponytail that sits halfway between the nape of the neck and the top of the head and secure with an elastic band.
• Separate a section of hair about 4 inches thick at the top of the ponytail and clip it out of the way. This section will be finished last.
• Separate the rest of the ponytail in 6-8 equal sections.
• Start at the left. Take one section and twist it gently under and to the left to form a big soft hair loop. Pin the bottom of the loop to the back of the hair.
• Take the next section and repeat. Make sure to pin the next loop so that it hides the previous bobby pin.
• Spray the loops with hairspray.
• When you have finished the bottom loops, unclip the top section of hair and divide it into 4 equal sections.
• Loop one section around the finger to form a tighter loop. Pin this loop to form one side of a 4 leaf clover shape.
• Loop the other 3 sections the same way and pin. The 4 tighter loops should rest on top of the bigger looser hair loops at the bottom.
• Spray with hairspray to finish the look.

---

FRENCH TWIST

A step by step guide to creating the perfect french twist, with a classic or modern style.

Instructions:

• Comb or brush your hair back from your forehead and smooth with hair gel. For a more stylish, trendy look try parting your hair on the side.
• Pull the rest of your hair back into a ponytail at the nape of your neck, slightly to the left, and twist it.
• Twist your ponytail in a clockwise direction twice- all the way around. This holds the base of the hair closer to your head.
• With your left hand, hold the base of the ponytail and with your right hand, hold its end up (pointing towards the ceiling).
• Bend the tail of your ponytail and use your left hand to hide it and tuck the end of your ponytail under the roll.
• Secure with bobby pins. Moving in the direction of the twist, hook a small portion of the roll, and then a small portion of hair to the side of the roll, with the lower prong of the bobby pin. Then turn the pin 180 degrees and insert it deeply into the groove made by the roll.

For a modern twist:

Let the ends of your ponytail out freely, instead of tucking in the ends. Fasten with large barrette or hair sticks.
Large Barrette: Clip the top end of your twist, including small amounts of hair from either side of the roll.
Hair Stick: Graze the tip of the hair stick through a 1-inch section of your roll, moving in the direction of the twist. Lift your hand, turning the stick 180 degrees, then insert it snugly through the roll. Repeat with a second stick.

For a more classic look:

Substitute small hair combs for pins. Move the comb in the direction of the twist, snagging a small portion of the roll just before you pass over it. Lift the comb 180 degrees and then push gently into the roll and hide it in the groove.