Essential Tools for Your Updo
Before you begin, gathering a few key items will make the styling process much smoother. While each style might have specific needs, having a basic kit ready is a great first step. Most romantic updos rely on creating texture and securely pinning the hair
in a way that looks soft and effortless. For these styles, you'll generally want to have a hairbrush for smoothing, a teasing comb for volume, clear elastics or hair ties that match your hair colour, and a collection of bobby pins and larger U-shaped hairpins. A light-hold hairspray is perfect for taming flyaways without making your hair stiff, and a texturizing spray or dry shampoo can give clean hair the grip it needs to hold the style. If your hair is on the finer side, these texturizing products are especially helpful for creating a fuller look.
The Effortless Messy Bun
The messy bun is the epitome of relaxed romance. It’s a style that feels both playful and chic, and its 'undone' nature makes it very forgiving. This look works best on second or third-day hair, as the natural oils provide texture and hold. 1. Start by prepping your hair. If it's freshly washed, add some grit with a texturizing spray or dry shampoo to keep it from being too slippery. 2. Gather your hair into a loose ponytail at your desired height—a low bun feels classic, while a higher one is more playful. Don't worry about making it perfect; a few bumps add to the charm. 3. Twist the ponytail from the base to the ends. Then, wrap the twisted hair around the base of the ponytail to form a bun. 4. Secure the bun with another hair tie or a scrunchie. Don't wrap it too tightly; you want it to have a soft, full shape. 5. Now, 'mess it up' intentionally. Gently pull on sections of the bun to loosen them and create more volume. Use your fingers to pull out a few face-framing strands to soften the look. If any pieces feel too loose, secure them with bobby pins. Finish with a light mist of hairspray to hold everything in place.
The Classic Low Chignon
For a look that is timelessly elegant, the chignon is a perfect choice. The name comes from the French phrase for 'nape of the neck,' which is exactly where this sophisticated low bun sits. It looks intricate but is surprisingly simple to create once you know the steps. 1. Begin by brushing your hair to remove any tangles. Create a low ponytail at the nape of your neck and secure it with a hair tie. 2. Slide the hair tie down an inch or two from the base. Using your fingers, create a small opening in the hair just above the elastic. 3. Take the end of your ponytail and flip it up, tucking it into the opening you just created. Push it through until it forms a loop. 4. Arrange the loop into a bun shape, fanning it out and tucking the ends underneath. Use bobby pins and U-shaped hairpins to secure the bun firmly against your head. Pin from different angles to ensure it feels stable. 5. For a polished finish, smooth any stray hairs with a touch of smoothing cream or a light spritz of hairspray. You can also gently pull out a few soft tendrils around your face for a more romantic feel.
The Simple Braided Crown
A braided crown offers a touch of bohemian romance and looks far more complicated than it is. This simplified version doesn't require complex French or Dutch braiding skills, making it accessible even for beginners. 1. Part your hair down the middle, creating two equal sections from your forehead to the nape of your neck. 2. Braid one section into a simple, three-strand braid and secure the end with a clear elastic. Then, do the same on the other side. For a fuller, more romantic look, gently pull on the edges of each braid to 'pancake' them, making them appear wider and softer. 3. Take the braid from the right side and lay it across the top of your head, like a headband. Tuck the end under the base of the left braid and secure it discreetly with bobby pins. 4. Now, take the left braid and lay it across your head, just behind the first one. Tuck the end under the base of the right braid and pin it in place. 5. Check for any loose spots and add extra pins where needed. Pull out a few small pieces of hair around your hairline to frame your face and complete the ethereal, romantic look. Finish with a spritz of hairspray for gentle hold.
