Start with Smart Preparation
Lasting volume begins long before the first bobby pin is placed. The right prep work creates the ideal canvas for a full, romantic style. Start your routine with a volumizing shampoo and conditioner, which are formulated to be lightweight and prevent
your hair from being weighed down. After washing, apply a volumizing mousse or a texturizing spray to damp hair, focusing on the roots. When it's time to blow-dry, flip your head upside down and aim the airflow at the roots to encourage maximum lift. For many, second-day hair provides even better grip and hold than freshly washed, slippery strands. If your hair is too clean, a spritz of dry shampoo at the roots can add the grit needed for your updo to hold its shape and volume throughout the day.
Master the Art of Gentle Teasing
Teasing, or backcombing, is the fastest way to create instant height, but it must be done correctly to avoid damaging your hair. The key is to be gentle and strategic. Using a teasing brush or a fine-tooth comb, work with small, manageable sections of hair at the crown of your head. Hold a section of hair straight up, and starting a few inches from the scalp, gently push the comb down toward the roots in two or three short strokes. The goal is to create a soft cushion of hair at the base, not a tangled knot. Once you have teased the sections at the crown, gently smooth the very top layer of hair over the teased portion to conceal the texturized base. This creates a seamless, natural-looking lift that provides a strong foundation for any updo.
Build Fullness with Texture
Volume isn't just about height; it's also about creating the illusion of fullness throughout your hair. Adding texture is an essential step that makes hair appear thicker and more substantial. Before you begin pinning your hair up, create soft waves or curls using a curling wand or large rollers. This initial bend in the hair not only adds a romantic feel but also prevents the final style from looking flat. Another technique is to use a texturizing spray, which provides a slightly gritty feel that helps hair stand away from the scalp and creates more body. If you plan on incorporating braids into your updo, gently pulling apart the edges of the braid—a technique known as 'pancaking'—can make it look two to three times fuller. This added texture ensures your updo looks airy and abundant, not severe or slicked-down.
Style 1: The Effortless Textured Bun
This romantic staple is deceptively simple. Start by following the prep steps to build volume at the roots. Gather your hair into a mid-to-high ponytail, but don't pull it too tight; you want to maintain the lift at the crown. Gently tease the length of the ponytail to create more fullness. Next, loosely twist the ponytail and wrap it around its base to form a bun. Instead of aiming for a perfect, tight coil, allow it to be a bit messy and unstructured. Use several bobby pins to secure the bun in place, tucking them underneath to hide them from view. The final step is to soften the look by gently pulling out a few face-framing tendrils and slightly loosening the hair around the crown to enhance the voluminous, effortless feel.
Style 2: The Romantic Braided Updo
Braids are a beautiful way to add intricate detail and volume. To start, leave out two sections of hair at the front to frame your face. Take the remaining hair and create a simple, loose three-strand braid, securing it at the bottom with a clear elastic. Now, 'pancake' the braid by gently pulling on its edges to make it appear wider and more voluminous. Once you're happy with the fullness, lift the braid and coil it into a low bun at the nape of your neck, pinning it securely. Finally, take the two sections you left out at the front, loosely twist them, and drape them back toward the bun, pinning them over or into the sides of the bun. This adds a final layer of softness and completes the romantic look.
