The perfect updo is a game-changer, elevating your look from everyday to elegant. Whether you crave a polished, sleek finish or a soft, textured style, there's a stunning updo for you. Here’s how to achieve them, no matter your hair type.
The Classic Sleek Chignon
Timeless and
sophisticated, the sleek chignon is a low bun resting at the nape of the neck. It’s the epitome of understated elegance, perfect for formal events, weddings, or a polished day at the office. The goal is a smooth, flawless finish with no flyaways, often achieved with a shine serum or anti-frizz cream. While it looks intricate, it's typically formed by creating a low ponytail, looping the hair, and artfully wrapping the ends to hide the elastic. Tips for Your Hair Type: - Fine Hair: Your challenge is volume and hold. Start with second-day hair for better grip. Tease the ponytail before twisting it into a bun to create the illusion of fullness. A small, colour-matched hair donut can be a secret weapon for creating a larger-looking chignon. - Thick Hair: Control is key. Use a smoothing cream to tame frizz and ensure a sleek base. Secure your low ponytail with a strong elastic. When forming the bun, use sturdy U-pins or spin pins, which hold heavy hair better than standard bobby pins. - Curly & Wavy Hair: To achieve the 'sleek' look, you'll need to smooth your hair first. Apply a leave-in conditioner and blow-dry your hair straight. Use a boar bristle brush to slick hair back tightly to minimize texture before creating the bun. - Straight Hair: You have the perfect natural base for this style. The main challenge can be slipperiness. A light spritz of texturizing spray before you start can give pins something to grip onto.
The Effortless Textured Bun
The messy bun is a beloved classic for a reason: it's stylish, versatile, and gives off an air of effortless chic. This style thrives on texture, volume, and imperfection. It’s less about perfect placement and more about creating a soft, voluminous shape with pieces gently framing the face. It’s often best achieved on second or third-day hair, which has the natural grit to hold the style. Tips for Your Hair Type: - Fine Hair: Volume is your best friend. Prep with a texturizing spray or dry shampoo from roots to ends to add body and grip. After creating a ponytail, gently tug on the hair at the crown to create lift before twisting it into a bun. Pulling the bun apart slightly after securing it makes it appear fuller. - Thick Hair: A standard messy bun can become too heavy. Try a looped bun: on the last pull-through of your hair tie, don't pull the ponytail all the way through, creating a loop. Then, wrap the remaining ends around the base and pin them. - Curly & Wavy Hair: Your natural texture is a major advantage here. Gather your curls into a high ponytail and wrap them into a bun, allowing some curls to spill out for a tousled effect. A light-hold gel can help define curls without making them crunchy. - Straight Hair: To avoid a flat look, creating texture is essential. A quick curl with a wand or straightener before putting your hair up will add movement. Alternatively, apply a hair putty or texture paste to give your strands some hold and dimension.
The Romantic Braided Crown
A braided crown or halo braid is a beautiful, romantic style that weaves braids around the head. It's perfect for weddings, festivals, and any time you want a touch of whimsy. The style can be tight and neat or, more popularly, 'pancaked'—where the edges of the braid are gently pulled apart to create a fuller, softer look. Tips for Your Hair Type: - Fine Hair: Braids can look thin. The 'pancaking' technique is non-negotiable here. After braiding, gently pull at the sides of each braid loop to double its width before pinning it. Use texturizing spray to prevent the braid from slipping. - Thick Hair: Sectioning is your friend. Creating two or more braids instead of one thick one can make the style more manageable and distribute the weight evenly. Secure the braids with plenty of pins. - Curly & Wavy Hair: This style beautifully showcases your texture. You can either braid loosely to let your curl pattern shine through or, for a more defined look, apply a styling cream first. Leave a few tendrils out around your face to soften the look. - Straight Hair: Your braids might be very smooth, so adding grit is important. Dry shampoo will help. For a softer look, consider curling your hair before braiding to add texture and volume that will peek through the plaits.
The High Volume Ponytail Updo
More than just a simple ponytail, this updo is a statement much as it sits high on head creating lifting effect and can be styled sleek or textured The key is creating volume at crown and in ponytail itself often transforming it into bun or elaborate twist A high ponytail is universally flattering and adds touch of drama to any look Tips for Your Hair Type - Fine Hair : The secret to fuller looking high pony is stack two ponytails : create one at crown : and another directly beneath it The top ponytail will fall over bottom one creating illusion of double volume Backcombing roots at crown before gathering hair also adds significant lift - Thick Hair : To keep high ponytail from falling or feeling too heavy use strong hair tie or even bungee hook elastic For sleek finish use styling spray to tame flyaways as you brush hair up - Curly & Wavy Hair : This is perfect way to show off voluminous curls Gather hair at crown using soft scrunchie to protect curl pattern To enhance look define face framing curls with curling wand - Straight Hair : For sleek snatched look brush hair up while using strong hold hairspray For more textured high pony spray lengths with texture spray and scrunch before securing
