Updos are timeless and elegant hairstyles that can elevate any look, whether it’s for a special occasion or a casual day out.
While getting a professional stylist to craft a stunning updo is always an option, mastering the art of doing it yourself can be empowering and cost-effective. With a few simple techniques and some practice, you can create beautiful updos right in the comfort of your own home.
This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of achieving a simple yet sophisticated updo on your own.
Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Materials
Before you begin styling your updo, make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials at hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Hairbrush or comb
- Hair elastics or bobby pins
- Hair spray or styling gel
- Hair accessories (optional) Having these items ready will ensure a smooth and efficient styling process.
Step 2: Prep Your Hair
Start by preparing your hair for styling. If your hair is freshly washed, consider adding some texture to make it easier to work with. You can achieve this by lightly misting your hair with a texturizing spray or applying a small amount of styling mousse. If your hair tends to be oily, you may want to skip this step and work with second-day hair for better hold.
Step 3: Choose Your Updo Style
There are countless updo styles to choose from, ranging from sleek buns to romantic twists. For a simple yet chic look, consider opting for a classic chignon or a low bun. These styles are versatile and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
Step 4: Create Your Updo
Now it’s time to start styling your updo. Follow these steps for a basic low bun:
- Gather your hair at the nape of your neck and secure it with a hair elastic to create a low ponytail.
- Twist the ponytail into a tight coil, wrapping it around the base to form a bun.
- Secure the bun in place with bobby pins, inserting them vertically into the base of the bun to ensure a secure hold.
- Tuck any loose ends under the bun and secure them with additional bobby pins if needed.
- Once you’re happy with the shape of your bun, gently tug on the sides to loosen it and create a softer, more voluminous look.
- Finish off your updo by spritzing it with some hairspray to set everything in place.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
To complete your updo, consider adding some hair accessories for a touch of glamour. You can use decorative pins, sparkly barrettes, or even fresh flowers to embellish your hairstyle and make it truly unique.
Step 6: Finalize and Secure
After you’ve added any finishing touches, take a few moments to double-check your updo and make any necessary adjustments. Once you’re satisfied with the overall look, give your hairstyle one final spritz of hairspray to ensure it stays put throughout the day or night.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of DIY updos may take some practice, but with patience and perseverance, you can achieve salon-worthy results from the comfort of your own home. By following these simple steps and experimenting with different styles, you’ll soon become a pro at creating beautiful updos that complement any outfit or occasion. So why not give it a try and unleash your creativity with these versatile and elegant hairstyles?
How to Do an Updo Yourself: Short Hair
Styling short hair into an updo may seem challenging at first, but with the right techniques and a bit of creativity, you can achieve elegant and sophisticated looks. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating an updo for short hair:
Step 1: Prep Your Hair
Start by washing and drying your hair. If your hair is naturally straight, consider adding some texture by using a curling iron or applying a texturizing spray. For curly hair, you can enhance your natural curls with a curl-defining product.
Step 2: Choose Your Updo Style
With short hair, you may have limited options for updo styles, but there are still plenty of chic and stylish looks you can create. Consider trying a twisted or braided updo, a sleek pixie bun, or a half-up, half-down hairstyle.
Step 3: Create Your Updo
For a twisted or braided updo, start by dividing your hair into sections and twisting or braiding each section. Then, secure the twists or braids at the back of your head with bobby pins, forming a textured bun or knot. For a sleek pixie bun, gather all your hair at the crown of your head and twist it into a tight coil, securing it with bobby pins. If you’re opting for a half-up, half-down style, simply gather the top section of your hair and secure it with a small hair elastic or clip, leaving the bottom section loose.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches
Once you’ve created your updo, you can add some extra flair with accessories such as decorative pins, headbands, or hair scarves. These accessories can help elevate your hairstyle and add a touch of personality.
Step 5: Finalize and Secure
After adding any finishing touches, give your updo a final once-over to ensure everything is in place. Use hairspray to set your hairstyle and keep any flyaways at bay.
Styling short hair into an updo may require some experimentation to find the right techniques and styles that work for you. Don’t be afraid to get creative and try out different looks until you find the perfect updo for your short hair.
Or try this:
How to Do an Updo Yourself: Medium Hair
Medium-length hair offers a great balance between versatility and manageability, making it ideal for creating a variety of updo styles. Whether you prefer a classic chignon, a romantic braided bun, or a messy twisted updo, here’s how to create an updo for medium-length hair:
Step 1: Prep Your Hair
Start by washing and drying your hair. If your hair is naturally straight, consider adding some texture by using a curling iron or applying a texturizing spray. For curly hair, you can enhance your natural curls with a curl-defining product.
Step 2: Choose Your Updo Style
With medium-length hair, you have a wide range of updo options to choose from. Some popular styles include the classic chignon, the braided bun, the twisted updo, and the half-up, half-down hairstyle.
Step 3: Create Your Updo
For a classic chignon, start by gathering your hair at the nape of your neck and twisting it into a tight coil. Secure the coil with bobby pins, leaving the ends loose for a softer look. For a braided bun, begin by braiding a section of hair and wrapping it around the base of a ponytail or bun. Secure the braid with bobby pins and gently loosen it to create volume. If you’re opting for a twisted updo, twist sections of hair and pin them in place at the back of your head, forming a textured bun or knot.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches
Enhance your updo with accessories such as decorative pins, hair clips, or fresh flowers. These accessories can add an extra element of elegance and style to your hairstyle.
Step 5: Finalize and Secure
Once you’ve completed your updo, give it a final spritz of hairspray to set everything in place. Take a moment to adjust any loose strands or flyaways, and make sure your updo looks polished from every angle.
Medium-length hair offers endless possibilities for creating stunning updo hairstyles. Experiment with different styles and techniques to find the perfect updo for your medium-length locks.
Or try these:
How to Do an Updo Yourself: Long Hair
Long hair provides ample opportunities for creating intricate and eye-catching updo hairstyles. Whether you prefer a classic French twist, a romantic fishtail braid, or a bohemian-inspired messy bun, here’s how to create an updo for long hair:
Step 1: Prep Your Hair
Start by washing and drying your hair. If your hair is naturally straight, consider adding some texture by using a curling iron or applying a texturizing spray. For curly hair, you can enhance your natural curls with a curl-defining product.
Step 2: Choose Your Updo Style
Long hair offers endless possibilities when it comes to updo styles. Some popular options include the classic French twist, the fishtail braid, the messy bun, and the sleek ponytail.
Step 3: Create Your Updo
For a classic French twist, gather your hair at the nape of your neck and twist it upwards, tucking the ends into the twist and securing them with bobby pins. For a fishtail braid, divide your hair into two sections and weave them together in a fishtail pattern, securing the ends with a hair elastic. For a messy bun, gather your hair at the crown of your head and twist it into a loose bun, securing it with bobby pins and allowing some strands to fall loose for a relaxed look. If you prefer a sleek ponytail, gather your hair at the base of your neck and secure it with a hair elastic, smoothing out any bumps or flyaways with a brush or comb.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches
Elevate your updo with accessories such as decorative pins, hair combs, or a sparkly headband. These accessories can add an extra touch of glamour and sophistication to your hairstyle.
Step 5: Finalize and Secure
Once you’ve completed your updo, give it a final spritz of hairspray to set everything in place. Take a moment to adjust any loose strands or flyaways, and make sure your updo looks polished from every angle.
Long hair offers endless possibilities for creating stunning updo hairstyles. Experiment with different styles and techniques to find the perfect updo for your long locks.
Or try this:
