Updo Hairstyle Tips and Technique Videos

We know you’re booked through Valentine’s Day with winter brides and holiday party-goers who want the soft updo styles they’re seeing on Pinterest, so let us help you out. Get updo tips and learn how to create long-lasting styles with these tricks we spotted on Instagram!

Products Used

Curling Irons/Rods

Black Gold™ Marcel Iron

Hot Tools® Professional

Flat Irons

Revolutionary 1.25″ Ionic Salon Flat Iron

Hot Tools® Professional

Voluminous Tousled Bun

When she wants a style that looks carefree instead of super polished, try this look by Whitney Burkhart aka @wb_upstyles.

Watch the video:

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Lancaster, PA Hairstylist (@wb_upstyles) on Sep 6, 2019 at 7:29pm PDT

Takeaway Tips:

• Use a smaller iron and a technique that results in beach waves versus refined curls. Watch in the video above and study how Whitney uses the 3/4-inch Black Gold Marcel from Hot Tools Professional to create lots of breezy texture.

• Work in sections. The style won’t last unless you build as you go.
  • Occipital area: Whitney starts curling the hair here, then applies a texture product to this section to help with grip.
  • Parietal area: She curls this next, then applies Sexy Hair Creme to Powder Play for all-over volume, texture and more hold.
  • Crown area: Whitney finishes her prep by curling this area, but doesn’t apply product until the style is finished to keep waves soft and manageable.

Finished Look

Polished Twisted Bun

For a look that is sleek and refined, check out this video by Annette Waligora aka @annette_updo_artist.

Watch the video:

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Annette (@annette_updo_artist) on Nov 6, 2019 at 5:02pm PST

Takeaway Tips:

• Use a thermal protecting spray (here, Annette goes for Kenra Professional Color Maintenance Thermal Spray)—not only will it help with grip, but it also acts as insurance to avoid damaging your guest’s color (a bride will not be happy if she feels her color has faded because of her hair trial appointment!).

• Prep by blow-drying hair smooth and using a large iron to add polish and shine without lots of texture. In this video, Annette uses the 1 ¼-inch Black Gold Marcel from Hot Tools Professional and combs through the hair. This gives the hair some bend so that any errant pieces curve nicely into the style instead of poking straight out.

Finished Look

Boho Knotted Downstyle

“Downstyles” like this are ideal for boho brides, and this tutorial from Alexandra Wilson aka @alexandralee1016 shows just how easy it is.

Watch the video:

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by ᴀʟᴇxᴀɴᴅʀᴀ ᴡɪʟsᴏɴ📍ʀʜᴏᴅᴇ ɪsʟᴀɴᴅ (@alexandralee1016) on Oct 24, 2018 at 11:55am PDT

Takeaway Tips:

• The trick to this style is the “topsytail” technique, so watch closely to see how Alexandra does it. Her tip is to work in a pattern as you knot the hair—start with one “topsytail” in the center, then do the next one to the right, and the following one to the left, then repeat. This creates a less uniform look.

• Boho doesn’t mean messy. Alexandra finishes the style with the Hot Tools Professional Black Gold Revolutionary Iron, which has rounded plate edges. With this tool, she can create curls or just bends to polish the style and make flyaways look intentional.

Finished Look