WATCH: 3 Holiday Upstyle How-Tos

We know holiday prep is on your mind, so we invited updo genius and #ONESHOT finalist Annette Waligora (@annette_updo_artist) to the new BTC STUDIOS in Chicago for a Facebook Live, where she demoed three updos perfect for winter weddings, holiday parties and every festivity in between. Watch the video below to get all three looks! 

The Looks

1. A textured half-up style with accent braids, which can easily transition from day to night.
2. An intricate-looking low bun that showcases Annette’s signature loop and pin technique.
3. A Dutch crown braid—one of her most-requested salon looks.


Watch the Facebook Live at the bottom of the article for her techniques and to pick up tips like:

• Building the perfect upstyle starts with the perfect base, and Annette loves the new Hot Tools CURLBAR™ for creating textured looks. Using the CURLBAR™, flat-wrap 1-inch sections from the roots to the ends. Then cup the curl in the palm of your hand for a few seconds to set, and voila! Beautiful bounce. Pssst! 48 HOURS ONLY! Purchase the CURLBAR™ for $89.99 and receive a FREE Blow Dryer! 

• Elastics can be unsightly in photos, so Annette prefers securing her accent braids by backcombing them. Make quick strokes from all angles with your comb, then feel the end of the braid to make sure it’s firm. Once firm, you’ll know it’s secure. 

• As you braid, move your body in the direction you want the braid to end, which produces a more even, seamless braid.

• Want to make her curls really pop? Hold a curl strand with one hand, and with your other hand, use your thumb and pointer finger to pinch and slide up the hair shaft, which expands the curl, for more volume and drama! Watch Annette do it:

• A helpful tip for upstyle beginners? Start your styles in the front, creating a base first. “I find it helpful to start in the front because I like to visualize how it’s going to look,” says Annette.

Watch the full video below!

Annette’s three finished looks.