How to Do a Bardot Updo

A Bardot-esque updo has some height.

Brigitte Bardot's tousled, messy blonde mane helped cement her reputation in the 1950s and 1960s as a screen idol and sex symbol. Her updos were voluminous and unstructured, with many loose tendrils -- the antithesis of a prim ballerina bun. An authentic Bardot updo has height in the front and a loose, easy twist or bun in the back. Bardot often framed her updos with long, layered bangs, but if you don't have bangs, a chic silk scarf will serve the same purpose.

Things You'll Need

• Styling spray
• Heated rollers
• Comb
• Bobby pins or hairpins
• Hairspray
• Handheld mirror

Instructions

1. Spritz dry hair with styling spray. Put medium or large rollers in the hair on the top of your head, rolling the hair back. Use four or fewer rollers.

2. Remove the rollers when they are cool. Comb the hair with your fingers to tousle it and break up distinct curls, and gently backcomb it to give it texture and height. Smooth the hair back.

3. Collect all your hair at the nape of your neck, being careful not to disarrange your top hair. Loosely twist the hair and draw it upward to lie against your head. Pin the twist of hair into place using bobby pins, hairpins or a combination. If your hair is very long, loop the twist around and pin, leaving the ends of the hair free.

4. Examine the updo with a handheld mirror and pin loose ends into the twist or pull some strands free until it looks easy and messy. Add extra pins as needed to secure the twist and the top section of hair. Mist with hairspray.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have trouble securing a twist, coil your hair into a loose, messy bun and pin it into place.

• If you have curly or wavy hair or if you prefer a sleeker style, skip the hair rollers.

• If you have stick-straight hair, use rollers on all your hair rather than just the top section of hair.

• Bobby pins provide a firm hold. Hairpins are less secure but aesthetically preferable because they vanish into the updo.

• Backcomb hair gently to avoid breaking strands.

References

• IMDb: All Photos of Brigitte Bardot
• The Professional's Illustrated Guide to Haircuts and Hairstyle; Nicky Pope

Resources

• Glamour: 5 Sexy Summer Hairstyles (Inspired by Brigitte Bardot!)