How to Create a Half-Up Updo

The "half-up" hairstyle is becoming the latest trend in easy-to-do updos. It works for a casual day look, an elegant evening hairstyle or just a quick fix for bad hair days.

Things You'll Need

• Styling wax
• Mason Pearson or bristle brush
• Barrette, hair sticks or a small elastic to secure your hair
• Mousse or styling spray

Instructions

Creating the Updo

1. The "half-up" updo works best if your hair is at least shoulder length. Some layering in the hair adds interest, but isn't necessary.

2. For best results, you should attempt this updo on hair that is clean but not freshly washed. Squeaky clean hair will likely be too slippery to stay put, so wash your hair the night before or, for an evening event, simply restyle your hair from its day style without re-washing.

3. On dry hair, brush your hair straight back with a Mason Pearson or bristle brush (see resources). Make sure there are no tangles in your hair. If your hair is a little frizzy you can distribute a small dab of shine serum through your hair to tame the frizz.

4. Use the brush to back comb the top layers of your hair. Don't over do it-you're just creating a light cushion and a little lift at the roots.

5. Smooth this back-combed hair with the brush until the top layers are smooth again but the light cushioning remains. To avoid undoing the cushion in this updo, simply skim the top hair back off your face and don't brush all the way to the scalp.

6. Now grab a section of hair at each temple and sweep it back off the face. Use a barrette or a small elastic to secure the hair at the back of the head. In reality, this hairstyle is more like ¼ up and ¾ down. To keep it looking trendy, don't sweep too much back off the face-just the very top layers.

7. If you're hair is layered, pull out a few pieces around the face to create soft wisps to complete this updo.

Alternate Styling Option

1. If you want to give your straight hair some big, sexy waves, try setting your hair in hot rollers before creating this updo.

2. Wrap 2-inch sections in alternating sizes of hot rollers, rolling the hair back off the face. Secure each roller well.

3. Allow the rollers to cool completely before removing them. Carefully unwind the hair from the rollers, trying to maintain the shape of the curl as much as possible.

4. For more defined curls, coat your fingers with a small dab of styling wax and separate the curls. For a more tousled look, flip your head upside down and shake out the curls with your hands.

5. You are now ready to begin styling your hair using the above instructions.

Tips & Warnings

• To add style and glitter to this updo, try securing your hair back with a vintage hair barrette or hair sticks.

• Be careful not to sweep too much hair back or it will end up looking "mullet-like." Instead, sweep just enough back to get the hair off your face.