How to create a messy up do

The messy updo is still hot. For most of the female population that is a good thing. This will make your lives a lot easier come time to create “the messy updo”.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bobby pins (color blending with your hair)
• Comb
• Product- hairspray & a setting product used on wet hair prior to drying
• Ornamentation if you plan on adding to the look (flower, baby’s breath, etc…)

1. Prepare the hair by shampooing and applying a product that will build texture and strength in your natural texture. Be sure to apply the product to damp, not wet, hair. Start at the root area in areas that you need that extra hold and through the ends. Working the product through to the ends prior to drying will help keep the hair smooth and controllable.

2. Blow-dry using your hands and directing the root area (the hair at your scalp) in the desired direction. Pay special attention to the hairline and any hair growth that seems to be a bit unruly. Re-direct the hair to where you want to wear it. This may take some practice, but directing the hair in several different directions during the blow-dry seems to work most of the time. If this is still a challenge, have your hairstylist show you the best way to work with this area. Continue drying with your hands, through the length and ends.

3. Smooth the hair with a brush. Even though we are doing the messy updo, you want the hair to look somewhat polished when we are done, so get a good finish in the hair.

4. Separate your hair into three sections. 1- top of your head starting at front hairline and ending at the crown, just above where you plan to secure your updo. 2 & 3- sides, where the head begins to curve up into the top. To find this area, place a comb flat on the side of the head and the top of the head. In that area between the two combs there is a area of hair that will look best as a top section. Ask your hair stylist to help you find this are, if you are not sure.

5. Back comb the area of the head that you plan to place the upwork.

6. Top section first- Back comb a little to hold the hair together, use hairspray to add texture to the hair and to keep it in place after you have secure it. Pinch the ends and position the hair where you would like to wear it. Push the hair back toward your hairline to create more volume, or hold tighter to the head to keep the hair flat. Secure two bobby pins horizontally across the ponytail on the back of the head.

7. Next pick up one of the two sides. Back comb the hair and add hairspray for texture. Using the comb to smooth, a little- not too much, hold the hair toward the back of the head. Gather the left over hair from the top section into the side section. Wrap the hair around into a circle, not too tight but snug enough so that you can secure with several pins. The thicker your hair the more pins you may need. Pin by directing the pin outward away from the center of the up work first, push to the scalp, then push the pin into the hair going toward the center of the up work. Do the same with the other side.

8. Finish by adding your personal touch.

Tips & Warnings

• For an off center look follow the same steps, just start with an off center positioning of the hair.
• This may take some practice, so do this on a day that you have time to practice a couple times before you give up frustrated. Remember this takes professionals a bit of practice, so expect to take some time.

Resources

• schrlau.net

[amylaine]

on 5/5/2008 Great instructions, thanks.