How to Style a Lightly Textured Updo

A lightly textured updo is elegant, but not overly formal; it's also a great style to keep you cool on hot, humid days. Whether you're heading to the office, a party or hitting the streets for some shopping, a slightly "messy" and textured updo looks cool for just about any occasion.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Wash your hair with shampoo and a little bit of conditioner. If your hair is too conditioned, it can be hard to get a piece-y, textured look after you dry it.

2. Add a bit of volume-enhancing product, such as mousse to slightly damp hair. Blow dry hair upside-down and run your fingers through it to create wavy texture.

3. Gather your hair into a low ponytail. You can either knot your hair into a low bun or pull the hair up higher towards the crown and secure it with a clip. Pull a few stray pieces from the bun or the ends of the hair extending out of the clip.

4. Rub a dollop of smoothing serum into your palms and tame flyaway strands with your fingers.

5. Spray your updo with a light mist of aerosol hairspray to set.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't smooth your style with a comb. This takes away from the textured look and is best reserved for super-sleek chignons or other more formal updos.
• A headband is a great addition to a textured updo, since it adds to its informal, flirty style.
• Get creative. There's no single standard way they should look. Feel free to pull out a strand here, or tuck in a strand there with bobby pins and clips.