How to Do Side Updos

Complement your updo with flowers and hair jewels.

Updos are a versatile way to wear hair for formal occasions such as weddings, proms and dinner dates. The beauty of a side updo is that it can be tailored to suit your style, personality and face shape. From sleek and neat to textured and teased, creating a side updo is simple enough to do without the assistance of a professional stylist. The key to creating the perfect side updo is to practice the style several times before your important occasion.

Things You'll Need

• Comb
• Hair wrap
• Heat protection spray
• Curling irons
• Hairspray
• Bobby pins
• Hair accessories

Instructions

1. Comb dry hair to remove any knots and tangles. Updos are easier to style on hair that has not been freshly washed, so resist the temptation to wash your hair on the day you would like to wear it up.

2. Lightly backcomb the roots of your hair to create more body. Fuller hair at the roots will make your style appear more formal and give the finished look more shape and definition.

3. Scoop all of your hair over to one side and secure into a ponytail. The ponytail can be low at the nape of neck, or higher towards the crown depending upon where you would like your updo to sit. Leave face-framing sections or side-swept bangs loose around the front of the face.

4. Apply a heat protection spray to the ponytail and curl small one-inch strands of hair. Repeat this process until the entire ponytail is curled. If your hair is thin or lacks body, lightly backcomb the ponytail and apply a strong hold hairspray.

5. Loosely wrap the ponytail around the hair tie to create a chignon shape. Pin the chignon into position using bobby pins. For a neat and elegant side updo, pin the chignon securely. Alternatively, tease with your fingers and pull out loose pieces for a messy, undone look.

6. Finish with a spritz of hairspray to ensure your style stays put. Add any hair accessories that you would like to wear such as hair jewels, flowers or a hairband to complete the look.

Tips & Warnings

• Side-swept updos should look textured and natural, do not panic if a hair falls out of the place. Carry extra booby pins in your purse so that you can fix any major problems quickly.

• Change the look of your updo by experimenting with the hair at the front. Add a roller to side-swept bangs to give the front more volume and fullness. Alternatively, pin sleek side-swept bangs behind one ear to keep hair back from your face.

References

• Style Bistro: Stana Katic Wavy Side Updo: 2011 Red Carpet Hairstyle
• Hair Updo Styles: The Paltrow Chignon Updo

Resources

• Hair Boutique: A Classic Prom Side Updo
• Glamour Weddings: DIY Wedding Hair: A So-Chic Side Chignon