The idea of easy holiday updos seemed natural for the month of December. While I would personally love to get my hair done for Holiday parties it’s not all that realistic. And no, my hair stylist husband doesn’t style my hair. Left to my own devices I can create some decent looking updos. We recently cut about 4-5 inches off of my hair so the idea of creating universal looks for all hair lengths was a slight challenge. I played around with a few ideas and with Adam’s professional feedback, I came up with 2 looks that are sure to work and wow on everyone! As long as your hair is at least top of the shoulder length or longer then these looks are for you.
You’ll need:
- handful of bobbi pins depending on the thickness of your hair
- comb
- hair elastics
Twisted Messy Bun
Step 1: Start with natural or curled hair. I did a combo and allowed my hair to air dry then ran a 1″ curling iron through some pieces to give it some more wave and body. The texture will help give it a messy look. Also tease the the front section of your hair to help create some lift for the final look.
Step 2: Section your hair off and everything from the crown forward and along the hairline by your ears should remain down. The back half of your head should be pulled back into a messy bun. Don’t make it perfect! Just grab the hair, wrap a hair elastic around it once or twice for the best looking bun.
Step 3: With the hair remaining, take small section and twist. Twist down towards the messy bun and pin in place. There is no right or wrong here. Grab, twist and pin. You’ll have some ends sticking out so don’t worry. We will address that next.
Step 4: Take those loose ends and pin them up and around the bun. Pin on the side, underneath or even with the bun itself. For those thin hair ladies (like myself) pin within the bun to help pump up your buns look. It can also help to shape and polish off the bun.
Step 5: The finished look! If you have thicker hair you’ll find your twists are much bigger than my teeny tiny twists. The look will vary with each hair type and length.
Side Gather Bun
Step 1: I opted for a twist but this can be done as a braid too. Part your hair to one side and begin twisting on the side with less hair (the smaller side of the part). Begin the twist behind the ear and continue along the nape of the neck to the other earlobe. Pin in place along the way if needed to help secure the twist or braid in place.
Step 2: Pin random pieces of hair in place. You can create a messy bun, a regular bun, a twist, a braid or do as I do…just pin randomly until it looks good. I literally take all of the hair, gathered it into place on the side near my ear and just started pinning the hair in place.
Step 3: Check your look and see if extra pins are needed. Leave some of the ends out and loosen the hair around the ears if it’s too tight.
– Jamie of Hello There, Lady!
