Smooth Upstyle
Upstyles are always popular, and everyone is constantly seeking something "new" and "different" in their updos. Just as overall style trends evolve over the years, so do the specific variations of those styles. In fact, such changes typically occur in small increments. Little adaptations to existing styles inevitably lead to new looks over time. Updos are no exception.
In the 1980s, most updos were characterized by puffed-up bangs, frilly twists, and spiraling accent curls. As the 1980s transitioned into the 1990s, the puffs and frills diminished in size, and more intricate styles became fashionable. Today's upstyles tend to be smoother and sleeker, with a cleaner, more sophisticated appearance. However, this perception may be influenced by the telescoping effect of retrospection.
Creating the Style:
We begin our demonstration on a manikin with unwashed hair. We mist the manikin's hair with a leave-in conditioner and use a blow-dryer and a flat paddle brush to dry it smooth and straight. The manikin's head is tilted forward, and the hair is combed outward from the center of the crown area, allowing the natural parting of the hair to assert itself. Our manikin's natural part is to the left of center. If your client doesn't have such a parting, you will want to create one or adjust the final stages of the style accordingly.
Once the hair has been combed smooth, section out a circular shape of hair centered at the crown of the head. This hair will form our "base" and will be the anchoring point upon which we will build the layers of our up-style. Divide this circular section into two sections vertically. Holding the two sections as if you were going to make ponytails of them, tie the sections together into a square knot with the knot itself resting gently against the scalp. There is no need to pull the knot tight, as it will not hold.
Use two large bobby pins and anchor the knot to the scalp by positioning them crosswise onto one another. Allow the free ends of the knotted hair to continue going in the direction dictated by the knot, wrapping them in a circular sweep around the knot. Before the ends become sparse, and to prevent a frayed look to the finished style, clip a bobby pin onto the strand ends, flip the pin so that its ridged side is facing the scalp, and clip it into position at the base of the knot. Using the tail of a tail comb, gently tuck the hair ends underneath the curve of hair you just formed. Spray lightly with hairspray and gently pat the hair to smooth down any stray strands.
Now, begin slicing long, thin sections of hair from the sides of the head at the ears, alternating between one side and the other. Take these sliced sections and mist them with hairspray, comb them smooth, and sweep them across and around the crown of the head. Use the "clip, flip, and slip" method to pin the sections into place, carefully tucking the ends out of sight and spraying and patting the sections to smooth down strays.
Work your way from the sides to the nape of the neck in this fashion, creating layer upon layer of upswept sections. Position the overlapping layers as desired to maintain the balance of the style on the head. When you've placed the last section of hair at the nape of the neck, all that should remain are a small section of hair to the left of the part and a larger section of hair across the top to the right of the part.
Carefully mist the left side section of hair and comb it smoothly along the hairline, anchoring it at the back of the head along the lower right side of the crown area. As this and the top section of hair are the final touches of this style, be especially conscientious to make the section smooth. Once you're happy with this section's placement and the concealment of the ends of the section, proceed to the top and final section for placement.
This last section is larger than the others you will have handled. Spray it with hairspray and then comb it into a wide, smooth ribbon of hair. Wrap this section along the hairline at the right side of the head, then down around the lower crown, anchoring it as you did with the others, on the lower left side of the crown. Pay special attention to the "clipping, flipping, and slipping" of the bobby pin anchoring this section, ensuring that you can hide the pin and tuck the end of the section out of sight. Spray the section again with hairspray and gently smooth it to ensure there are no stray hairs sticking out.
In our demonstration, we have used two jeweled combs tucked behind one another for decoration on top of the style, behind the parting. However, a variety of adornments could be used, provided they aren't overbalancing and can attach themselves along the scalp. Jeweled pins or barrettes, a small tiara, or even a small spray of flowers would work if appropriate for the occasion.
The result is a style with a smooth finish and an elegant look, with the staying power to handle virtually any evening celebratory activity or occasion.
See also:
More about up-styles
Up-style for medium length hair
Twisted knot up-style