Up-Style for Mid-Length Hair

Most women enjoy the convenience and ease of care provided by today's shorter hairstyles. However, when it comes time to attend a special event, they often feel compelled to opt for a sleek, slicked-back look. In some cases, sleek is the way to go, and if that's your personal preference, don't hesitate to grab the gel and go for it.

But if your hair is just too short to pull back into the classic French Twist, consider this: a shorter updo with more interest.

Step One:

Remember that freshly washed hair is much harder to work with in updo styling. Clean, healthy hair is silky and smooth and easily resists confinement with hairpins. The stylist will need to "rough up" the hair, usually adding hairspray and other products to give the hair some texture.

To begin, brush out the hair thoroughly to remove any tangles. Then, section off the hair along the front and sides, stopping at the crown of the head. Take the crown hair in hand like a ponytail and divide it into two equal parts. Back-comb (or tease) the inside of the divided section 8-12 times for each half and rejoin them. Run your comb lightly over the outside of the section to re-smooth the exterior.

Updo for mid length hair how to - Section off the hair along the front and sides

Updo for mid length hair how to - Create a small French style twist

Then, create a small 'French-style' twist with this section and pin it securely using two large bobby pins crossed into an "x" or "+" formation. Tuck the ends of the hair carefully underneath the twist, mist with h airspray, and smooth lightly with your comb or fingers. This will be the base of your updo.

Step Two:

Start with the hair at the nape of the neck and section it into segments roughly 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide. Apply a little hairspray to the segment and comb it through until dry. Always comb in the direction you want the hair to be placed. This will help the hair stay together and make the section look like a ribbon.

Updo for mid length hair how to - Section the hair into segments

Updo for medium length hair - Tuck the ends of the hair under

Slide a bobby pin (wavy side out) onto the segment about one-quarter of the length from the end. Holding the bobby pin, flip it over, grab the end of the hair, and pull the segment up, slipping the pin into the twist to anchor it. Tuck the ends of the segment under the twist using the tail of your comb, mist with spray, and smooth gently.

Repeat this step until you've worked through all the hair at the nape of the neck. Feel free to cross over previously placed segments. Use your own judgment and sense of aesthetics. Generally, the more interest you create, the better the hairstyle.

Do the same with the sections of hair on the sides and top. Use the positioning of the segments to cover any partings you make. Feel free to take out a pin and reposition any segment if you are not satisfied with the result. Once finished, mist the hair again with spray and gently pat down any stray hairs.

Updo for mid-length hair with jeweled hairpins

The style can then be adorned with jeweled hairpins at the "flip point" of each segment, small flowers tucked into the folds of the hair, or a single large ornament - or any combination thereof.

The result is a highly fanciful style with a lot of visual interest that exudes both elegance and formality, sure to please.

By Stacy | Updated May 21, 2024 | ©Hairfinder.com