A long flowing mane is something many women aspire to but, once you've grown one, you'll need to know what to do with it. From basic hair care to general management, when your locks are longer, they need a different approach to styling than a shorter cuts.
For practical reasons, having a few go-to updos in your arsenal is especially important. Things like hot weather, laundry day, workouts, certain jobs, looking after kids and cooking are all easier to deal with if your hair is up and out of the way.
Whether you like to braid your tresses, stick to speedy styling techniques or stray no further than half a day from the oh-so-humble ponytail, you may have more updo options than you think. Below, you'll find five gorgeous styles with easy-to-follow tutorials so you can recreate each look at home with minimal fuss and maximum results.
So, scroll through and get inspired!
French braided bun
This style looks way more complicated than it actually is. You can even break it down into three manageable sections: two French braids and a bun... hence the name we gave it. It's a really pretty updo and one you could wear to work, a wedding or even for a yoga class! If you're feeling less than thrilled by the idea of French braiding your hair, it gets really, really easy with practice.
Get the look
You'll need a clip, hair ties, bobby pins and a can of Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Bold Control Hairspray.
Step one: Split your hair into two halves, parting it right down the middle. Clip one side out of the way then, starting at the part, French braid one side all the way down to the nape of your neck and secure with a hair tie. Repeat on the other side.
Step two: Once you've finished both braids, join them together in a low ponytail then braid the pony all the way to the ends.
Step three: Wind the braided pony into a bun at the nape of your neck and pin. Mist liberally with Bold Control Hairspray and you're all set.
Twisted chignon
This style is very polished, making it perfect for formal occasions like a job interview. It's surprisingly easy to style given the intricate appearance of the chignon, too!
Get the look
You'll need Advanced Hairstyle SLEEK IT Iron Straight Heatspray, a flat iron, a hair tie, bobby pins and Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Bold Control Hairspray.
Step one: Spray damp hair with Iron Straight Heatspray then flat iron.
Step two: Smooth all your hair back into a low ponytail and secure with a hair tie.
Step three: Divide the pony into four sections and twist each one tightly then wind it around into the chignon and pin. Layer and twist each section around the others and mist with Bold control Hairspray to finish.
The [really] easy option!
For those of you who don't have the time or the inclination for anything remotely complicated, this chignon is probably what you've been waiting for. It's the easiest updo that isn't a pony or a topknot. Promise.
Get the look
You'll need a hair tie, bobby pins and Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Bold Control Hairspray
Step one: Gather your hair back into a low ponytail then, as you pull the hair through the elastic for the last time, stop halfway – or sooner if your hair is longer – to create a loop.
Step two: Create the illusion of an updo by artfully pinning the loop and the ends of your hair into a chignon.
Step three: Spray liberally with Bold Control Hairspray and you're done!
Messy bun
Another simple yet very effective hairstyle is a messy bun. With a perfectly disheveled, romantic vibe, this is another hairstyle you can wear virtually anywhere. You can dress it up or down depending on how you feel/what you need to look like – i.e. for work.
Get the look
You'll need Advanced Hairstyle TXT IT Tousle Waves Spray, a blow-dryer (if you don't have time to let your hair dry on its own), a hair tie, bobby pins and Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Bold Control Hairspray.
Step one: Spray dry or damp hair with Tousle Waves Spray evenly throughout then twist it into two buns and leave them to dry. Speed things up with a hairdryer if you need to.
Step two: Shake your hair out and gather it all back into a ponytail. Pull a few pieces loose to frame your face as you do this.
Step three: Loosely twist the pony into a bun and pin. Tease several strands loose to soften the silhouette then finish with a mist of Bold Control Hairspray.
Tousled braid
Last but not least is the tousled braid. This undone texture can be seen just about everywhere right now and it's not hard to see why. It creates a softer silhouette which is flattering on just about everyone and it's a great way to update a classic hairstyle.
Get the look
You'll need Advanced Hairstyle TXT IT Tousle Waves Spray, a hairdryer, a hair tie and Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Bold Control Hairspray.
Step one: Spray your hair with Tousle Waves Spray evenly throughout then, as with the messy bun, let it dry naturally while pinned up into two loose buns or blow-dry in large twisted sections.
Step two: Finger-comb your hair then loosely French braid it all the way from the crown of your head all the way to the ends.
Step three: Mist with Bold Control Hairspray and you're all set!
Which of these updos will you try first?
