If you're blessed with super straight hair, you know that updo hairstyles can sometimes feel out of reach. But fear not! With the right techniques and a few styling tricks, you can still achieve stunning updos that defy your hair's natural texture. Today, we're sharing a really easy updo for super straight hair that's perfect for any occasion.
The best part? You don't need advanced hairstyling skills or an arsenal of products to pull this off. Let's dive right in and create a beautiful, voluminous updo that works with, not against, your hair's natural straightness.
Understanding Your Canvas: Super Straight Hair
Before we start styling, let's first understand what makes super straight hair unique. This hair type has a strong resistance to hold or retain curls, waves, or volume. It naturally falls straight down and can sometimes look limp or lack movement. The key to creating updos on super straight hair is to work with its natural texture and create the illusion of volume.
To prep your hair for this updo, start by washing with a lightweight, volumizing shampoo and conditioner. Gently towel-dry your hair, then apply a small amount of mousse to your roots for added lift. Allow your hair to air-dry or use a blow dryer on a low heat setting to preserve your hair's moisture.
The Basics of the "Messy Bun": Understanding the Structure
The "messy bun" is a go-to updo for a reason. It's effortless, chic, and works perfectly for straight hair. The key to a good messy bun is creating texture and volume, which makes it look casual yet put-together. The bun itself is just one part of the equation; the disheveled layers around your face are what give this style its charm.
For this updo, we'll create volume at the roots, texture throughout the mid-lengths, and a messy, high bun. The result? A beautiful, undone updo that shows off your face and adds height to your style without needing curls or waves to work with.
Building Volume: Backcombing and Teasing
Backcombing, or teasing, is your friend when it comes to creating volume on straight hair. It's an old-school technique that works wonders for adding height and fullness. To create volume at your roots, start by lightly backcombing the crown of your head with a fine-tooth comb. Be gentle to avoid causing breakage, and focus on the top layers of your hair.
Once you've achieved the desired volume, gently smooth over the backcombing with a brush to disguise the teasing. This will create a soft, natural-looking lift at your roots. If your hair is prone to frizz, lightly mist your roots with a flexible hold hairspray before and after backcombing to control flyaways.
Creating Texture: Curl, Curl, Curl
Since straight hair lacks natural texture, we need to create some with the help of a curling iron or hot rollers. The goal here is to add movement and soft waves, not tight curls. We want to break up the stark straightness of your hair and create layers that'll make your updo look more interesting.
Use a medium-sized curling iron with a non-stick barrel to prevent damage. Start by curling random sections of hair, alternating the direction of your curls to create a more natural, tousled effect. Focus on the mid-lengths and ends of your hair, leaving the roots alone to preserve your volume. Allow each curl to cool before gently unraveling it with your fingers.
Luscious Layers: Parting and Pinning
Now that you have your desired texture, it's time to create the bun. Begin by parting your hair down the middle, then loosely gather each side into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck. Secure with an elastic band, pulling each ponytail tightly to create a firm base for your bun.
With one ponytail, use your fingers to gently loosen and spread the hair horizontally across the elastic band, creating a small, flat bun shape. Pin the bun to your head using several bobby pins, tucking the ends underneath to hide the elastic. Repeat the process with the other ponytail, stacking it on top of the first to create a high, messy bun.
For the final touch, gently pull and tousle loose pieces around your face, creating soft, disheveled layers that frame your features. Use your fingers to lift and fluff your bun, breaking up any stiffness and making your updo look more messy and undone. Mist your finished style with a flexible hold hairspray to keep everything in place.
And there you have it! A really easy, beautiful updo that works perfectly for super straight hair. This style is perfect for any occasion, from casual outings to formal events. Practice makes perfect, so don't be afraid to experiment with this updo and make it your own. Happy styling!