A New Twist on the Old Updo - Click on the Images Above to View Each Technique!

Glam It Up With Something Different For Clients' Next Formal Affairs

Worn low on the nape, tucked loosely on the head or tight in a braid, today's updos cannot be pinned to one look. Here are a few ideas to give you a head start on your client's next formal affair.

Crown Pleaser:

Kurt Lowry of Arrojo Studios in New York City took a look at the styles of the Sixties and Seventies and modernized the dos with a few sleek twists. This chignon can be made as small or large as you desire, adding extensions or weaves for desired effect. Play with different color tones to create color dimension. The chignon builds on balance, so place your sections carefully, keeping in mind the shape of the face, neck and profile.

Photo by Brian Winckler

1. Divide the hair into two equal parts with a parting from ear to ear across the top of the head.
2. Tie each part into a ponytail: one on the crown of the head and one on the occipital bone.
3. Working out all the ribbons from the two ponytails, start with a section of the top ponytail. Each section will make two ribbons. Back-comb half the length of the underneath layer. Lightly spray the back-combed sections from underneath with System Professional Trend Set Spray.
4. Smooth the surface of the top and bottom sides without penetrating too deeply into the back-combed hair. Spray the section again and let air-dry. Hold the section firmly and curve it to a ribbon shape as small or large as you prefer. The ribbon should be smooth, dry and crisp, so it's important to create the exact texture before curving the ribbon to its shape. The first ribbon sets the balance for your chignon and should be the highest part of the chignon. Set it in the front, in the middle of the crown, then pin it secure at the bottom of the ribbon. The rest of the hair from this ribbon will be your section for the next part.
5. Repeat every step of the first ribbon until your second ribbon is finished. Then, take a new section and start over again. Work from left to right, creating ribbons on every other side. Carefully choose the placement of each ribbon, making sure it creates balance. Look at the shape of the face. The chignon should make an elliptical shape from the chin to the top of the crown to create the best balance.
6. Create as many or as few shells as you like, depending on what size of the chignon you want. Add weaves or extensions for a fuller chignon.