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.

Braid Craze:

Braids are back and in a big way. Here, Marci Landgraf created streams of braids for the Venexiana show at spring/summer 2006 New York Fashion Week. Wear this different kind of updo casual by day or glam by night.

Photo by John Perez

1. Pull back hair into a small, tight bun just below the crown.
2. Use your fingers to soften hair texture around the hairline to give it an angelic look.
3. Roughen up braided extensions, so they look soft and whimsical.
4. Create a pattern around the head with the extensions, using pins to secure as you work. Be sure to cover the bun with the braids.

Also inspired by the new braid craze on the runways, Arrojo Studio's stylist Kurt Lowry kept the braids loose and low on the nape for this look below. This chignon can be made as small or large as you please. Depending on the thickness and density of the hair, add weaves or extensions for desired thickness.

Photo by Brian Winckler

1. Part the hair from ear to ear across the top of the head. Clip together the front parted hair, as you will use this last.
2. Separate the back section into two parts with a vertical center parting.
3. Back-comb the underneath section of each part only at the base of the nape.
4. Sweep up the two sections and cross them over each other diagonally upward. Twist each section inwards toward the head. Pin together the base of the crossover sections to create a pillow for your chignon. Make sure to keep the pillow in a half-circle shape, where the top part follows the straight horizontal line of the parting. This will create a shelf of the pillow to pin into.
5. The ends from the two crossover sections will form the parts for about three-quarters of the actual chignon. Braid sections of it and keep some strands loose or twisted. Drape braided and loose, twisted sections, one after another, around the pillow, following the half circle. Secure with pins at the top shelf of the pillow.
6. Now, take the top part and pull it back smooth into a ponytail. Secure at the top middle part of the chignon. The hair from the ponytail will create the top upper section of the chignon. Braid sections of the ponytail and leave some loose or twisted as the first part. Roll together all sections into the center over the half circle to create the top part. Secure with pins. Spray the entire chignon, using a strong hold like System Professional's Ultimation Hair Spray.