Gamine and pixie cuts are enjoying a revival, but long hair never goes out of style. “Updo” might sound alarmingly formal, but depending on how you work it, an updo doesn’t have to be Oscar-worthy. Whether you toss it into a casual ponytail or wrap it up with ribbons and Swarovski crystals, you can play with dozens of different looks. These updos work as well for weaves as for naturally long hair, so whether you grew it or bought it, you can indulge your updo desires. Let your long locks show their versatility with an updo.
Hair Ribbon
Feminine and pretty ribbons can wind around the base of a bun or weave through a braid or two to make any updo look special. The trick to making a beribboned style fresh and modern instead of primly Victorian is keeping it a little messy. Instead of placing the ribbon precisely, weave it into a bun or thread it haphazardly across a twist for just the right amount of disarray to turn severe into sexy. Coordinate your ribbon with what you’re wearing or go for a seam of bright color; ribbons have a low-impact cost for their high-impact style, so you can stock up on shades and styles.
Hair Donuts
These odd-looking foam hair accessories are designed to stay hidden, so choose a hair donut close to your current hair color. Sweep your hair into a low ponytail–a high one will result in a “Black Swan” bun–and poke the pony through the hole of the donut. Tip your head forward and arrange your hair evenly around the foam bun, then keep it in place with another ponytail holder that goes around your hair and the donut. Tuck the ends of your hair under the bun and pin them in place; if your hair is long enough, braid the ends and wrap the braid around the base of the bun for a more ornate style.
Hair donuts make perfect buns that look dramatic, but feel light and comfortable. These little foam-rubber bun-helpers feel like your own personal pillow.
If you have long hair, you know it’s too much for simple barrettes and combs to hold. The right style of hair clip can tame your mane. Steer clear of the plastic-toothed models that can break under pressure and go with one of the sleek stork-bill shaped clips.
These elegant long clips have the surface area to hold a French twist in place or keep a chignon secure without crimping and weakening long hair. They take only one hand to use and can make a secure updo faster than any other method. Because of their pointed “bill,” these clips also act a little like hair sticks and can wind through a bun as well as gently clamping down on one. Try one of Ficcare’s bill-shaped hair clips to hold a twist or bun in place. HairArt also offers a range of similar clips.
Hair Sticks
The simplest hair accessory for long hair is one of the most effective. Hair sticks impale a bun to keep it in place. They come in just about every style imaginable: twisty and straight, painted and bare, beaded and plain, studded with crystals and inlaid with decorative wood. Some of the finest incorporate precious metals and gems, while others are cheap, cheerful plastic. Get a whole wardrobe of hair sticks and you’ll become a stylish quick-change artist with your long hair.
