Hair Updo: Nape Knot

Patrick Cameron
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Step By Step Instructions 
For Creating Nape Knot Updo Style

1. This style actually works best on hair that is "aged. If possible, apply this style to hair that is not freshly washed.  If you allow time for the oils to build up on the hair the style actually looks more sophisticated and elegant.
    
2. If you are not comfortable with wearing "day old" or "aged" hair, wash and dry you hair as far in advance as possible. 
    
3. Towel dry and then apply a leave-in hair conditioner that will also protect your hair against blow drying. Use a good leave-in conditioner to give your hair some weight and manageability.
    
4. Use a hair pick or wide toothed comb to carefully detangle your hair. Always remember to start at the bottom of your hair and work your way up to the roots. Take your time so you don't snag or break your hair.
    
5. Blow dry your hair upside down so that it is as straight as possible. If your hair is naturally wavy you may want to consider using a good temporary straightening balm. Right before blow drying, apply a good gel at the roots of the hair to add volume if you want a fuller look at the roots.
    
6. When your hair is dry, finger pick it smooth and then brush it carefully. Use a paddle brush. 
    
7. Smooth your hair into a low ponytail. A low ponytail is a tail that would have the knot gathered close to the nape of your neck (As shown in the photo).
    
8. Put a "hair friendly" elastic coated hair band in your hair to hold the ponytail. You may want to use a band that matches your hair color.
    
9. Take the entire length of the ponytail and fold the ponytail under to form a large soft curl with about 1/2 the length of the ponytail sticking up close to the back of your head.
    
10. Put a clip on the extra hair so that you can pin the first big curl close to your head.
     
11. After you have pinned the ends of the ponytail take the remaining hair and wrap it up and over the ponytail holder. Pin the remaining looped ponytail to the other side of your head.
     
12. Use a good hair spray and lightly spray the new knot to hold in place.
     
13. This simple, but elegant style, can be dressed up in a variety of fabulous ways.  You can add a few gorgeous hair sticks, some beautiful sparkly pins or you can also add seasonal flowers to the top and sides of this loose chignon. You can make the knot as tight or loose as you like. It will create a soft look at the nape of your neck.
     
14. It is always important to remember to spray your hair before you add any hair jewelry like hair sticks, floating hair gems of the like. It is always helpful to carry a few extra hair pins in your purse in case you lose some of the pins in the process.

This gorgeous hair style looks great on the bride, the bridal attendants or for anyone that wants a fabulous but simple style.

Of course keep in mind you don't want your hair to upstage the bride.

This hairstyle instantly dresses up your look.  

Note:  If you enjoyed reading about this hairstyle you will probably also enjoy his three long hair videos, 2 bridal videos & 3 books available from the HairBoutique.com Marketplace.