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2009 Messy Updo - HowTo

Introduction

Christian Serratos Twilight Co-Star Messy Updo With French Braid Front Accent

A messy updo style is fabulous for a number of reasons:

1. There are no set messy updo rules. Messy translates to the freedom to wear hair de-constructed from a finished look.

2. Messy updos can work with any type of hair type, texture or color and with any length.

Maria Bello 12th Annual Hollywood Film Festival's Hollywood Awards Gala 10-27-08

Did I say any hair length? Yes I did. Even people with shorter strands can achieve an absolutely fabulous messy updo by instantly clipping on a longer ponytail or going with temporary hair extensions.

3. Messy updos can be radically messy or just slightly messy depending on the occasion and the goals of the person wearing the bun.

4. Messy updos are much easier to style than finished styles and can be created "on the fly".

Or if you prefer, you can plan your messy updo like you would any other type of updo but adjust the amount of messiness you wish to display.

5. If you can put your hair in a pony or attach hair extensions or a clip-on bun, you can create a messy bun hairstyle.

6. Messy buns can be combined with any type of bangs from side-swept to completely off-the-forehead bands.

Even better, you can pull hair out from the bottom, the sides or a combination. Messy is as how you define it.

Steal The Messy Updo Style - HowTo

Jaime King With Messy Updo Style

Although less complicated than an ornate bun, the messy bun does entail some form of precision but is designed to give the impression of a "just out of bed" messiness.

The sassy messy updo is perfect for adding a wide range of hair accessories ranging from skinny crystal encrusted headbands to a flirtier array of sparking beads, rhinestones or even a sassy crystal encrusted tiara or tiara comb.

The type of messy bun you opt for should match the type of outfit you are wearing.

If you are wearing a more formal dress a messy bun is still a wonderful choice but may me more finished than when wearing a messy bun for a more casusal event.

Note: Visit The Nicole Richie Gallery.

Nicole Richie Messy SideSwept Loose Updo

Step By Step Instructions - Messy Updo Hairstyle

Listed below are the detailed steps you should follow to recreate this spectacular Sassy Messy Updo Prom Style:

  1. Shampoo hair with product designed for your specific type, texture and current condition of hair. One to try? Ken Paves Healthy Hair Shampoo Keep in mind that hair that is allowed to "age" a few hours may be less slippery to work with than hair that is freshly washed.
  2. Finish shampoo treatment with a rinse-out conditioning product designed for your hair type, texture and condition. One to try? Ken Paves Healthy Hair Conditioner
  3. Complete the final rinse with cool/cold water rinse to close cuticles.
  4. Towel blot hair to remove excess water.
  5. Apply detangling or leave-in/detangler and working from the ends to the roots, carefully detangle strands. Create desired parting (front, side, high or low).
  6. When hair is completely detangled, apply a styling cocktail that includes a mixture of leave-in conditioner and/or styling cream or mousse. If your hair is naturally curly or wavy, you may wish to apply a straightening balm or defrisant.

    Note: If your hair requires extra hold you may wish to apply a styling glaze and/or gel in addition to a leave-in product.

  7. Use a blow dryer set on medium heat and a large flat paddle brush.

    Linda Cardellini

    Separate hair into 2-4 inch sections with one hand as you direct the heat "down the shaft" from the "roots to the ends" with the blow dryer.

  8. Continue to work completely around your head from side to side working with individual sections until the entire head has been completely dried and straightened.
  9. Apply dab of styling cream or pomade before creating the desired part that extends from the hairline to approximately 2 inches back towards the crown.
  10. After creating the desired part, create a horizontal part that extends across the back of the head behind each ear.
  11. Separate the newly horizontally parted hair into front and back sections.
  12. Use your fingers to gather the back section of hair into a loose ponytail with the base situated right below the top of the crown.
  13. Anchor the ponytail with a Bungee, Blax or elastic band.
  14. Select one strand from the tail of the pony and wrap the strand around the base of the ponytail to cover the Bungee, Blax or similar elastic band. Use bobby pins to pin the base hair into place.
  15. Separate pony hair into individual strands of hair which are approximately 2" in thickness. Use medium to large barrel curling iron to create loose curled loops. After the section of hair has been curled around the iron use fingers to roll into a soft barrel style curl. Pin with bobby pins to secure against the scalp.
  16. Continue to use hot iron on all sections. Roll and pin barrel curls into all sections until all strands have been used and the newly printed curls cascade from the top of the pony down to the nape of the neck. Note: If your hair is exceptionally long or thick, you may need to use thicker sections when creating and pinning the barrel curls.
  17. Linda Cardellini

    After you have finished pinning the barrel curls use your fingers to "shape" and "mold" the finished updo. When satisfied with the shape, use bobby pins the same color of your hair to anchor it to the scalp. Use as many bobby pins as necessary. Note: This is where you can make the updo as messy as you desire. Remember that this style is designed to be messy Use your own judgment creating a final shape that works best with your hair type.
  18. Sweep the remaining front hair into a long eye brushing side fringe. Use a flat iron to get a sleek finish and slightly curl the very ends up for a flirty flick. If you prefer, you can style your fringe in a different style to fit your desire. Or you can wear this messy style swept up completely off your face.
  19. Place bobby pins discreetly around the side swept front hair to help anchor the sweep of hair into the back of the style.
  20. When hair has been completely pinned and is ready to be finished, spray the entire head with a firm hold hairspray.
  21. Finish with a light application of shine spray or drops carefully palmed over the top of the waves to prevent them from getting too much product which can make hair greasy or oily. Remember, a little goes a long way.
  22. Attach desired hair accessories such as a single flower, jeweled accent clips or barrettes. Or take the style up a notch and decorate with some sparkly hair gems.

Summary

This style looks stunning with either a strapless gown to show off your shoulders or a full or half halter top gown, as shown above.

The messy updo can be worn tighter or looser and can be carefully pinned or pinned with a messier attitude. Just use your own imagination. This style is perfect for all special Holiday, Prom and Party Hair events.

This basic messy updo can be easily modified by adding a front braid, by pulling the base of the updo to the side, making the base higher or lower. Experiment with a number of different options to create the same basic messy do but always changing it up a bit for each different event or fashion.

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