Fan Updo: Natalie Look #2

Introduction

This updo is elegant, beautifully fan shaped and has a hint of Old World Spanish charm.

This spectacular hairstyle combines a sleek crown with a neatly tucked side swept front and a tightly sculpted fan shaped chignon. Drama is added to the style with a V shaped side part and a sultry looped strand.

This updo style works well with Natalie's very long, naturally wavy, thick locks. The look compliments her face shape which is a classic oval shape with slightly squared jaw angles.

Any tresses that are either naturally straight or pre-straightened can easily be fashioned into a similar style. Thin or fine hair may require extensions or pin-on tresses.

Getting Started Notes

The key to this chignon design is to have enough hair length and thickness to allow for the creation of the fan shaped roll that can easily be spread out along the base of the nape of the neck.

Although Natalie's style was designed with a V shaped part and a tucked side-swept fringe to show off her beautiful face and gorgeous eyes, a variety of different parts and bangs could easily be incorporated into a customized version.

In order to create this chignon style updo on Natalie's waist length hair, her strands were first washed, blow dried straight and then flat ironed. The focus was on creating perfectly straight strands in order to be able to create this chignon. Her newly washed and dried strands were “prepared” with lots of styling products so that her strands were not so soft.

Best Styling Tips

Natalie's thick, naturally wavy hair, falls just above her waist.

This style works best for hair that is shoulder length or longer, and either naturally straight or pre-straightened to create this look.

The style could be easily modified to work with medium to thick tresses that range from shoulder length to slightly below waist length.

Short hair lengths could be transformed into this style through long hair extensions or the temporary use of clip-on tresses.

Regardless of the hair's texture, type or actual length, it is important to start with strands that are dressed properly with the necessary styling products.

Keep in mind that freshly washed hair may be overly soft and slippery, making it challenging to style. If you prefer to work with newly washed hair limit your use of conditioners or other products that make strands slippery soft or hard to manage.

When possible, create this style on "aged" hair that is not newly washed. Natural hair oils help the updo hold tighter and last longer.

Before you start make sure that you have all the proper tools including plenty of hairpins, a good brush and comb. (Hairstyx from the Mei Fa Collection at HairBoutique.com).

If you wish to add hair accessories be sure you have them ready to be added to the style at the end.

Remember to use good styling creams, gels, sprays or similar products to give hair instant stylability. While less may be more, when it comes to creating dressy updo related styles, too little may not enough.

Creating Style At Home

While this style might be accomplished at home with the help of some talented friends or family members, because the back involves the creation of a rolled chignon, when in doubt, ask your stylist to craft the style for you.

If you do decide to do the style at home be sure to have several practice runs before the night of the big hair event.

This updo style involves several steps. Keep in mind that when crafted properly, the style can take some time to finish.

Instructions - Steps To Create

1. Begin by making sure that the strands are flat ironed to remove any kinks, waves or curls.

2. Use a soft boar's head brush or similar natural bristle brush to make sure that all knots and tangles are completely removed from all strands.

3. Gather all of the hair into a tight, smooth ponytail that comes to rest at the base of the hair a few inches about the nape of the neck. Secure the ponytail with a “hair friendly” Blax, Bungee or other elastic band.

4. Using a hair pick or the tail of a rattail comb separate out a strand of hair from the front section of the hairline near the forehead. Starting at the very tip of the hairline drag the pick or tail of the comb a few inches back towards the crown. Then cut across at a diagonal and inch back to the hairline. The result should be a carved out section of hair that measures approximately 2 inches in width and extends from a V shaped part. Pin the newly created front section of hair out of the way temporarily. 5 Gather the top section of hair into a tight, smooth ponytail that rests at the middle crown section of the head. Secure the ponytail with a “hair friendly” Blax, Bungee or other elastic band. Note: Allow a few loose strands to float loosely around the face.

6. Pick up a 1" section of hair from the underneath side of the back ponytail and wrap the strand up and around the base of the pony. This will cover the elastic or Blax base of the ponytail. Pin securely into place.

7. Using your hands carefully separate the ponytail into two equal sections that are separated in the middle.

8. Pick up the left section and using a comb, form a big barrel shaped loop.

9. Pin the newly formed loop securely against the underside against the scalp. Adjust the loop so that it forms one half of the final fan shape. Make sure that the loop extends upwards on the side towards the crown on the side.

10. Pick up the remaining section and using a comb and fingers, form a big barrel shaped loop that is the same size and shape of the first curl created on the opposite side. 11. Pin the second loop securely against the underside against the scalp. Adjust the loop so that it meets the first half of the fan shape in the middle. Note: The key to this look is uniformity. Strive to make both barrel loop sections the same size and tightness. When possible it is best to work from the middle of the chignon out. 12. Use fingers to carefully expand and extend the two loops so that they span from one side of the back of the head to the other while slightly curving up towards the crown on either side. Note: There should a round shaped opening at the end of both sides of the fan shaped chignon. 13. Pin securely with bobby pins or U shaped pins in the same color as the hair. Be sure that the newly formed chignon bun is seamless on all sides. 14. Spray well with firm holding hairspray. 15. Finish the style by picking up the loose hair at the hairline. Smooth the hair with fingers and then drape the strand so that it extends from the hairline back towards the bun.

16. Sculpt the strand so that it forms a ribbon like section. Attach it to the scalp with bobby pins or U shaped hairpins the same color as the hair. Cover the pins with a jeweled barrette, hairpin or other accessory. 17. Cover the pins with a jeweled barrette, hairpin or other accessory. Note: If you attach a hair accessory remember to always attach accessories last after all styling products have been applied to avoid damaging delicate accessories. 18. Spray well with hairspray like Phytolaque or Jessica Simpson’s favorite Phytolaque Soie made with real silk. 19.Apply a drop or two of a shine serum like Phyto's PhyoLisse, Rene Furterer's Spray Gloss or Robert Hallowell's Love That Shine Drops to the palms of your hands. Rub the serum into the palms and then lightly glide over the top of the style to add instant shimmer and shine.

Finishing Touches

This dressy style combines elegance with Old World Charm. It works beautifully with any type of sophisticated fashions.

This hairdo can be toned down or glammed up depending on individual tastes. One great option? A jeweled comb to add an exotic twist.

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