Instructions for How to Put Hair Up into a Formal Updo  

Here's one of the most popular updo videos on YouTube.

There are some occasions and events that require that you know how to put hair up into a formal updo. If you are someone who prefers to wear your hair down all the time, understand that the look is not always considered appropriate. When your hair is up off the nape of your neck and held neatly in place, you are granted a more polished, elegant look. Below are instructions for those who need to know how to put up hair, which of course is the first step to learning how to create an updo.

The Side Updo 

If you are like most others, you have probably recently seen your favorite celebrities walking the red carpet with a side updo and suddenly felt inclined to replicate that look for your next formal event. If you are looking to learn how to put hair up so it’s off to the side, you should know this look could take a little practice. It is advised to not wait until the day of the event to try the desired style for your first time.

Before delving into the act of how to create an updo, you will need your hair washed, dried and straightened to begin this look. The goal is to have your hair very smooth, so use the appropriate products and a boar bristle brush or something similar to achieve this.

• As you learn how to put up hair in one of these formal looks, you need to make sure that there are no bubbles when creating the initial ponytail. Sweep the hair into a pony so it’s positioned directly above the ear, and then secure it in place using a bungee, Blax or some other gentle hair piece that won’t pull or cause damage.
   
• Separate the ponytail into four sections of equal size and use a curling iron that offers a minimum of a one inch diameter to create soft barrel curls.
   
• With each curl that you create, role the hair around a finger when you remove the iron and allow it a few seconds to cool and set before taking your finger away. Mist the curls lightly and let them set completely.
   
• Now you can add a hair elastic or you can even create a second ponytail halfway down if you want the hair to fall toward your shoulder. Alternatively, you can pin these large barrel curls in the shape of a flower on the side of your head and place a piece of hair jewelry inside the center. Really, your imagination is the only limitation regarding how to create an updo. 

When you are learning how to put hair up off to the side, you should experiment with which side of your hair looks best on you. Also, you may want to try this look with your bangs clean and sooth, pulled into the updo or you can create romantic ringlets around your face as an alternative.