DIY Wedding Updos

July 27, 2011

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Bohemian Twist

Credit: Bryan Gardner

Its twists and curls may look pro-level complicated, but this intricate updo is surprisingly simple to create. Click through for all of the how-to steps.

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Step 1

Credit: Bryan Gardner

Taking 2-inch sections, curl all of your hair with a 1-inch curling wand to create a smooth, thicker texture. Then, part it in the middle and divide each side into three sections (top to bottom).

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Step 2

Credit: Bryan Gardner

Lift the top layer of hair (it should rest just above ear level), tease, and twist. Pull it across the back of your head, securing with bobby pins. Repeat on the other side, then tuck in the ends.

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Step 3

Credit: Bryan Gardner

Keep going until all six sections are twisted, crisscrossed, and pinned in place. When finished, spritz with firm-hold spray, such as L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Strong Hold Hairspray (available at drugstore.com).

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Sleek Tuck

Credit: Bryan Gardner

Smooth and sophisticated, this easy-to-master hairstyle is just right for a warm-weather wedding.

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Step 1

Credit: Bryan Gardner

Apply a pea-sized drop of Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil before you blow-dry to give strands extra shine. Once hair is completely dry, create a deep side part and comb it straight.

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Step 2

Credit: Bryan Gardner

Place hair in a low ponytail using a no-snag band, like a goody Colour Collection Elastic (available at Target). But don’t pull it all the way through the last loop of the elastic; instead, leave a bit out.

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Step 3

Credit: Bryan Gardner

Smooth the loose hair with a little extra oil, then wrap it around the elastic. Secure it underneath with a few bobby pins, tucking in any stray strands. Set the whole style with hair spray.

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The Side Chignon

This fresh, easy style is as modern as it is timeless: Low-swept curls recall a classic chignon, while an asymmetrical silhouette lends a flirty vibe. "It's young and coquettish," says Andre Rodman, a stylist at Frederic Fekkai salon in New York City.

Peekaboo bangs and tomato-red lipstick? It's a match made in heaven. Clinique Long Last lipstick in Red, Red, Red, clinique.com. "Truce" camisole, The Lake & Stars. "Cupidon" bra, eresparis.com. "Everlon" diamond knot bracelet, samsclub.com. Pear-shaped ring, kirkkara.com. Small sofa, larsbolander.com.

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Step 1

Credit: Elisabeth Toll

Using a round brush, blow-dry hair smooth and straight, focusing on the top sections.

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Step 2

Once dry, use a large-barrel curling iron to create waves from the ears down.

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Step 3

Build height and volume at the crown by teasing hair gently with a fine-tooth comb.

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Step 4

Gather hair into a low ponytail. Twist it along the nape of your neck, pinning as you go.

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Step 5

Credit: Elisabeth Toll

Once you reach your ear, shape the remaining hair into curls, and pin them back over the twist.

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Step 6

Credit: Elisabeth Toll

Spritz strands in place. Try Frederic Fekkai Full Blown Volume Lifting Hairspray, $20, fekkai.com.

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Step 7

Credit: Elisabeth Toll

To add texture, gently curl and scrunch the wispy ends with your fingertips.

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The Top Knot

This style puts a formal spin on the basic bun without compromising its simple elegance. Hair is swept completely away from the face, so "it's perfect for an outdoor wedding," says Rodman. Balance the bold architecture with antique-inspired accessories.

Keep makeup graceful and subdued with cream eye shadows in smoky hues. Maybelline New York Color Plush Silk Eyeshadow, at drugstores. "Townhouse" mini robe, by Matters of Leisure, journelle.com. "Melina" corset, eresparis.com. Ring and earrings, debeers.com. Sofa and dressing table, larsbolander.com. Vera Wang "Bouquet" eau de parfum, sephora.com.

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Step 1

Credit: Elisabeth Toll

Blow-dry hair straight. Try Pureology Super Smooth Smoothing Cream, pureology.com.

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Step 2

Credit: Elisabeth Toll

For a super-sleek look , use a flat iron to smooth out the ends.

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Step 3

Part your hair on the side. Leaving out a piece in the front, gather it into a high ponytail.

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Step 4

Credit: Elisabeth Toll

Pull the front piece back along your ear and around the ponytail. Pin it around the elastic.

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Step 5

Divide the pony into four sections. Twist one section, wrap it around the base, and pin.

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Step 6

Repeat the process with the remaining three sections until a bun forms.

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Step 7

If your hair is layered and spiky pieces pop up here and there, simply pin them into place.

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The Half and Half

For this romantic look, consider flushed, glowing skin a requirement.

Paul & Joe Creamy Cheek Powder blush in butterfly, beautyhabit.com. Camisole, Julianne, journelle.com. Earrings, Fantasia for Jennifer Miller Jewelry; necklace, Roni Blanshay, jennifermillerjewelry.com. Ring, harrywinston.com. Brooch, Camilla Dietz Bergeron, cdbltd.com.

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Step 1

Credit: Elisabeth Toll

Use a large-barrel curling iron to create loose curls all around your head, from the ears down.

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Step 2

Credit: Elisabeth Toll

Part your hair in the middle, and use your fingers to loosen and separate the curls.

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Step 3

Credit: Elisabeth Toll

Starting halfway down the part, begin spritzing your roots with hairspray. Continue to the crown.

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Step 4

To create height and volume, tease the sprayed hair with a fine-tooth comb.

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Step 5

Use a brush to gently smooth the teased hair, and gather the sides up into a half ponytail.

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Step 6

Credit: Elisabeth Toll

Secure the sides with pins, then use your fingers to gently shape the curls into place.

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More

DIY Wedding Updos

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Bohemian Twist

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Step 1

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Sleek Tuck

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The Side Chignon

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The Top Knot

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The Half and Half

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