Lightning - Basic Curly Updo

How to Make a Basic Curly Updo

What you’ll need:

• Lighting Curling Iron
• Heat protectant spray
• Hairbrush or comb
• Bobby pins
• Hair elastic or hair tie
• Light-hold hairspray
• Optional: decorative hair accessories

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Step 1: Prepare your hair

• Start with clean, dry hair.
• Apply heat protectant spray evenly throughout your hair to protect it from heat damage.

Step 2: Curl your hair

• Use a curling iron to create curls all over your head if your hair isn’t curly already.
• Take medium-sized sections of hair, wrap them around the curling iron barrel, hold for 8-12 seconds, then release.
• Allow curls to cool completely to hold their shape.

Step 3: Create volume and texture

• Gently run your fingers through your curls or use a wide-tooth comb to loosen them slightly for a soft, natural look.

Step 4: Gather your hair

• Using your hands, gather your curls at the nape of your neck or slightly higher, depending on your preference for the updo height.

Step 5: Secure with an elastic

• Put a hair elastic to hold the gathered curls in a loose ponytail. It doesn’t need to be too tight—keeping some volume adds softness to the look.

Step 6: Twist and pin curls

• Take small sections from the ponytail, twist or loosely wrap them, and pin them around the base with bobby pins to form a bun or a loose, curly chignon.
• Pin each section securely but keep the shape relaxed and a bit messy for a romantic feel.

Step 7: Tuck in loose strands

• If you want a polished look, tuck all loose hairs into the bun and pin them. For a softer, more casual style, leave a few curls or strands to frame your face.

Step 8: Set the style

• Finish with a light mist of hairspray to hold the updo in place without making it stiff.
• Add decorative pins or accessories if desired.