A wonderful option when you really want to look different and make a statement from your everyday look is to consider wearing an updo.
Updos don’t necessarily have to be very elaborate or even take long to put together. Updos do more than just elevate your hair; the expression can be as elaborate or simple as your wedding dictates and look equally as stunning.
Updos enable you to flatter an off- shoulder gown or a gown with detail around the neck which you would not like to hide. Additionally the look gives you the option of including fabulous jewellery for a beautiful bridal look.
Any bride with medium to long hair can successfully carry out an updo on her natural hair. Short hair ladies can consider hair extensions or faux buns etc. The great thing about an updo is that it is universally flattering, enhancing the beauty of any face shape, body shape, ethnicity or image type while still enjoying the beauty of your hair.
Updo’s can be romantic, trendy, classic, cultural or any presentation which suits your needs; the concept is yours to explore.
CREATING YOUR UPDO
For such
an important event as your wedding day we advise that it really is better to consider investing the services of a professional.
Not only will it look better all around because the stylist is trained and can see your whole head, it also tends to be more durable due to the professional touch.
However if you find your finances are tight, at least make sure that you have someone with you to see that everything looks right and just in case you need extra hands.
It is best to practice the style many times before the big day to confirm that this is really satisfactory and the way you want to go.
TIPS
Consider your height. A short bride can add the illusion of several inches to her look with a cleverly constructed updo. On the other hand if you are the same height as your groom or already taller and updo will make you appear even taller.
The more structured the updo the more formal it appears. Looser updo’s are more suitable for more casual wedding ceremonies.
Fine hair tends to be flat; you can use a medium sized curling iron on your hair before construction to add fullness and body.
Freshly washed hair is usually too soft to hold an updo well, leading to updo fall out. Day old hair works better.
Too much hair product in your updo may melt in the warm tropical sun; consider strong product use for evening weddings or indoor ceremonies.
Consider your comfort; don’t create your style to be so fragile that you are apprehensive to move freely.
Ensure that clasping accessories and securing pins are the same or similar colour group as your hair.
FACE CONSIDERATIONS
Ringlets around the face have a softening, romantic effect; severely pulled back looks are more edgy. A classic bun is very easy to create, versatile and never goes out of fashion. Wear them in a variety of head positions to suit your presentation for a look which is amazing from all sides and is easily complimented with a variety of headpieces or adornment.
While all face shapes are complimented by some form of updo, you can add personlised, flattering accents to your look which can work with your particular facial contours for great results.
ROUND FACE: Can be complimented by an elevated updo which adds more height at the crown.
SQUARE FACE: Soften and flatter a jawline by adding soft ringlets, tendrils.
LONG & THIN: Balance your face by keeping your updo low and closer to the head with softness at the sides.
OVAL FACE: Can experiment with almost any updo style.
WORKING WITH COLOUR
Streaks, frosting, spot colour etc, brides are being noticeably more creative with the use of colour techniques in their updos.
Consult a stylist early, if you are considering specific tone procedures to enhance your style, to see if this is the right approach for you and for the best possible result.
Techniques can range from bold chunking to gentle streaks which add depth and dimension to your hairstyle. For those who are more subtle in their personality consider lowlights which will infuse an extra vibrant glow to your look.
Once you are satisfied with the shade the effect can be an asset to your look.
Colour accents in your hair create richness and texture which is very versatile. A curly updo which is soft with tendrils cascading infuses a romantic elegance to a presentation. A smooth, sleek updo with edgy accents and bold red streaks creates a sophisticated exotic look which is completely different. You can turn your imagination to almost any approach you desire, to portray your vision. As with all colour processes ensure that your hair is in good shape before applying the procedure that you condition your hair from then on, so that it retains its vibrant colour and lush appearance.
MAKING YOUR LOOK WORK FOR YOU
A few simple considerations to your style can make all the difference to your appearance:
Your hair should always compliment your gown, don’t make your hair too formal if your wedding is of a casual nature or very carefree if your wedding is upmarket.
You can harmonise and infuse accents of your presentation into your updo like matching the flowers of your bouquet , the rhinestones, pearls or other features on your gown, the wedding colours which your bridesmaids and other wedding party will be wearing.
Watch how extravagant you make your updo. A style which is too flamboyant will steal the show from you; the style is to compliment not take over. It must blend seamlessly with your facial make-up and overall dress.
