When it comes to special occasions, your hairstyle can elevate your overall look and make you feel like the star of the event. Whether you’re attending a wedding, gala, or any formal gathering, a polished updo can add an element of elegance and sophistication to your appearance. Updos are versatile, timeless, and suitable for all hair types, offering a wide variety of styles to suit any outfit or theme.
In this guide, we’ll explore three elegant updos that are perfect for special occasions. These styles are not only beautiful but also easy to recreate at home, allowing you to glam up your look without a trip to the salon. From classic chignons to modern braided updos, here are three hairstyles that will make you feel effortlessly chic at any event.
1. The Classic Low Chignon
The low chignon is a timeless and sophisticated updo that never goes out of style. It’s sleek, polished, and perfect for formal events like weddings, black-tie affairs, or upscale dinner parties. This look can be adapted to suit various hair textures, whether your hair is fine, thick, straight, or wavy.
How to Create the Low Chignon:
Step 1: Prep Your Hair
Start by prepping your hair with a smoothing serum or light mousse to eliminate frizz and add shine. Blow-dry your hair straight or use a flat iron for a sleek look, depending on your natural hair texture.
Step 2: Create a Low Ponytail
Gather your hair at the nape of your neck and secure it into a low ponytail with a hair elastic. Make sure to leave some volume at the crown for a soft, elegant silhouette.
Step 3: Twist and Roll
Take the ponytail and twist it loosely. Wrap the twisted ponytail around the base of the elastic to form a bun, tucking the ends underneath. Use bobby pins to secure the bun in place, ensuring it feels firm but not too tight.
Step 4: Finish with Hairspray
Finish off the look by spraying your updo with a lightweight, flexible-hold hairspray to keep everything in place. Smooth down any flyaways with your fingers or a soft brush for a clean, polished finish.
Why It’s Perfect for Special Occasions:
The low chignon exudes effortless glamour and pairs beautifully with any formal attire, from a sleek evening gown to a tailored suit. Its understated elegance makes it a go-to hairstyle for sophisticated events, and it can be adorned with hair accessories like a jeweled hairpin or a delicate flower to personalize the look.
2. The Romantic Braided Crown
If you’re looking for a soft and whimsical updo that still feels polished, the romantic braided crown is an ideal choice. This hairstyle is perfect for bohemian-themed weddings, garden parties, or any occasion where you want to channel a dreamy, feminine vibe. The braided crown offers a combination of texture and intricacy, making it stand out while remaining elegant.
How to Create the Braided Crown:
Step 1: Part Your Hair and Create Two Braids
Begin by parting your hair down the middle or slightly to one side. Divide your hair into two sections and create two regular three-strand braids, one on each side. Secure the ends of both braids with small elastics.
Step 2: Cross the Braids Over
Take one braid and bring it up and over the top of your head like a headband, securing it with bobby pins behind your ear. Repeat with the other braid, crossing it over the first braid to create a crown effect. Tuck the ends of the braids under each other and secure with more bobby pins.
Step 3: Loosen the Braids
To achieve a more relaxed, romantic look, gently tug on sections of the braid to loosen them slightly. This will give your braids a fuller, more textured appearance without being too tight or rigid.
Step 4: Set the Look
Use a light hairspray to set the hairstyle in place. If you have shorter pieces of hair or bangs, allow a few strands to frame your face for a softer, more ethereal effect.
Why It’s Perfect for Special Occasions:
The romantic braided crown is ideal for outdoor events, weddings, or any occasion where you want to feel like a modern-day princess. Its intricate braiding adds a unique touch to any outfit, while the overall look remains soft and approachable. This updo is perfect for anyone looking to add a bit of flair to their hairstyle without sacrificing elegance.
3. The Sleek Top Knot with a Twist
For those who prefer a modern and chic look, the sleek top knot with a twist is the ultimate go-to updo. This hairstyle offers both simplicity and drama, making it an excellent choice for cocktail parties, fashion-forward events, or even upscale dinners. The sleek top knot adds height and structure to your look, while the twisted detail gives it a unique edge.
How to Create the Sleek Top Knot:
Step 1: Smooth and Gather Your Hair
Begin by applying a smoothing serum or gel to your hair to ensure a sleek, frizz-free finish. Brush your hair up into a high ponytail at the crown of your head and secure it with an elastic.
Step 2: Create the Twist
Divide the ponytail into two sections. Take one section and twist it tightly from root to tip. Wrap the twisted section around the base of the ponytail to form a bun, and secure it with bobby pins. Repeat the process with the second section, twisting and wrapping it around the first section to create a layered top knot.
Step 3: Smooth and Pin
Once the top knot is in place, smooth down any stray hairs or flyaways with a small amount of styling gel or pomade. Make sure the bun is secured with enough bobby pins so that it feels stable and won’t budge during the event.
Step 4: Finish with Hairspray
Finish off the look with a strong-hold hairspray to ensure your sleek top knot stays in place throughout the night. For added shine, mist a light gloss spray over the hair.
Why It’s Perfect for Special Occasions:
The sleek top knot with a twist is perfect for formal events that call for a contemporary, high-fashion aesthetic. This hairstyle draws attention to your face and neck, making it a great choice for showcasing statement jewelry or bold makeup. It also gives an overall polished appearance that works well with minimalist outfits or bold fashion statements alike.
