33 Breathtaking Loose Updos That Are Trendy for 2022

Gone are the days of the tightly slicked back updo styles. These days, it’s all about loose, flowy styles that look relaxed and understated, yet put together and chic. Curls, braids, side ponies and so much more can combine together to create the perfect loose updo! Here’s our favorite loose updos that you can wear anywhere.

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Simple & Romantic

Q&A with style creator, Jenn Macrina
Cosmetologist / Owner @ Happily Ever After Hair in Cherry Hill, NJ

How would you describe this look?

I would describe this look as soft, simple, and romantic. A lot of brides love the natural look and I love to create it for them. The little touch of a small clip or brooch can complete a romantic look like this.

Any advice for someone considering it?

This look can always be achieved! My client here had very fine hair. We added 14-inch brown extensions that matched her hair perfectly. The hair was lightly curled first to create a base for me to work with.

I used What a Tease by Big Sexy Hair to create soft volume. I prepped the hair with Shaper Plus by Sebastian and finished the style with Hard Head by TIGI to ensure the look lasted all day for her big day!

Messy Bun + Fishtail Braid

Q&A with style creator, Kasia Fortuna and Danica Zurawel
Hairstylists in London, UK


How would you describe this look?

This is a messy bun with a scalp fishtail braid. This updo is textured and intricate yet undone, which makes it suitable for any event. This style is a statement on its own, no need for additional embellishment.

Any advice for someone considering it?

If your hair is fine, consider clipping in a few hair extensions to add fullness to the plait. You could also crimp your hair with BaByliss PRO Spectrum White Crimper as this will create lots of volume to make your plait more 3D.

The key is to make this look textured and playful. Once you complete your plait, make sure to pull on each fold to open up the braid. Lastly, pull out some tendrils to frame your face.

Sophisticated & Very Glam

Q&A with style creator, Nicole Darwin
Owner @ Nicole Marie Salon in Chicago, IL


How would you describe this look?

This updo was for a bridesmaid for a winter wedding. It is sophisticated while still being glam. I love the flow of this updo!

Any advice for someone considering it?

This look was done for a formal event with a black formal dress! It made for a timeless, soft, and classic look. To make it more casual, I would probably just make it a little higher and add a bit more teasing, texture and frizz.

To style this look, you’ll need teasing powder, hairspray, a shine spray, and a 1 1/2-inch curling iron. The trick is to hide all bobby pins and tease the base before sweeping the hair over!

Bohemian Messy Updo

Bohemian Messy Updo hairstyle
Instagram @kerbie_hair_mua

Q&A with style creator, Kerbie
Hairstylist & Make-up Artist @ The Colour Lounge Salon and Spa in Duluth, MN


How would you describe this look?

I would describe this look as a bohemian messy updo. My favorite part about it is the fanned fishtail braid and how it looks effortless and fun.

Any advice for someone considering it?

My advice for a client would be to have fun with this look! Let loose and let your personality shine through.

I think this particular updo is ideal for someone who wants to stand out and doesn’t take themselves too seriously.

Effortlessly Elegant

Q&A with style creator, Jess Lauren
Master Cosmetologist @ Pam’s Legacy Hair Studio in Lexington, KY


How would you describe this look?

I would describe this look as effortlessly elegant. My favorite thing about this updo is how easy and quick it is to create such a romantic hairstyle! This look can be dressed up or worn casually and the twist braid really creates some interest.

Any advice for someone considering it?

For anyone considering this look, it really can be customized depending on how loosely you pull out the braids when styling. This look can be done with short hair for a fun and edgy style, or with long hair like these loose romantic curls into a low bun in the back.

Even though this is a loose and effortless style, once you get the braids pulled out a little and everything looking how you want it, make sure to spray spray spray with a medium to firm hold hairspray so everything stays in place nicely!

Undone Updo

Q&A with style creator, Sarah Thiele
Salon Owner @ SugarSkulls by Sarah in Edmonton, AB


How would you describe this look?

I would consider this look to be a loose or undone updo.

I mainly love these looks for brides or bridesmaids, but it would actually work well for any semi-formal event. This look is classy but not overly polished and works great on long to medium hair.

Any advice for someone considering it?

I start by blow drying a holding product into the hair. Yy current favorite is Mr. Fantastic by EVO! Blow drying a holding product into the hair is important to hold the curl. I curled by wrapping random sections around a 1-inch curling rod.

I love these types of updos because they look unique on each different hair texture!

Romantic Transitional Updo

Romantic Transitional Updo hairstyle
Instagram @_hairbycait

Q&A with style creator, Caitlyn Hiner
Hairstylist & Hair Color Specialist @ Salon Riah in Muskegon, MI


How would you describe this look?

I would describe this hairstyle as soft and romantic. My favorite thing about this updo is that the softness of it makes it easy to wear anywhere. It could be considered on the bridal side of just a fun night out.

Any advice for someone considering it?

This particular client of mine has TONS of hair, but this is definitely a look that’s easily transitional from day to night for anyone with shoulder length or longer hair. It won’t move on you with the right amount of bobby pins and hairspray!

Romantic & Modern

Q&A with style creator, Christin Roberts
Stylist @ Hair-Do Salon in Mesa, AZ


How would you describe this look?

My favorite thing about this hairstyle is how versatile it is. You could go casual or formal with it! You can wear it for a girls night out or to walk down the aisle. When I look at her hair, I see undone, playful, romantic, and modern.

Any advice for someone considering it?

This style does not require super long hair like so many updos can, so medium length clients are in luck! This model’s hair is shoulder length and it worked perfectly.

I used a good amount of Bumble and bumble Thickening DrySpun before putting the hair up to give it an airy and undone look as opposed to being slicked back. I also used MoroccanOil Hairspray to give it hold, but not too firm of a finish. I pulled some pieces out at the end to complete the perfectly imperfect look!

 

Romantic Textured Chignon

Romantic Textured Chignon hairstyle
Instagram @danaraiabridal

Q&A with style creator, Dana Raia
Owner / Lead Artist @ Dana Raia Hair + Makeup in Charlotte, NC


How would you describe this look?

This is a romantic textured chignon with braid accent. My favorite thing about it would be its whimsical feel and complex look, although it is actually pretty effortless to achieve.

Any advice for someone considering it?

Having the proper haircut is important to pulling off this look. Angling and layering is crucial to achieve the texture throughout the crown and softness around the face. I used Puff Me texture spray to achieve the texture and movement.

I think this style would be ideal for anyone looking for an effortless and sexy upstyle. It is perfect for a whimsical wedding!

Glam Textured Loose Updo

Q&A with style creator, Stephanie Moyer
Hair & Makeup Artist @ Daneene Jensen & Associates in Perkasie, PA


How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?

This is a beautiful textured updo. I loved the use of this bridesmaid’s natural curls! We did not need to use any irons on her hair and were still left with gorgeous texture.

What tips or products do you recommend to recreate this look?

This style works best on girls with natural curls that can be used for a no heat updo! For those girls that want this look without the natural curls, I recommend using a smaller iron to curl the framing pieces and loosely pinning them back for added volume and texture.

What type of client would you recommend this look for?

This style is perfect for those naturally curly girls that want to look like themselves by preserving their curls, but still glam it up a bit!

Undone & Organic

Q&A with style creator, Jessica Miller
Stylist / Freelance Artist @ Hunter Paige in Nashville, TN


How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?

This look is soft, loose, organic and incredibly romantic. I love that this look is effortless and can be dressed up for a bride on her big day, or casual enough to wear with a simple dress to a party or event.

What tips or products do you recommend to recreate this look?

To start this style, creating messy curls is a must. Vary the direction that you are curling the hair so the curls bounce off each other. This will create more volume! Vary your section sizes as well. Try not to make it perfect and leave an inch out of the ends to create a beachy, effortless effect.

Lastly, spray texture spray, and tons of it! My favorite is Orbe Dry Texture Spray. Separate your curls and pin! I like to leave lots of hair out in the front to make it even more romantic and undone.

What type of client would you recommend this look for?

This style is wonderful for anyone with medium to long hair. This look is perfect for anyone with a medium to thick hair type. It’s also wonderful for any face shape!

Versatile and Soft Updo

Q&A with style creator, Kimberly Mahon
Hairstylist / Makeup Artist @ Calia Hair Design in Toronto, ON


How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?

My client asked me for a look that says, “I did this myself, but better”. She didn’t want anything too flashy or put together, but still soft and pretty.

My favorite thing about this look is that I believe it achieves just that! I love the pieces left out around her face and toward the back.

What tips or products do you recommend to recreate this look?

Her hair was quite fine, so Kevin Murphy Doo.Over spray was used all over before curling with a flat iron. After everything was in place, I used Kevin Murphy Session.Spray to set and a spritz of Shimmer.Shine to finish.

What type of client would you recommend this look for?

This is a versatile and soft updo that anyone with some face framing layers can wear. This particular client was attending a gala, but this could easily be a bridal look with the right accessory!

Romantically Chic

Q&A with style creator, Courtney Dix
Master Stylist @ Studio 890 Salon in Elm Grove, WI


How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?

This updo is romantic, timeless and chic. I love the lived-in feeling about it.

What tips or products do you recommend to recreate this look?

After setting the hair, I used Bumble and bumbles Pret-a-Powder dry shampoo to add texture and body to the hair.

What type of client would you recommend this look for?

I recommend this style for a client with medium to long hair, and hair that holds a curl well. It is perfect for thr woman who wants to look sophisticated, but still stylish.

Beautifully Braided

This dreamy braided look is a great way to get your hair up and out of your face without compromising on style.

Braided Loose UpdoBraided Loose Updo Back

How To Style:

  1. Begin with dry hair that’s parted to one side.
  2. On one side of your part, (the side with more hair on it) gather two sections that are each about two to three inches wide. Braid these sections and secure the ends with a small, clear ponytail holder.
  3. On the other side of the part, gather a section of hair that begins right at your hairline and extends back about two inches. Braid this section and secure it with a small, clear ponytail holder for now.
  4. Gather the rest of the hair that isn’t braided and secure it back into a low bun near the nape of your neck.
  5. Gather the three other braids and wrap them around the bun. Secure them with bobby pins.
  6. Spray everything with a light hold finishing spray.

Best Face Shape and Hair Type:

This look is ideal if you have thick hair that’s medium length and isn’t cut into a very layered haircut. A heart shaped face will be complemented by this look.

Recommended Products:

Spray a bit of hairspray in the sections you are braiding before you braid them. This will prevent you from having any flyaways or frizzy pieces! Try Classic Hairspray by Bumble and Bumble.

Lovely and Laid Back

This relaxed style is super easy to create and looks incredible.

Easy Relaxed Loose UpdoLoose Updos

How To Style:

  1. Begin with dry hair that’s parted where you desire.
  2. Spray each section with a working spray, then curl with a 1¼-inch curling iron.
  3. Leave a few pieces of hair out around your face, then gather hair to one side right behind your ear. Secure hair up using bobby pins. Be sure to leave a few pieces out so it looks a bit undone.
  4. Spray everything with a light hold finishing spray.

Best Face Shape and Hair Type:

This look is perfect if you have short hair that’s finely textured. A round face will be flattered by this style.

Recommended Products:

The perfect finishing touch on this look would be to add a bit of texture cream to the ends of your curls once you’ve finished pinning it up. Try Brilliantine by Bumble and Bumble.

Tips:

This look should be messy and undone. Don’t get too hung up on creating the “perfect” messy bun. Just go with it!

A Sweet Side Pony

This incredibly easy to create side ponytail updo is super sweet and simple. It’s a great option for a casual day date or a day at the office!

Easy Side Ponytail Hairstyle

How To Style:

  1. Begin with dry hair that’s parted to one side.
  2. Gather hair into a low ponytail that’s below one ear. The hair on the side of the ponytail should cover your ear. Secure the ponytail with a ponytail holder.
  3. Gather a small piece of hair from the ponytail and wrap it around the ponytail holder so it disguises it. Secure the end of it with a bobby pin.
  4. Curl each section of the hair in the ponytail using a 1¼-inch curling iron.
  5. Spray everything with a light hold finishing spray.

Best Face Shape and Hair Type:

This look is great for you if you have medium to long hair of any texture. It will work especially well for you if you have a round face shape.

Recommended Products:

A great finishing spray will be the nice cherry on top of this already stunning style! Try Classic Hairspray by Bumble and Bumble. It’s light and won’t leave your hair feeling crunchy or sticky.

Two Times the Twist

This stunning updo comes with a twist…make that two twists!

Updo with TwistsUpdo with Twists Side

How To Style:

  1. Begin with dry hair that’s parted to one side.
  2. On the heavier side of your part, gather a section of hair that begins at your hairline and extends back about two to three inches. Begin twisting this hair back and on top of itself so it creates the twist that’s shown in the photo.
  3. Once the twist reaches just behind your ear, secure it with a bobby pin.
  4. Gather the rest of your hair to the side that you have just done the twist on. Begin another twist just below your first twist that goes the other way. (This one should be twisting in towards your face).
  5. Once this twist reaches the nape of your neck, secure it with a bobby pin.
  6. Use a 1-inch curling iron to curl large sections of the hair that’s left out of the twists. Be sure all the sections get curled the same way (towards your face).
  7. Spray everything with a strong hold finishing spray.

Best Face Shape and Hair Type:

This look is awesome if you have long hair that is thick. Minimal layers are best for this style. If you have a heart or oval shaped face, this style will be ideal for you!

Recommended Products:

Before you start styling your hair like this, you may want to apply a bit of a pomade or gel. I love Undressed by Kevin Murphy. The texture is smooth so you will get beautiful, shiny twists. No need to apply any of this product in the ends of your hair where the curls are though, keep that part sans product!

Perfectly Pinned

This loosely pulled back updo is super easy and is a great way to show off your new face-framing highlights or long swoopy bangs.

Easy Pinned Loose UpdoEasy Pinned Loose Updo Side

How To Style:

  1. Begin with dry hair parted to one side.
  2. Use a small curling iron to curl each section of your hair.
  3. Once all of your hair has been curled, use a back combing brush to create volume at your roots.
  4. Gather all of your hair to one side so it rests over one shoulder. Then gather your bangs, if you have them, or the hair that’s at your hairline and pull it back so it reaches above and behind your ear. Use a bobby pin to secure it back. Hide the bobby pin with the hair above the pinned section.
  5. Spray everything with a light hold spray.

Best Face Shape and Hair Type:

This look is best if you have medium to long hair that’s thick. A layered haircut will work well for this hairstyle. If you have a heart shaped or oval shaped face, this is a good option for you.

Recommended Products:

Before you dry your hair and start to heat style it, it’s always wise to use a heat protectant so you don’t damage your hair. Try Damage Manager by Kevin Murphy. It’s a wonderful product!

Barely Braided

This mini side braid is a great way to add an intricate touch to your loose updo.

Loose Updo with Mini Side BraidLoose Updo with Mini Side Braid Side

How To Style:

  1. Begin with dry hair that’s deeply parted to one side.
  2. Use a small curling iron to curl sections of your hair. Use a back combing brush to add volume at your roots, especially near the part.
  3. Begin braiding the hair that’s on the side of your part with less hair. Continue braiding until you reach the nape of your neck on the opposite side of your head. Secure the end of the braid with a bobby pin.
  4. Be sure to use the other hair to cover the bobby pin. Run your fingers through your hair if you want the curls to be softer and looser.

Best Face Shape and Hair Type:

If you have medium to long hair with minimal layering, this look is good for you. Any hair texture will work for this style! If you have a long and narrow face shape, this look will definitely complement you.

Recommended Products:

If you have finer hair and have trouble getting a braid to stay tight, apply a bit of working spray (like Session Spray by Kevin Murphy) to the hair before you braid it.

Beautifully Bunned

This sweet and simple low bun is the perfect combo of undone and glam. It frames the face perfectly and virtually works for any hair type!

Simple Low Bun UpdoSimple Low Bun Updo Back

How To Style:

  1. Begin with dry hair that’s parted to one side.
  2. Use a small curling iron to curl each section of your hair.
  3. Leave out a few pieces of hair around your hairline. Gather the rest of the hair to the back/middle of your head. Use bobby pins to pin the hair up. This look should be a bit messy — no need to aim for perfection here!
  4. Once all the hair is pinned up, spray everything with a light holding spray.

Best Face Shape and Hair Type:

If you have naturally curly hair, lucky you! You can avoid step 2! Virtually any hair texture will work for this, and as long as your hair is about shoulder length or longer, this style is an option for you. Pretty much any face shape will work for this look.

Recommended Products:

A good curling iron is necessary for creating not only this updo, but many others. Try a Hot Tools curling iron. They are good, quality products that are affordable and will last a long time!

Stunningly Side Swept

This stunning upstyle is a total crowd pleaser. It’s a trendy take on your average to-the-side look!

Side Swept Loose UpdoSide Swept Loose Updo Side

How To Style:

  1. Begin with dry hair parted to one side.
  2. Use a 1¼-inch curling iron to curl each section of your hair.
  3. Leave your bangs out and style them as desired, then begin pinning up sections of your curled hair. Pin the sections more vertically than horizontally. Pin the sections going in different directions (some away from your face and some towards your face).
  4. Spray everything with a light hold finishing spray.

Best Face Shape and Hair Type:

This look is completely perfect for you if you have short to medium length hair that’s of a finer texture. A square face shape will be complemented by this look.

Recommended Products:

I know it may seem silly, but when you are creating updo styles, you want to be sure to use a good bobby pin that will hold your hair in place. My favorite are by the brand Goody. They come in a variety of colors and won’t bend easily!

Ravishing and Romantic

This relaxed yet totally chic loose updo makes my heart skip a beat! It’s so simple and understated, but has so much style and class. It’s a must try!

Romantic Relaxed UpdoRomantic Relaxed Updo Side

How To Style:

  1. Begin with dry hair that’s deeply parted to one side.
  2. Curl each section of your hair using a 1¼-inch curling iron.
  3. Once all hair is curled, apply a bit of shine serum or spray to your bangs and style them as desired.
  4. Gather the rest of your hair over to one side. Use a bobby pin to pin the hair at the nape of your neck, a little below your ear. Then gather the section of hair that is around your hairline and twist it a bit so that the hair is going away from your face. Secure this hair with a bobby pin.
  5. Spray everything with a strong hold finishing spray.

Best Face Shape and Hair Type:

I love this style on those with short to medium hair of any texture. It’s very versatile, but will probably be easier on those without a ton of hair! Try this look if you have a round face shape or want to disguise any asymmetrical features.

Recommended Products:

This look will require a strong hairspray so it stays securely in place. I love Air Control by Aveda. Add a little of this stuff and your hair won’t be going anywhere!

Tips:

If your hair is extra fine and you are having trouble getting it to stay to one side like this, apply a tiny bit of a light gel to your hair and comb it to one side. This should help it stay.

The Hidden Gem

I called this style “the hidden gem” because from the front it looks like a typical low ponytail/bun. Once you see the style from the back however, the intricacy of the loose braid is visible and it looks like a completely different style!

Loose Braid UpdoLoose Braid Updo Back

How To Style:

  1. Begin with dry hair that’s parted to one side. Spray everything with a working hairspray.
  2. Take a section of hair along your hairline, separate it into three subsections, and begin braiding those sections. The braid should stay right along your hairline and continue above your ear. Keep the braid very loose.
  3. When you reach the nape of your neck, tuck the remaining hair that is left at the end of the braid into the section you have just braided. Use bobby pins to secure it into place.

Best Face Shape and Hair Type:

This look is so perfect for you if you have shorter hair that’s fine to medium in texture and hair that’s layered minimally. If you have an oval or heart shaped face, this look will be flattering on you.

Recommended Products:

If you have fine hair, you will definitely want to spray your hair with a working hairspray before you begin the braid. This will help to avoid pieces slipping out of the braid. I love Spray de Mode by Bumble and Bumble!

Easy and Edgy

This edgy and fun look is definitely an all purpose style. It will work for every event or scenario that presents itself!

Edgy Loose UpdoEdgy Loose Updo Back

How To Style:

  1. Begin with dry hair that’s straight and parted to one side.
  2. Leave out the first ½ inch to 1 inch of hair around your hairline.
  3. Gather a section of hair that begins about two inches up from your ears. Pull this hair back to create a half ponytail. Use bobby pins to secure the hair back.
  4. Gather the hair that is just below this section. Pull it back so it joins the other hair in the back but is just below it. Bobby pin the sections of hair.
  5. Spray everything with a light hold finishing spray and use a bit of texture cream to “piece out” the ends of your hair.

Best Face Shape and Hair Type:

This look is fitting for you if you have short hair that’s of a thicker texture. An a-line cut (longer in the front, shorter in the back) will work especially well for this look, but a cut that’s one length all around will also work. A round face shape will be complemented by this style.

Recommended Products:

I love to use a bit of wax to make the ends of your hair look extra defined. Try Sumo Wax by Bumble and Bumble. A little bit goes a long way though, so use it sparingly!

The Sassy Sidewinder

This style is a must try for those with thick hair that want it up and out of their face! This look will also especially complement stunning facial features or blingy accessories.

Sassy Side Loose UpdoSassy Side Loose Updo Back

How To Style:

  1. Begin with dry hair that’s parted to one side.
  2. Curl each section of your hair using a 1-inch curling iron and style your bangs as desired.
  3. Leave your bangs out and begin grabbing pieces of hair at random and pinning them to your head beginning in the back/middle of your head and continuing down until you reach your hairline at the nape of your neck.
  4. Spray everything with a light hold finishing spray.

Best Face Shape and Hair Type:

This look is awesome if you have thick hair that’s medium to long length. It’s a good way to get your hair out of your face without compromising on style. This look is so versatile and will complement any face shape.

Recommended Products:

To add a little extra sheen to your locks before you curl them, apply a small amount of oil or serum to the ends of your hair. I love Moroccan Oil. Use this very sparingly thought because too much of it will weigh your hair down!

Tips:

If you simply have too much hair to create this style easily, try an alternate approach. Gather your hair into three ponytails starting at the back/middle of your head and continuing down to the last ponytail which should be at the bottom of your hairline on one side of your head. Then, begin pinning the curls from there. This approach should avoid you having to use hundreds of pins to get your hair to stay in place!

Loose and Laid Back

This sweet style has a braid to add to its beauty and uniqueness. It’s also fairly easy to create and will have all eyes on you!

Sweet Side Braid Loose UpdoSweet Side Braid Loose Updo back

How To Style:

  1. Begin with dry hair that’s parted to one side.
  2. Use a 1-inch curling iron to curl each section of your hair.
  3. Once you have curled all of your hair, start to create a braid that begins above one ear and finishes just behind and a bit beneath your other ear. Secure it with bobby pins.
  4. Gather the rest of the hair that isn’t in the braid and pin it up so it meets where the braid ends. Be sure to use hair to hide the bobby pins.
  5. Spray everything with a light hold finishing spray.

Best Face Shape and Hair Type:

This look is ideal for you if you have medium to long hair with minimal layers. If you have hair with a fine to medium hair texture, this look will work for you. A square face shape will be complemented by this look.

Recommended Products:

This look is easiest to create if your hair isn’t super clean. Trying this the day after you wash your hair is ideal. If you have trouble with your roots looking greasy, spray a little dry shampoo on them. I love Fresh Dust by L’oreal!

Tastefully Tousled

This loose, romantic updo is super tasteful and trendy. It draws all the attention to your beautiful features and face.

Loose Romantic Updo

How To Style:

  1. Begin with dry hair that’s parted to one side.
  2. Use a small curling iron to curl each section of your hair.
  3. Once you have curled all of your hair, leave a few pieces out around your hairline and then gather it to one side of your head. Ideally, you will pull it all to the side of your part that is heavier. Begin pinning up the pieces in the back so it looks like you have a few curls coming from around your crown area.
  4. Spray everything with a light hold finishing spray.

Best Face Shape and Hair Type:

This look is perfect for you if you have medium to long hair that is fine to medium texture. This could be a great way to show off your long, swoopy side bangs. A square face shape will be complemented by this look.

Recommended Products:

If you want to add a bit of extra shine to your look, try spraying some Kevin Murphy Shimmer Shine in your hands and then applying it to your ends after you have curled. It smells delicious and will give your hair tons of extra sheen.

Tips:

We can’t see the back of this photo, but I assume it’s a casual, not too perfect situation to match the front of this style. Keep it neat when pinning the curls up, but don’t aim for total perfection. Let your hair take the lead!

Twisted Temptress

This understated ‘do is easily one of my very favorites of all of these loose updos. It’s simple to create and really defines the art of “messy but perfect!”

Understated Updo with TwistUnderstated Updo with Twist Back

How To Style:

  1. Begin with dry hair that’s parted to one side.
  2. Use a medium curling iron to curl each section of hair.
  3. Once all of your hair is curled, leave out a small section of hair around your hairline. Then, on the side of your part that has less hair, begin a small, very loose braid. Continue the braid until you reach the nape of your neck on the other side of your head.
  4. Loosely gather the rest of the hair that is on the same side of your head that the braid started from. Secure it so it all meets near the end of the braid in a low, messy bun.
  5. Spray everything with a light hold finishing spray.

Best Face Shape and Hair Type:

This look is so perfect if you have fine to medium hair of any length. A bit of a natural wave would be great and give additional body, but hair of any texture will work. A round face shape will be flattered by this look.

Recommended Products:

If you are working with second day hair and want to absorb some of yesterday’s oil that has collected at your roots, as well as create additional volume, use Unite’s Expanda Dust. Sprinkle just a bit at your roots, but remember to use it sparingly because a little bit goes a long way!

Half and Half

This beautifully done half up half down look is effortless and chic!

Half Up Hairstyle with CurlsHalf Up Hairstyle with Curls Side

How To Style:

  1. Begin with dry hair. Use a small curling iron to curl each section of your hair.
  2. Once all of your hair is curled, use a back combing brush to get volume at your roots, beginning at your hairline and going all the way back to your crown area.
  3. Leave out a few pieces of hair around your hairline, and then gather the top section of your hair back to the crown area of your head. Use bobby pins to secure it.
  4. Spray everything with a light hold finishing spray.

Best Face Shape and Hair Type:

This style is one of the more versatile looks out there. It will literally work for any hair length and texture. A heart shaped face will be complemented by this style.

Recommended Products:

If your hair is fine and you have trouble getting your curls to stay, you may want to spray each section with a working hairspray before you curl it. Try Alterna’s Working Hairspray!

Tips:

If you have a side bang or even straight across bangs, you may want to leave them out for this look! Just be sure to style them and place them as you desire before you pull back your half pony.

The Pin Curled Princess

This sweet and intricate look would be so perfect for a date night out. It’s easy to create and a great addition to any great outfit.

Pin Curled Loose UpdoPin Curled Loose Updo Side

How To Style:

  1. Begin with dry hair that’s parted to one side.
  2. Use a 1¼-inch curling iron to curl each section of your hair.
  3. Once all of your hair is curled, gather a section of hair that begins at your hairline and extends back about two to three inches. Spray this section with hairspray, or apply a bit of gel to it, and wrap it around your fingers so it creates a pin curl. Secure it with bobby pins.
  4. Gather another section of hair just below the last section and repeat the same process. Pin the curl near the tip of your ear.
  5. Gather all of your hair and pull it over to the side of your head where the pin curls are.
  6. Spray everything with a light hold finishing spray.

Best Face Shape and Hair Type:

This look is great if you have medium to long hair with minimal layers. Fine to medium textured hair is ideal. A square face shape will be complemented by this look.

Recommended Products:

To make your pin curls stay in place well, apply some gel to each section before you create the curl. I love Gellac by Bumble and Bumble!

Big Sexy Hair

This look is your quintessential big sexy hairstyle. It has plenty of volume and body and doesn’t compromise on trendiness!

Big Sexy Loose UpdoBig Sexy Loose Updo Back

How To Style:

  1. Begin with dry hair. Curl each section of your hair using a small curling iron.
  2. Gather random sections of hair and pin them up using bobby pins. If you have long hair want to create a “faux bob” like what’s shown here, gather the long pieces of hair and pin them up and under the rest of your hair.
  3. Spray everything with a light hold finishing spray.

Best Face Shape and Hair Type:

If you have naturally curly hair, all the better! If not, hair with a thicker or coarser texture will hold up better in this style. A narrow or oval face shape will be complemented by this style.

Recommended Products:

Before you dry your hair and attempt to create this look, apply a root boosting spray to your roots. I love Unite’s Boosta Spray. It’s light but will give you plenty of body.

Tips:

If you have a naturally curly hair, use a diffuser to accentuate the curls and create this look without a curling iron!

Short and Sweet (Well, kind of!)

This look is short…sort of! It’s another take on a faux bob and can be created very simply. It’s loose, lovely, and the perfect amount of flowy!

Short Faux Bob HairstyleShort Faux Bob Hairstyle Back

How To Style:

  1. Begin with dry hair that’s parted to the side.
  2. Curl small sections of your hair using a small curling iron.
  3. Once all of your hair is curled, use a back combing brush to add volume at your roots. Then, gather three to four sections of your hair into mini ponytail sections. Curl these sections up into a pin curl and pin them to your head to create the “faux bob”. Make sure you do this very loosely and don’t pull the sections too tight. You want lots of texture and volume happening on top!
  4. Spray everything with a light hold finishing spray.

Best Face Shape and Hair Type:

This style is going to be easiest to create on those with short to medium hair that’s of a finer texture. If you have a round face shape, this look will complement you.

Recommended Products:

If you want a bit of extra texture in your hair, apply just a tiny amount of Aveda’s Texture Paste to your ends before you pin them up. A little bit really goes a long way here, so keep it on your ends only!

Superbly Side Swept

This romantic and face framing look is definitely one you want to try.

Face Framing Loose UpdoFace Framing Loose Updo Side

How To Style:

  1. Begin with dry hair parted to one side. Style your bangs as desired.
  2. Use a 1-inch curling iron to curl each section of your hair.
  3. Gather all of your hair and gather it to one side. It should all end up on the heavier side of your part.
  4. Spray everything with a light hold finishing spray.

Best Face Shape and Hair Type:

This look is super versatile and will really work for almost anyone! Long, medium or short hair could work for this style. A round face shape will be slimmed down by this look.

Recommended Products:

Before you curl each section of hair, spray it with a heat protectant spray. Damage Manager by Kevin Murphy is light and will keep your hair healthy and soft!

Loose updos are the wave of the future. I predict that we will continue to see the trend going in the direction of romantic, soft styles, so hopefully these loose looks have inspired you!