Updos: Some are easy and some require ten hands. Today I’ll show you how to create a classic updo. It can be worn with period dress: old South costumes, Edwardian (Titanic Remembrance Day), or even prom.

You will need hair bands, hair pins, and hair decoration such as a comb, barrette, or pin.

Step 1. Secure hair in medium height ponytail.
Step 2. Flip ponytail in on itself. TopsyTail makes a gadget to help, but it’s not necessary. I find it easiest to lean forward with my head down. I gently coil the tail around my finger then tuck in down behind the band and pull through.
Step 3. Divide tail into sections and braid. Secure braids with bands. Then band them together.

Step 4. Tuck ends of braids down in the hole of the flipped ponytail to hide the band. Secure with hair pins.
Step 5. Hide lose ends. Comb over part. Finish with decoration such as a comb, barrette, broach/pin, or flower.
I’ve also included a slight twist, changing Steps 3-5 only slightly.
Step 3 Alternate. Twist the tail. Secure the twist with a band. Do not let go of the twisted tail.
Step 4 Alternate. Tuck band down in hole of the flipped ponytail. Secure with hair pins.
Step 5. Hide lose ends. Finish with hair decoration.

There are many variations you can build starting from the flipped pony tail. If the twisted tail hits at your collar and tangles, twist and coil the tail into a knot at the base of the flip (braid it before coiling for a Little House look). Secure with pins or combs. You’ve turned a basic bun into something a little extra.

Instead of one twisted tail, divide the hair into three or four parts. Then twist each section. As you pull them up and tuck them under, they will wrap around themselves.

You don’t have to twist or braid anything. Section the hair and curl it. You’ll have soft ringlets a la Scarlet in no time. To finish the look, gently push or knit the pocket hair together to cover the hair band. Secure with a clip or comb.

Here’s one for shoulder length hair. Pull the flipped tail gently to loosen it. Then flip it in on itself once more. Gather the lose ends of the tail and tuck them into the tail pocket. Secure with pins or combs. If you’re hair is too long, it will not fit in the pocket. You’ll have a modified Gibson Tuck.

If Edwardian style is your goal, before you make a ponytail you may want to back comb or rat your hair to give it some height and body.

Now you’re ready for the next costume party, date night, or wedding.

Tags: hairdo, How to

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