Up Do Hairstyles Advice

By: Damien R. von Dahlem - Copyright

Almost every woman has the need for an up do from time to time, and frequently try to create the updo themselves. Unfortunately, good up do's are more difficult to execute than cutting or coloring hair, even for professionals.

Sadly, this is often not realized until the day of the big event, and often ends with an up do disaster that taints the fun of the occasion.

Whether you are looking for bridal hairstyles, wedding party hairstyles, prom hairstyles, or a formal hairstyle for some other big event; instead of giving you a step by step 'how to' instructions for up do hair styles, I am going to give you step by step tips on how to select and prepare for your up do experience.

1. Determine the life of the up do. Are you going out for a quiet dinner? Then you don't need to be concerned with the up do holding up for more than two or three hours. These type of up do's require fewer bobby pins to hold in place, and just need a good dose of hair spray.

2. Is there going to be dancing? If there is, you will need quite a few bobby pins or within a few minutes of dancing the up do will fall apart on you. Many up do's require 30 to 50 bobby pins.

Is this a once in a life time event such as a wedding? If so, you simply cannot leave your up do to chance. It requires time and practice, or you won't have an up do for those photo memories.

3. Are you going to prom? Then I recommend you don't opt for a very formal style. Up do's for prom is an old fashioned idea. Hair down with some nice curls, or pinned to once side, is much sexier and sets you apart from the others. Hair down or a half up do is more fun, and will have great bounce and motion on the dance floor.

Whatever up do, prom, wedding, or bridal hairstyle you choose, here are a few tips that you will want to follow:

a. Take a picture of the up do you found to the best hairstylist that you can afford. This is not the place to save money. Better yet, take two of three different up do's to select from. Set up a consultation at least two weeks ahead of the event. During the consultation your hairstylist will be able to give you feed back and suggestions. It will also allow your hairstylist to purchase anything special he or she may need in advance, such as ribbon, pearls, or flowers.

b. Make an appointment for a practice run three or four days before the event, especially if you are the bride and on your wedding day there will be too many distractions. This will give your hairstylist an opportunity to work with your hair so there aren't any nasty surprises on the big day. Make sure to take along your veil or headpiece, and remember to discuss what to do once you remove your headpiece at the reception.

c. Do NOT wash or condition your hair the day of or the day before your up do appointment. Conditioners and shampoo will make the hair slick and unmanageable, and complicate the up do. It will also cause your up do to last a shorter amount of time. Make sure the finished up do isn't too tight. By the end of the night you will have a throbbing headache. Take a travel size firm hold hair spray with you for last minute applications. Your bridesmaid can carry the spray for you if this is for a wedding.

d. If the up do is for a wedding, make sure you follow these steps for your make-up too. If possible, have your hairstylist and make-up artist attend your wedding.

With these steps in place you should have no problems with your up do. This will allow you to enjoy your prom, wedding, dinner, or other big event without worries about your hair.

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