From: L’Oréal Paris
Fall is here
which means formal dance season is just around the corner. Not in school
anymore? Maybe you have a wedding or an office party coming up.
Whatever the case may be, there’s always a time and a place for a pretty
updo, and if you don’t think there is, be a trailblazer and have fun
rocking an intricate ‘do to work. Now, before you go creating a
traditional homecoming-esque updo, we urge you to consider one of our
five favorite medium-length hairstyles
to rock this fall. Each hairstyle is stunning without requiring
down-to-there hair. Which means medium-length ladies can rejoice because
this one’s for you!
#1: Whimsical Wavy Updo
If you’re looking for a simple,
understated hairstyle to steal the show, this wavy, pinned-back number
will make the perfect statement.
What you’ll need:
- Rat tail comb
- Hair tie
- Heat protectant
- Curling wand
- Bobby pins
- Hairspray
Get the look by following these simple steps:
Step 1: Divide hair in half.
Drag a rat tail comb horizontally across your crown to split your hair
into two sections. Pin the top section up so that it’s out of the way.
Step 2: Twist your bottom section into a bun. First, tie your bottom section into a low ponytail. Next, twist your ponytail and wrap it around itself to create a tight ballerina bun.
Step 3: Curl your top section of hair. Before applying any heat, spray your hair with the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle SLEEK IT Iron Straight Heatspray.
Once you’ve done that, curl it. After your curls have cooled off, comb
through them with your fingers to loosen them up into whimsical waves.
Step 4: Pin your hair back. Section by section, pin curls back around your bun so that you create a more voluminous updo.
Step 5: Add height at your crown. Stick the tail end of your rat tail comb into the hair at the crown of your head and gently lift your hair up to add volume.
Step 6: Frame your face. Gently pull a few face-framing strands out to create a more effortless, whimsical finish to your updo.
Step 7: Finish with hairspray. A quick spritz of the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray Strong Hold can help secure a lasting look.
#2: Flip and Twist Updo
Remember your favorite inverted
ponytail from childhood? This hairstyle uses that look as the base
before updating it for a more mature look.
What you’ll need:
- Rat tail comb
- Clear elastics
- Bobby pins
- Curling wand
- Hairspray
Get the look by following these simple steps:
Step 1: Separate your hair into three sections.
Use a rat tail comb to divide a quarter of your hair on each side of
the front of your head. Tie the remaining hair into a low ponytail.
Step 2: Invert your ponytail. Flip the ends of your ponytail up and over the space just above your hair tie. Pull it through so that it’s secure.
Step 3: Twist the two front sections back towards your low ponytail.
Once you reach the back of your head, tie the two sections together
with a clear mini elastic. Gently loosen up your twists so that it looks
more effortless.
Step 4: Tuck the ends through your ponytail. Pull the ends of your joint sections through the base of your flipped ponytail.
Step 5: Tuck your pony. Flip all of the ends up over the base of your ponytail, tucking them in place to create a bun.
Step 6: Add height to your crown. Use the tail end of your rat tail comb to lift the hair at the crown of your head for maximum volume.
Step 7: Pull out a few face-framing strands. Spray them with heat protectant and quickly curl them for just enough twirl.
Step 8: Finish with hairspray.
A little of the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray Strong Hold can go
a long way. So, spray here and there and go enjoy your night.
#3: Twist Ponytail
Ready to look like your favorite mother
of dragons? This simple twisted pony looks a lot harder than it is and
is sure to turn heads everywhere you go.
What you’ll need:
- Wave swept styling spray
- Boar bristle brush
- Clear mini elastics
Get the look by following these simple steps:
Step 1: Make waves. Spritz the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle AIR DRY IT Wave Swept Spray into damp hair, and as it air dries, use your hands to scrunch it up to help create pretty waves.
Step 2: Part your hair down the middle.
Use your fingers to create an effortless divide. Instead of taking it
all the way back, brush the hair at the crown of your head straight back
rather than down to each side.
Step 3: Twist a small section of hair back on each side. Combine the two sections with a clear mini elastic at the back of your head. Gently fluff up the pull-back once it’s secured.
Step 4: Repeat Step 2 four more times.
Each time you start a new pull-back, make sure that you secure it over
top of the ends above it so that they stick through the underside of the
twists.
Step 5: Piece apart your twists more. Touch up your fluffing so that you can’t see any hair ties.
#4: Undone ‘60s-Inspired Updo
Enhance your natural beauty with this classic stunner.
What you’ll need:
- Mousse
- Rat tail comb
- Hairspray
- Boar bristle brush
- Clear elastic
- Bobby pins
Get the look by following these simple steps:
Step 1: Pump up the volume. Apply a dollop of the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle AIR DRY IT Ruffled Body Mousse into damp hair to help boost the look of volume without picking up any hot tools.
Step 2: Tease your hair.
Once your hair is fully dry, start at your hair line and hold your hair
up in the air, using your rat tail comb to brush it down towards your
scalp. This process can help add texture and height. Make sure to only
tease on top of your head and not out to the sides because you only want
to add height to your head, not width.
Step 3: Spray with hairspray. To help ensure your teased volume stays in place, spritz it all with the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray Strong Hold.
Step 4: Smooth the top layer of hair. Run your boar bristle brush gently over the outer layer of hair to smooth over any rough patches without deflating your tease.
Step 5: Tie your hair half up.
Pull your hair back into a half-up ponytail, making sure to leave some
face-framing strands around your face. Secure with a clear elastic.
Step 6: Add height to your half up. Put the tail end of your rat tail comb into the hair at the crown of your head and gently tug upwards to add volume.
Step 7: Twist the rest of your hair up. Pull your hair up and twist it to one side, then pin it in place with the ends hanging undone.
Step 8: Finish with hairspray. Since this is an undone look, a quick spritz is all you need.
#5: Double Dutch Braid Messy Bun
Want to take your lazy girl medium-length hairstyle to the next level? Weave a few Dutch braids for an instant style boost.
What you’ll need:
- Clear mini elastics
- Hair tie
- Bobby pins
Get the look by following these simple steps:
Step 1: Part your hair down the middle. Once you get two to three inches back, brush the rest of your hair straight back.
Step 2: Weave a Dutch braid on each side of your part.
Split a section of hair into three even sections and weave a Dutch
braid along your hairline, adding more hair as you go. Once you reach in
front of your ear, stop adding more hair and weave each braid all the
way to the ends. Tie them off with clear mini elastics.
Step 3: Fluff up your braids.
Gently tug each braid apart starting at the bottom and working your way
to the top. This process will help your braids look more voluminous and
a little messier.
Step 4: Divide the rest of your hair into two sections. One should be about three-fourths of your remaining hair, while the other should be just a quarter.
Step 5: Create your messy bun. Pull your braids back and join them with the larger section of hair into a messy octopus bun.
Step 6: Braid the remaining hair. Weave the final section of hair into a traditional three strand braid. Fluff it up.
Step 7: Wrap the braid around the base of your bun. Pin it in place on the underside of your bun so that the bobby pins are hidden, but secure.
Step 8: Pull out face-framing strands. Gently tug a few strands out in front of your ears and along your hairline.
