Quick updos that make thin hair look 3 times thicker!
’Tis the season to race against the clock as we gather gifts and cook up feasts. So when it comes to getting dolled up for holiday gatherings, we’re usually a bit more timecrunched than we’d like.
BEST FOR LONG HAIR
The swept-back pony
“A soft, wavy ponytail gives tresses youthful movement and dimension while volume at the top pulls the eye vertically for the illusion of a mini brow lift,” say hairstylist Kiyah Wright, who has worked with Angela Bassett and Kerry Washington. An added perk? If some strands fall out during the night, the “undone” feel of the pony will make it look intentional.
YOU’LL NEED: 1" curling iron, teasing comb, hair tie, hairspray, root-lifting spray
FIRST pick: Not Your Mother’s Plump For Joy Thickening Hair Lifter ($7 for 8 oz., Walgreens.com)
STEP 1: Wrap 1" sections of hair around a 1" curling iron, then gently run fingers through curls to break them up into soft waves.
STEP 2: Spritz a volumizing spray onto hair at the roots, then back-comb strands at the crown for flattering volume.
STEP 3: Smooth hair back and secure into a ponytail at the nape of the neck; set with hairspray.
“The twisted style of a high-sitting braided bun pulls hair up and off the neck with elegance while putting a spotlight on gorgeous facial features,” says hairstylist Andre Walker, who’s worked with Halle Berry and Oprah Winfrey. “Plus, a more bulbous bun makes the neck appear slimmer by comparison.” Also flattering: Delicate faceframing tendrils soften the chic style.
YOU’LL NEED: Teasing comb, hair tie, bobby pins, 1" curling iron, hairspray, dry shampoo
FIRST pick: Dove Refresh + Care Volume & Fullness Dry Shampoo
($4 for 5 oz., Target.com)
STEP 1: Create a side part and tease hair at the back of the crown.
STEP 2: Spray dry shampoo all over hair to make locks more pliable; use a hair tie to secure locks into a mid-level pony (leaving a small piece to hang in front on one side). Loosely braid the ponytail, then twist the braid into a bun; pin.
STEP 3: Wrap the left-out tendrils around a 1" curling iron and spritz with hairspray to set.