World’s Easiest Updo

This past weekend, I attended a rather formal event. While my friends went off and spent $40 having their hair coiffed, I decided that I’d rather spend that money on something tangible – like new shoes.

A few years ago, I discovered that only a few key supplies – like spray gel, hairspray, foam rollers, a small curling iron, and some bobby pins could create the most beautiful, effortless updo on my thin, limp, shoulder-length hair.

So here’s how it works.

First off, start with damp or dry hair. Take it section by section and roll your strands up into the foam rollers. Make sure to spray each section with a tiny bit of water and a healthy amount of spray gel. I like this look particularly “crunchy.”
After hair is all rolled up, blow dry the heck out of it. I think the heat makes the curls stay longer. I usually even sleep on the rollers if I plan well enough in advance.

Next, undo the rollers. Some sections won’t turn out well… but that’s why you’ve got the curling iron heating up in the background.

You will look like Shirley Temple at this point. It’s ok.

Finger comb through hair. Take the back portion of your hair (leaving the front and crown of your head loose) and put it in a high ponytail. Wind any longer pieces up and around the ponytail with a bobby pin… or you can leave them loose. I prefer if the hair looks more bun-like and less long and stringy.

Now that the back of your hair is done, get to work on the front. Grab little sections of hair and twist them back in the direction of the curl. (Sorry I don’t have a picture, that would have been helpful.) Just twist it so the curl pops up nicely on its way back to your ponytail… and then pin it back with a bobby pin. It doesn’t need to meet up with the pony directly – just end up in the general vicinity.

Using the curling iron to perfect these curls, pin back the entire front of your hair. It’ll look bad starting out – I promise! But if you break the curls into smallish pieces – it will work out.

I apologize for the lack of a good blogable photo… I just was not prepared.

But I can assure you that between the spray gel and hairspray – this look is not going anywhere all night.

In fact, some might even say it has such staying power you can wear it to work on Monday. Not that I would know anything about that. Ahem.

Do you have a go-to easy updo? Do you think it was totally worth forgoing a $40 updo appointment with my stylist?