How to Volumize the Front of an Updo
MICHELLE POWELL-SMITH
LIFE
Va-va-voom volume can make the difference between a boring and banal bun or a chic and stylish updo that looks like you just stepped out of the salon. Whether you're spending the day at the office or dressing up for a holiday party, just a few extra minutes will give your locks some valuable lift. Soften your style and draw attention to your face with a high-volume look suitable for any occasion.
Brush your hair to remove any knots or tangles. If you have natural waves or curl, your own hair texture will work well for this style. Naturally straight hair will look best if you first add some allover texture and curl with Velcro rollers, hot rollers or a curling iron.
Run the end of a rat-tail comb over the top of your head from the top of one ear to the top of the other ear to separate the front section of your hair, including the bangs, crown and sides. Gather this hair together and clip it on top of your head to keep it out of the way.
Style the back section of your hair into a bun or twist as desired for your final updo. Pin securely into place but do not finish with hairspray.
Release the front and sides of your hair from the clip. Take the hair at the crown and hold it up and away from your scalp. Place the comb into the hair -- at least 2 to 3 inches from the scalp -- and gently push down toward the scalp to add volume. Pull the comb out and continue this backcombing of the section of hair until the crown has a gentle bump or volume.
Gather the backcombed hair into a spot just above the bun or twist that you created in the back. For a messier style, use your fingers; for a slightly smoother -- but still high-volume -- do, carefully brush or comb into place.
Wrap the ends of the backcombed section around the bun or use them to create a pincurl shape for the top of a french twist. Pin the backcombed hair securely into place. Tug the hair at the crown up slightly with your fingers or use the tail of your comb. Finish with hairspray.
- If your hair is quite fine, you may want to use an arched comb to provide additional volume at the crown of your head.
- If you're using a curling iron or hot rollers to add texture to your tresses, be conscientious of both your fingers and your scalp. A hot curling iron can easily cause severe burns.
- Experiment with how you secure your bun and the front section of your hair. You may find that clear hair elastics work better than bobby pins for your hair, or that a combination of the two is more effective.
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