When it comes to hair for special events, we say go big or go home. Now when we say "go big" we're referring to a number of things: big statement headbands and hair accessories, big romantic curls or big updos. This season, there's one particular big hairstyle that has really stuck in our brains: the full half-updo. This look strikes the perfect balance of romantic and straight-up glam. We asked hair and makeup pro Diana Shin to show us how to hit the high notes with this fully done 'do!


Step 1. Curl the hair with a 1 1/2-inch curling iron. (For those of you with hair that can't hold a curl well, pin each curl to your head with a bobby pin to retain the shape while you work on the rest of the hair.) Once all the hair is curled, tease it all to give it extra body and volume. If you're short on time, just tease the top of the head. Brush it out gently and spray with a flexible-hold hairspray like L'Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Fine Control Hairspray.

Step 2. Pull half of the hair up into a high pony, use a smoothing brush to even out any flyaways or bumps, and secure it with an elastic band.

Step 3. Grab a section of hair from the back of the pony, wrap it around the base and secure it with a bobby pin. If you want to add an ultra-feminine touch like we did, tie a ribbon around the pony.

Step 4. Fluff the hair and lightly spritz it with hairspray.

Photography: How do you feel about this fully done updo? Tell us in the comments below.

Joshua M. Shelton
Model: Diana Crisan