A great hair do is one that makes everyone go WOW!

In every sense an updo is a hair style that is intended to knock them off their feet. All updos are done with a simple tightly coiled ponytail that is set in place at the top or crown of the head.  The most important question is how to make a simple ponytail look GREAT! FANTASTIC! WOW!  Our staff has great experience in making the simple updo look great.  The goal as all of our articles say is to make your hair have shine that comes from healthy hair.  This takes time and involves using the right products.  If you manage your hair well you will not need to over use hair spray and other damaging products.  All hair styles and especially the updo can hide much of the hair in the coils.  It is important that your hair have the highlights and texture that come from healthy well maintained hair.

  Always make sure that the hair is clean and conditioned.  You must have your hair combed straight and with all of your equipment ready to go.  Part of preparation is taking the time over the few weeks leading up to the big night to shampoo and condition with a good product.  Don't use the specials from the local discount store.  You absolutely need to use a salon quality product.  The updos that look the best are those that are done on hair that is healthy and that let the natural highlights of healthy hair shine through.  You can't do this overnight with inferior products.  Look at the women in these pictures...they don't get these looks just from the shape of the hair on the head.  See the depth of the hair and how it looks.  The secret is to take care of your hair...now for the updo...

All of these types of updos are brought up to your crown and wrap around the back of the head.  Any of these hair styles can be done to frame the face with loose bangs, but a dramatic look (as they say less is more) is to do an updo with no bangs or loose hair.  

 All face shapes look good with an updo. Softer face shapes (oval, balanced) get WOW! reviews with hair styles that don't take away from the face. Women that need balance for a square face can soften the face by using tendrils  and curls around the head.  If you are in need of a slimmer look add more hair to the crown and frame the face with curls.

Hair length and type for most women will be moderate shoulder length hair that is medium to fine in texture.  For women with fine hair, you will need to use a shampoo that will add volume to your hair. You should use a gel or spray to add volume to the hair shaft.  Long, thick and/or wavy hair requires straightening before this do. For everyone with curly hair...sorry, your hair won't work with this style. It is important for this to come off to get the right amount of sleekness and shine.  The Sebring Natural Shine product with give you that extra bit of shine you may need for a great finish.  Remember not to use too much hair spray.

 How to do the prom updo: You may require a stylist or a friend to help you fix your hair the first time. The hair is sculpted and additional hands are needed.  This is especially true if you have longer than shoulder length hair. If you do this yourself, be sure to practice to get it right. It will be a change in hair comfort, so be prepared.

 Instructions: Create this style on hair that is has been washed recently. Be sure to use the right shampoo for your hair. It is important to use the right styling gel to get the volume that is required for this hair style.

To do the do make along a ponytail as you can make at the crown of the head.

Next using a band that is the same exact color as your hair(remember be prepared) secure the base of the ponytail.  Now with just the right amount of hair gel (either a spray mist or gel will do) using your hands bring all of the hair together.

Once you have the ponytail begin to wrap counter clockwise (depends on if you want to do this with a left or right twist, try it each way. You will find what works best for your hair and the way it grows on your scalp.)  In all of this make sure that each loop is balanced and looks good from all angles.

Once the ponytail is in place and tightly wrapped around your head, use hair pins to secure everything in place.  This is where an extra set of hands comes in handy.  Decide at this point if you want that sleek look with every hair tucked in place (use a bit of gel on your fingertips to smooth and straighten) or you want to begin to pull down tendrils in the back or front (or both.)

If you use a curling iron to give that side of the face curl to some of the strands that hang down, be careful to not damage your hair.

It is important to consider what outing and clothing style you may use to complement your new hair style.  Carefully selecting your dress or casual style to compliment the updo can add that final WOW look.  An updo without bangs says formal...try it with casual clothes and be one up on the competition at your next informal gathering.  No bangs updos work well with that dress that is just a little bit too low or too short...it says clean, sleek, sophisticated...but don't touch.  Confusing the signals will drive men crazy.   A loose, fanned updo will provide attention to your face and neckline and works well with conservative clothing.  

To get a WOW! look requires careful preparation of your hair, your clothes, and yourself.  Importantly, try each style before the big night.