Hair & Makeup

What Are Some Easy Updo Options?

I'm going to do my hair myself. Any tips for an updo novice?

Begin with a ponytail, says Nikki Wang, an editorial hairstylist in London. Make sure it's securely held with a nonslip elastic band. This will give you a base on which to anchor your 'do (and headpiece)-plus, the elastic also helps keep your work from coming undone. Now, take the ponytail, twist it smoothly and work it in a coil around the base, pinning as you go. For a pro finish, use bobby pins that match your hair color.

Or you could get even fancier and start with two ponytails, high on the head. Once you've twisted each section, experiment: You could coil them into two Bjorklike buns, or figure-eight the two together. (You might want to enlist a friend to help you with the trickier bits, if necessary.)

Another tip: Always shampoo your hair the night before your wedding, since same-day shampooed hair can be slippery, flyaway and hard to work with.