Easy Updos and Curls for a Glam Look

Collage showcasing a young woman in various hairstyles: casual top bun, messy bun, relaxed bun in a tank top, and voluminous curls in a satin dress.

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When it comes to creating a glam look, updos and curls are my go-to styles. There's something incredibly elegant and versatile about these hairstyles that can transform any look from simple to stunning.

In this blogpost, I'll share some of my favorite easy updos and curls that will help you achieve a glamorous look effortlessly. Whether you’re getting ready for a special event, romantic dinner, holiday party or just want to add a touch of sophistication to your everyday style, these hairstyles are sure to make you feel fabulous.

Essential Tools and Products for Glamorous Updos and Curls

To achieve glamorous updos and curls, having the right tools and products is essential. Here's a checklist to ensure you have everything you need:

These products will help you recreate each look with ease and ensure your hair stays fabulous throughout any event. You might not need all these products for every style, so feel free to play around with what you already have and choose what works best for your hair type and personal style. Remember, the key is to have fun and experiment with different looks that make you feel confident and glamorous.


Glamorous Messy Updo with Loose Curls

This hairstyle combines the sophistication of an updo with the casual charm of loose curls, giving you a look that's both polished and relaxed. It works beautifully with a variety of hair types, whether straight, wavy, or curly, and is perfect for adding a touch of glam to any outfit. This updo looks stunning with elegant dresses, chic blouses, or a stylish jumpsuit.

Rear view of a young woman sporting a messy bun with loose strands, wearing a sparkly black dress, perfect for a festive or party setting.

Step-by-Step Tutorial:

  • Prepare Your Hair: Start by applying a heat protectant spray to your dry hair to prevent any heat damage.

  • Create Loose Curls: Use a curling iron to create loose, voluminous curls. Wrap medium-sized sections of hair around the barrel, holding for a few seconds before releasing. For detailed instructions, check out my guide on how to get loose curls with a curling iron.

  • Make a Messy Bun: Take some sections of hair and create a loose bun at the back, securing it with a hair tie.

  • Pin Remaining Sections: Take the remaining sections of hair and pin them into the bun in a messy, casual way. Ensure the loose ends are curled for a cohesive look.

  • Curl Front Sections: Curl the front sections of your hair to frame your face. You can part your hair in the middle or on the side, depending on your preference.

  • Add Texture: Use a texturizing spray to add volume and texture to the updo.

  • Final Touch: Finish with a light mist of hairspray to hold the style in place.


Pamela Anderson-Inspired Updo with Textured Loose Curls

Inspired by Pamela Anderson’s iconic messy bun from the 90s, this hairstyle is a cleaner, simpler version that still maintains that textured, voluminous look. It pairs beautifully with elegant dresses, casual holiday sweaters, and everything in between. This quick updo will make you look chic and stylish with minimal effort, perfect for holiday parties, dinners, or any festive occasion.

Young woman holding up her hair in a loose, casual updo, wearing a beige tank top, showcasing a simple yet chic daytime hairstyle.

Step-by-Step Tutorial:

  • Start with Loose Curls: Begin by curling your hair to create loose, textured curls. For detailed instructions, check out my other blogpost on how to get loose curls with a curling iron.

  • Create a Ponytail: Comb your hair back into a ponytail that sits on the crown of your head, leaving any face-framing pieces loose.

  • Form the Bun: Evenly separate the ponytail into two pieces and secure each piece on either side to create a bun shape.

  • Adjust for Volume and Texture: Adjust the hair as needed for more volume and texture, pinning looser sections into the bun for security.

  • Curl Remaining Hair: Curl any hair not in the bun, including the front pieces, neck hair, or any straight ends sticking out of the bun.

And voila! You have the perfect not-so-messy bun, ideal for the holiday season.


Find Your Perfect Curling Iron

Discover the best curling iron for your hair type and desired style with my quick quiz. Answer a few simple questions to find the perfect match for achieving stunning holiday curls.


Elegant Sleek Top Knot

The sleek finish of the top knot creates a clean, modern look, while the curled front layers add a touch of softness and elegance. It works exceptionally well for medium to long hair lengths and is versatile enough to complement a variety of hair types, from straight to slightly wavy. This hairstyle pairs beautifully with formal gowns, chic holiday outfits, and even stylish work attire, ensuring you look your best at any gathering.

Young woman with a sleek top knot, smiling and wearing a white off-shoulder top, portraying a fresh and elegant style suitable for any formal or casual outing.

Step-by-Step Tutorial:

  • Create the Top Knot: Start by gathering your hair into a high ponytail, leaving out the front bangs or face-framing layers. Secure the ponytail with a hair tie.

  • Form the Knot: Twist the ponytail and wrap it around the base to create a top knot. Secure the knot with bobby pins to ensure it stays in place.

  • Smooth Flyaways: Take a styling cream or pomade and apply it to smooth down any flyaways. Use a boar bristle brush to achieve a sleek finish.

  • Curl the Front: Finally, curl the front bangs or face-framing layers to add a soft, elegant touch to the overall look.


Voluminous Glam Curls

Voluminous curls works beautifully for medium to long hair lengths and is ideal for various hair types, especially those with a natural wave or straight. I love glamming this up further by adding bobby pins on one side – it’s my favorite for holidays and special occasions. This style pairs well with elegant dresses, sophisticated blouses, and festive holiday attire, ensuring you shine at any event.

Profile view of a young woman with glamorous soft curls, wearing a sleek black satin dress, highlighting a sophisticated evening look.

Step-by-Step Tutorial:

  • Curl and Pin: Start by curling each section of hair away from your face using a 1.25-inch curling iron. After releasing each curl, wrap it around your finger and pin it up to set. Repeat this process throughout your whole head.

  • Set with Hairspray: Allow all the pin curls to set and spray your hair with a lightweight hairspray to hold the curls in place.

  • Remove Pins and Comb Out: Once the curls have set, carefully remove all the pins and use a brush to gently comb out the curls.

  • Shape and Set: Shape the curls with your fingers and pin them into place. Let the shape set for 10-15 minutes, then remove the pins for beautifully styled voluminous glam curls.


FAQs

How can I make my updo last all night?

To make your updo last all night, use a strong-hold hairspray and secure your hair with plenty of bobby pins. Prepping your hair with a texturizing spray before styling can also help maintain the updo's shape and volume.

What products are best for adding volume to curls?

To add volume to curls, use a volumizing mousse or spray before blow-drying your hair. A texturizing spray can also add lift and fullness to your curls.

Can these hairstyles work for different hair lengths?

Yes, these hairstyles can work for different hair lengths. Many updos and curls can be adapted to suit short, medium, and long hair, with slight modifications to suit the length and texture of your hair.


Continue Reading

For more holiday hairstyle inspiration, check out these posts:


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Easy & Gorgeous Holiday Hairstyles ONLY With Drugstore Products

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Top 10 Holiday Hairstyles to Make You Shine This Season