Easy formal hairstyle tutorials: from voluminous ponytail to romantic pin-curl inspired updo

hair tutorial paris B
From my posts you guys can see I don’t change my hairstyles too often – usually default to either loose waves, a high ponytail, or all my hair piled into a big bun. I love each of these as they can easily transition for special events with a little extra teasing and curling. With wedding season in full swing, I’ve partnered with TRESemmé to show a few easy tutorials for simple but classic dressier hairstyles.

First, I’m showing you guys the steps for one of my favorite looks – the voluminous wrapped ponytail. I also wanted to share a super quick way to transition a ponytail into an elegant updo. This second look is inspired by vintage pin-curl hairstyles, and is a great option for engagement photoshoots, bridesmaids – even glamorous enough for the DIY bride.
DIY hair tutorial loose curls
To start, I like to have a base of loose waves. It does mean some extra time prepping, but is necessary for adding body and will help the hairstyles be easier to “shape.” I curl my hair by wrapping it around a 1.5″ barrel iron, in an outwards manner away from my face. I finish each curled section individually with TRESemmé Perfectly (un)Done hairspray.
If you typically like using a prepping product like mousse, TRESemmé also makes a Wave Creation Sea Foam in the same collection that can be applied to damp hair and left in as it dries. The foam can be used as a base to make curls light and airy. I absolutely love the Perfectly (un)Done collection for wearing hair down, as the products provide hold but still allow for bounce and movement. The end result here is simply my everyday look. Now, to convert it into a voluminous ponytail…
DIY hair tutorial volume ponytail

For the voluminous ponytail, the key here is to tease both the top of your head pre-pony, as well as the base of the ponytail after you’ve gathered it together with an elastic. Also, Step 3 here is critical for me where you hold the base of the ponytail (where the elastic is) firmly in place with one hand while gently tugging out some hair at the top to get that “poof” at the top of your head.

Each time after teasing or shaping the poof, I apply hairspray to help that section hold. For this look I love TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Frizz-Free Hold hairspray (very affordable at under $5 in stores) which is infused with the same Keratin that you get at salon hair treatments. I especially like it for smoothing away massive wispies all along the sides of my head. A few readers shared the toothbrush on hairspray tip with me years ago, and it’s become one of my favorites!

Now, to convert a ponytail into this romantic updo:

DIY hair tutorial vintage pin curl bun updo
The beauty of this hairstyle is the loops don’t need to be uniform or perfect. For an updo like this, I have also been loving TRESemmé’s Keratin Smooth collection. The line is designed to control frizz for up to 48 hours which would be especially useful in humid settings like a beach wedding. I’ve used the toothbrush hairspray trick here once again to smooth the sides and lower back areas as much as possible.

For thick, coarser hair like mine, the spin pins are also a necessity for securing down the loops. I find mine at places ranging from the drugstore, to eBay, to most recently the hairpieces aisle at craft stores. I don’t own many hair gadgets, but a teasing brush and a bunch of spin pins are a must for most of my updos!

Thank you to TRESemmé (a product of Unilever) for sponsoring this post. I had a lot of fun making these tutorials, and hope you guys will try them out. Please share photos on FB or tag me on Instagram if you do!

When you purchase through the links on this blog, I may earn a commission. Thank you for your support!

When you purchase through the links on this blog, I may earn a commission. Thank you for your support!

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32 Comments

  1. Anonymous wrote:

    Which siez of Ann taylor's Stripe Tiered Tipped Cami is it?

    Posted 8.4.15 Reply
  2. Chen Shania wrote:

    Love it .very pretty http://www.robesdemariee2013.com/

    Posted 6.24.15 Reply
  3. Fictitious Fashion wrote:

    wow this looks amazing. Just that I don't like hairsprays. Are they harmful? even the best quality ones?

    My New post is up 😀 Sunny in Central Park

    Follow me on Google Plus

    Love
    Akanksha

    Posted 6.23.15 Reply
  4. Anonymous wrote:

    So pretty, Jean! Will you have your hair up or down on the big day? & I'd love to know how you got your hair colored!

    Posted 6.23.15 Reply
  5. Jean wrote:

    Hi Stephanie! I needed mine in a rush for an event so just ran to CVS and got this one by Conair. It works but could heat up a little bit better (hotter & more evenly) so I'm always on the lookout for a better one.

    Posted 6.22.15 Reply
  6. Jean wrote:

    I got mine at Sally's beauty supply! I did a quick search and it seems like stores like Target, KMart, Ulta ect sell them as well.

    Posted 6.22.15 Reply
  7. Jean wrote:

    It was handmade by my friend (who blogs at IamKhatu)!

    Posted 6.22.15 Reply
  8. Jean wrote:

    Thanks for the tip!

    Posted 6.22.15 Reply
  9. Julia Mazzucato wrote:

    The ponytail is so pretty and effortless looking!
    Julia // Little Miss Haute Couture

    Posted 6.22.15 Reply
  10. Meghan Sheehan wrote:

    Love these looks and so easy to understand!

    http://greenthorneboulevard.blogspot.com/

    Posted 6.21.15 Reply
  11. Elisabeth Klassen wrote:

    Thank you so much for these hair tutorials. I cannot wait to give them a try, especially the updo. You have gorgeous hair.

    Diary of Elegance
    http://diaryofelegance.blogspot.ca/

    Posted 6.21.15 Reply
  12. Anonymous wrote:

    I would also like to know please…

    Posted 6.21.15 Reply
  13. PSLily Boutique wrote:

    Beautiful hairstyle 🙂

    xx,
    pslilyboutique.com

    Posted 6.20.15 Reply
  14. mybeautrip wrote:

    Love this ponytail!
    xx

    http://www.mybeautrip.com

    Posted 6.20.15 Reply
  15. Antel Muça wrote:

    Adorable =)
    kisses
    http://blamod.com

    Posted 6.20.15 Reply
  16. federica ferraro wrote:

    I love this hairstyle!!! I'll try too!

    http://federicaferraro.com/en/

    Posted 6.19.15 Reply
  17. Stephanie wrote:

    Great tutorials! What curling iron brand do you use? I'm looking to buy one..

    Posted 6.19.15 Reply
  18. Keri H wrote:

    This is so cute and it's making me miss my longer hair so much!

    Enclothed Cognition

    Posted 6.19.15 Reply
  19. Julie Hong wrote:

    Love it! Great in depth tutorial.

    Posted 6.19.15 Reply
  20. Sasa Zoe wrote:

    wow! So pretty! Thank you for sharing!

    Shall We Sasa

    Posted 6.19.15 Reply
  21. Anonymous wrote:

    Could you tell us something about the teasing brush? Are they at most stores?

    Posted 6.19.15 Reply
  22. Easy, Frugal Style wrote:

    Totally loving these!!! Thanks for sharing your tips!

    Easy, Frugal Style

    Posted 6.19.15 Reply
  23. ellenglo wrote:

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    Posted 6.19.15 Reply
  24. Danielle wrote:

    Thanks for the tips that are always needed. Your hair always looks perfect!

    http://www.spring2spring.com

    Posted 6.19.15 Reply
  25. Taramixandmatch wrote:

    All of these are so pretty, I think my favorite is the last one 🙂

    Posted 6.19.15 Reply
  26. Trang Do wrote:

    Love the hairstyle in the last pic!! Thanks for the post!!
    Xoxo,
    Love from http://www.trangscorner.com {a lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and food blog}

    Posted 6.19.15 Reply
  27. Lindsay Narain wrote:

    So pretty!

    Lindsay | http://www.ReadTheThread.com

    Posted 6.19.15 Reply
  28. Glam Darling wrote:

    Your hair always looks so gorgeous! Thanks for sharing your styling tips!!
    xoxo Renee
    http://www.glamdarling.com

    Posted 6.19.15 Reply
  29. Olyvia wrote:

    your hair always looks so good and voluminous on your blog photos! thanks for the tips! and that pale blush hue (from asos dress) suits you so well! i must say that blush pink, yellow, and blue shades are definitely your thing 😉

    Posted 6.19.15 Reply
  30. Anonymous wrote:

    love the red dress/top in the last pic…where is it from?

    Posted 6.19.15 Reply
  31. pumpkinmommy wrote:

    I use hairspray on a dollar store blush brush. Same principle, slightly faster because of the bigger size, slightly looser because of the softer brush.

    Posted 6.19.15 Reply
  32. Amadea Kristani wrote:

    I love these! The hair looks gorgeous!

    amadea | heyamadea.com

    Posted 6.19.15 Reply

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