How to Perfect a ’90s Updo at Home
September 15, 2022
Cardigans and claw clips are back in full force, so it’s no surprise that voluminous updos, complete with face-framing tendrils, are the next ’90s trend to take over our social media feeds. They were all over the red carpet during the iconic decade and it’s likely that a few standout looks come straight to mind. To celebrate the trend’s resurgence, we spoke to Dani Everson, hairstylist and owner of Clementine's Salon for her expert insight into getting the nostalgic look at home.
How to Get a Piecey ’90s Updo
No hairstyle is more symbolic of the ’90s than the piecey, voluminous updo. One of the most iconic renditions of the look from 1997 might come to mind: A particularly famous movie star hit the red carpet donning a piecey updo complemented by face-framing tendrils that made beauty history. The look featured “three high ponytails knotted only once or twice,” said Everson. Naturally, there was a butterfly clip involved, too. Create your own ’90s-inspired updo by following Everson’s step-by-step instructions, ahead.
STEP 1: “Section the front pieces out and pull your hair back into one, two or three ponytails,” says Everson. “The more ponytails, the more dramatic the look will be, purely because you can spread the hair out and make the updo more voluminous.”
The pro recommends prepping fine hair for the look using texturizing spray (we love the Redken Dry Texture Spray) when hair is dry. As for thick hair, she advises using a blow-dryer and a smoothing blow-dry cream (à la the Matrix Total Results Mega Sleek Blow Down Smoothing Leave-In Cream) before sectioning the hair into ponytails.
STEP 2: Next, take the hair in from one of the ponytails and make a knot “like you’re tying your shoe,” says Everson. “Secure it with a bobby pin(s).”
STEP 3: Repeat on all of your ponytails.
STEP 4: Continue until all you have are the face-framing pieces of your hair, and then determine if you want to keep them in front of your face or hide them into the ends with bobby pins.
STEP 5: Finish with a strong-hold hairspray like the L'Oreal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray.
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