Hairstyles from red carpets help inspire what looks you can create and wear for your evenings out.
Most of my clients are shocked at how much not-so-glamorous work goes into red carpet hair like pin curling, clipping, setting sprays and just plain waiting. Structure is everything for the hold to work. Luckily, a lot of people want “that Old Hollywood wave” in my chair. The wave is not the big secret. The wave is just a tiny fraction of the end result. Once I had a client looking fabulous and she showed me a glossy updo from the Oscars. To achieve that look, we had to build the base which meant teasing at the roots, setting a ton of sections, and layering product in the right order. She kept asking “When are we starting the style?” Little did she know, we had done all the work already.
The shine is the other thing that people always get wrong. When you see the red carpet, you see a mirror finish on hair. That almost never comes from putting serum on before you style. You style first, lock everything in and cool down your curls, and then you go over the surface with a silicone serum to seal it all together. If you do it the other way, your hair just slips out of every curl and pin you put in. So if your waves fell flat 20 minutes after you finished them, or if your updo was sagging before you even left the house, that’s probably why. The architecture underneath wasn’t there. Save the ones that speak to you. I have thoughts on all of them and I think there’s something here for everyone.
#1: Vintage Soft Waves That Actually Feel Special
I love the styling process for waves like this. Great movement goes into waves like these as well as the feel. They look great on camera, but even better in person. I’m referring to these waves on medium to long hair. If your hair is too fine, then you won’t get any volume without some root lift, which is why it’s super important to have something at the root. Volumizing mousse is great for this, and then with the blow dry, just relax everything with a large barrel iron. For that soft rolling shape as opposed to a bunch of random bends, pin every curl once they cool. That’s the part that no one wants to do.
#2: Low Chignon with Those Perfect Face-Framing Pieces
I love your waves that frame your face! While the bun is kept simple, the added pieces give more dimension and softness, so the whole style isn’t too harsh. Low buns can look really harsh because people just pull everything back super tight. The straight, thick hair gives that nice sleek and polished look and the color is rich which adds depth. If your hair is prone to slipping and falling out of the bun, a bit of texture spray will totally help before you start pinning.
#3: Low Ponytail with a Ribbon, and It Actually Works
I’ve been careful with this design as it can come off as too costumy, but this design manages to avoid that and looks classy instead. The black ribbon works nicely with the light waves and is low enough to not be juvenile but rather read as mature. This is a design I would recommend to those wanting an ‘I put in effort’ look with minimal effort. The waves don’t need to be perfect, they just have to look relaxed. The ribbon pulls it all together, literally and it works with most face shapes too which is a plus.
#4: Long Beachy Layers That Still Look Dressy
I love that this look manages to keep things relaxed and glamorous at the same time! The long layers are super flattering and face-framing on just about everyone. The beachy waves add great movement without looking wet and straight out of the ocean. This will work great if your hair is a little thicker, because the layers need enough density to hold the casual shape, and on finer hair, it can look more stringy than effortless. Keep in mind the styling actually will look better on day two once the waves have settled a little!
#5: Glossy Half-Up Waves with Serious Shine
The shine on the hair is impressive and doesn’t happen by accident; it takes skill and requires the right products (in the right order) along with minimal touching of the hair. The half-up style means that there is no competition with the curls, but instead gives the style a nice lift and certainly adds more purpose to it. If your hair can feel dry, this is a really great style to aspire to because it takes a good bit of hydrating mask prep work (the night before) along with a light oil through the mid-lengths to make the whole style possible. Without that moisture, while you will for sure get the shape, you will not have the shine.
#6: A Textured Updo That Looks Like It Took Forever (It Didn’t)
I enjoy making this updo the most for the reason that the loops and tucks are all different and unique. Instead of following a guide, it feels more like sculpting while you go. The romantic softness and tenderness are from the loops around the face. It helps give the updo nice texture, and it keeps the face from looking stiff or too “done.” This style is best for finer to medium denser hair, as smaller sections can be manipulated without it becoming heavy and falling out of shape. I do recommend that good flexible hold hairspray is used for this as you build it, and you’ll want to do this as you go, not at the end, section by section as you pin.
#7: Old Hollywood Waves with That Mirror Shine
I love the Hollywood wave look with super glossy liquid hair finishes. Lots of people think for waves to be ‘wavy’ they need to be alternating. This causes a wave look with a lot of disconnection. The key to getting cohesive waves is to ensure that all of the waves are going the same way. This works best for medium and thick hair as there is enough weight for the waves to fall beautifully and create soft, cascading waves in a continuous s-shape without too much resistance. As for your glossy finish, wait for your waves to cool, apply a little serum to your hands and glaze over the top of the waves.
#8: Deep Vintage Waves with Delicate Accessories
The jewelry is making a very smart choice. They look like they are catching light like the waves, helping the whole outfit shimmer, rather than looking like an afterthought. The waves are more defined than what you would expect from normal loose curls and it creates a vintage glamour look, and on fine to medium hair like this it creates the illusion of a lot more thickness and fullness than what is actually there. From my experience, this wave pattern tends to hold better if you set the curls with clips and let them fully cool before brushing them out, because with deeper waves they tend to want to spring up into a curl if you are too quick.
#9: Braided Updo with Curls Framing the Face
This is the kind of style that I will take extra time on, because the exactness of the braid needs to be matched with a look that is effortless. The curls that fall around the face help to prevent the look from being too severe, and that decorative hairpiece is placed just so to secure the overall design. It is true that density is needed in your hair to achieve this style, as the braid requires material and the curls need enough volume to stay perky instead of going limp. I wouldn’t recommend this for an everyday style, but for weddings, galas, or special occasions, this is the type of style that people will remember.
#10: Retro High Ponytail with Volume for Days
The extra height at the top is what gives this style its flair. Without the added volume at the top, this style would just be a very basic high ponytail – not the look we’re after. To achieve the added height, a lot of teasing and backcombing was done at the top. The waves in the ponytail provide extra movement and help avoid a cheerleader look. All in all, this style is all about the finish. It should look polished, and for that, a fine layer of gel evenly spread over the teased areas will help them shine. A fine-toothed comb is your best bet for that sleek look. If you have naturally wavy hair, you’re pretty much done with this look.
#11: A Short Bob That Means Business
I always feel enthusiastic when asked to do a bob like this one! The skill required to pull this off is very rewarding. Every little detail has to be perfect, or it can end up looking like a grown-out cut. This bob is at the jaw which is very flattering for oval shaped faces! The gloss also helps keep this bob looking modern and not old-fashioned. The only bad thing I would say is this look is very high-maintenance. She is going to have to come in every five to six weeks because once that line starts to grow out even a little, it ruins the whole look. But when the bob is fresh, there is really nothing else like it!
#12: A Low Bun That’s All About the Polish
When I create this bun, I like to say it costs a lot to pull back hair. An up-do like this does look really nice to not have fly always or bumps in the hair, or a lot of frizz. This type of finish is so smooth because it starts with soft and conditioned hair, preferably at the time of the blow dry. You should use a boar bristle brush to keep it smooth. To finish, you should use a shine serum all over and then you can pin it in. Overall, this look is supposed to be effortless although the details actually took a lot of effort.
#13: Long Bob with Textured Ends and a Little Something Extra
What makes this look even better than the haircut is the headband, so I appreciate when clients bring in accessories because it shows they are considering the entire package and not just the cut. The bob is also clean and sits just past the shoulder with the very lightest texture at the ends so it doesn’t feel blunt and heavy. This cut is perfect for everyday wear and easily becomes evening appropriate with an accessory and maybe a few sections smoothed with a flat iron. If you tend to have frizzy hair a smoothing cream is going to be your best friend with this.
#14: Sleek Long Bob with a Center Part That Just Works
Center parts are hit or miss. There’s very rarely a middle ground. When they do work, they can look really nice, as seen in this example. It’s a nice cut that is simple, and medium length with just some texture at the ends. What’s nice is that the cut is polished and smooth. It also is very flattering around her face. For not trying this cut is super low maintenance, especially for people who don’t want to go to the salon every month to get it trimmed because it grows out nicely. If you go every eight to ten weeks to keep the shape it won’t feel like a huge commitment. It is nice to think about the shape growing out.
#15: Twisted Low Bun with a Floral Accent
A good floral accent captures my heart because of how a hairstyle’s mood can change completely, and in this case, it is placed just right, sitting in the twist so it doesn’t overwhelm it. The bun is sleek and low, which I believe is the most flattering position for updos across the board. The twist is just enough to add interest that it doesn’t look plain and the hair has been smoothed down so thoroughly that if your natural texture is on the wavy/curly side, it may take some effort to do so. The end result is worth the work and this look is the kind that is stunning in photographs from every angle, which is ideal if you’re doing this for an event where people will be taking a lot of pictures.
#16: High Textured Bun with Highlights That Actually Add Something
Normally, highlights in an updo will blend in, but here, the placement allows the bun to reflect light and create some dimension so the top of the head doesn’t look flat. Also, the hair is a nice texture. It’s not too messy but it’s not completely slicked back, which is the ideal look that is both relaxed and intentional. This bun is a great option for fine hair as well because you can tease the sections to create the illusion of a fuller bun than your hair would naturally allow. For thick hair, I wouldn’t suggest this style unless you are prepared to do a lot of pinning because the weight of the hair will just pull it down after about an hour.
#17: Twisted Updo with Romantic Loose Curls
This example shows that there are tendrils to match the soft and romantic vibe, as opposed to going buttoned-up. Updos can look so much more versatile, and I always tell clients that the tendril pieces left outside the updo are more important than the updo itself because those are the pieces people look at when they look at you. I find the twisted section at the back structured enough to hold it in, but still loose enough to have some movement. For hair that holds a curl well, this style seems like it will last all night and won’t look stiff. If your hair tends to drop curls quickly, the trick is to use a curling iron set to higher heat with smaller sections and let each curl cool in your palm before you release it.
#18: High Ponytail with Loose Waves and a Clever Twist
Small details can make a big difference in a hairstyle, like a twist at the base of a ponytail. It goes from “I just threw my hair up because I’m in a rush” to something that looks really nice. Putting the hair that goes through the ponytail in relaxed waves looks a lot better than some prom look with tight curls. Also, for a good contrast between the smooth top and textured ponytail, the roots of the ponytail need to be sleek. It’s really important to spend the time to brush back all the hairs that may be around the face and use a bit of gel to smooth it down. The back of the hairstyle is super important, and I’m glad to see that this one looks great from all angles.
#19: Twisted Low Ponytail with Soft Flowing Waves
I love a neat low ponytail. Most low ponytails seem rushed, but this one is just as deliberate as the rest of the hairdo. The twisted base gives the style a bit more structure, and the loose waves that fall down from the ponytail look soft and effortless. Everything about this hairdo is beautifully undone, and I love the polished-relaxed contrast . This hairstyle fits perfectly for an evening dinner or a daytime event. The ponytail really shows off the waves, which in my opinion looks better than when the hair is down, and this is something I do with my clients all the time. A perfect wave is actually the opposite of what you want, and for this look to stay grounded, a few of the waves should definitely be out of line.
#20: Loose Wave Ponytail with Highlights That Catch the Light
The highlights show how they are meant to show for a styled look. They are creating dimension in the waves, so each curl catches light differently. It gives the whole ponytail depth that a single-process color just wouldn’t achieve. The waves are softer and looser and that is my preference in a ponytail because it keeps the movement going and doesn’t weigh it down. For finer hair that tends to frizz, I recommend putting a small amount of smoothing serum through the lengths before curling (not after) because it gives the iron something to grip while remaining sleek.
#21: Half-Up Twisted Waves with a Gorgeous Shine
The twist at the crown does two things. First, it helps pull the hair away from the face nicely. Second, it diverts the eye upward, which creates the illusion of added height and length to the face. The underneath waves are defined and glossy, providing an overall polished look. The style gives off a soft look that’s not stiff or overdone. This style works especially well with thick hair, as the density helps fill the waves. The weight keeps the twist in place. If your hair is finer than this, you might need to do a little more to the twist than you want, in order to create some grip before pinning. I would totally wear this for a date night or wedding.
#22: Deep Vintage Waves with Serious Red Carpet Energy
What really differentiates this from an ordinary curling iron wave is the depth of these waves. Each wave is deep, imprinted into the hair, and flowing with an uninterrupted S pattern. This result is something you simply cannot achieve by wrapping pieces of hair around a barrel. This is a roller set, or Marcel wave style. Also, shine on the hair indicates that whoever styled this used a heat protectant that has smoothing ingredients, because the hair surface is completely sealed. It looks fantastic, and of course, it should. It also requires a considerable amount of time to style, as well as, a significant effort to learn the technique. So if you are attempting this at home, I would recommend doing a practice run prior to the actual event. Also, do not get frustrated if your first attempt is less than perfect. It takes time to master this.
#23: Soft Half-Up Waves with a Braided Detail
Braiding this look is an awesome way to make your half-up hairstyle more personal! It adds a unique touch so it doesn’t look generic, and it also helps your half-up waves look more relaxed and effortless. For a more casual and inviting look, waves work best. The braid should be the easiest part to do while the rest of the hair will take more time and patience to get consistent waves. My advice is to curl all your hair first, and let the curls cool before you pull the braid section together. That way you don’t have to deal with put-together sections while you are trying to pin everything up.
#24: A Romantic Textured Updo That Moves
The first thing I notice is how there is a great deal of movement in this updo. The loose framing waves, the smooth turned section, and the variety of appearance from each angle give this style a real sense of life and energy. This is especially difficult to achieve with an updo, and yet this style accomplishes that. The instinct with updos is often to add a lot of pins to hold, and freeze, the style in place, which leads to a very stiff and unyielding look. This style proves how much more confident the approach is in leaving elements looser and allowing the good pinning combined with just the right amount of product to give soft hold that helps to achieve the look. Round faces will in particular benefit from this look because the vertical height really helps to lengthen the features.
#25: Braided Updo with Loose Waves for a Big Night
When I plan my updo, I factor in the time it will take to add intricate braids. It is ideal to have a combination of braids and soft waves around the face. This style’s defining feature is the contrast of structured braids and soft waves from the front pieces of the face. This style is optimal for people with medium to thick hair, as those braids will look substantial. I do think it can be difficult for very fine hair to achieve this style, but not for it to hold up the style. A lack of depth, substance, and visual interest will result in the braid. This style is ideal for those with thick hair, as it is a total showcase.
#26: High Ponytail with Defined Soft Curls
The curls in the ponytail are also extremely deliberate. I can see that every single curl bounces, and catches light separately. The sections must have been curled very evenly and kept untouched while they cooled. That’s really the key with doing curls like this, once the curls are set, they can not be touched. The more curled are fussed with, the more wavey they will be, and they will lose definition. Placing the ponytail this high is also very good because it helps to lengthen the appearance of the face. The contrast between sleek roots and curly ends is polished yet playful, and is ideal for any situation where you want to look like you’ve put in a lot of work.
#27: Twisted Low Updo with Soft Highlights
The placement of highlights in the updo is amazing as they stand out from the twist, providing some dimension to the updo without a gradient, which is usually a problem with updos on uniform colored hair. The twist is also very elegant, and is low, which I find more sophisticated than higher styles, and the smoothness gives an impression that this was done on hair that had been blow dried before the pinning started. Most people skip this step and it is the prep step that makes all the difference. An updo on fine to medium hair should take about twenty minutes to do – post blowout.
#28: Twisted Chignon with Face-Framing Tendrils
Chignons are ageless looks that will always be in style. This example is quite simply excellent – the twist is done nicely, symmetrical, and the softer pieces at the front stop it from being too old looking. My primary concern with classic updos on younger clients is that they can appear too old too fast. It is a relief that the matronly look has been avoided here. My advice for tendrils that look intentional is to curl each of them separately so that they can form their own shape before doing your updo; this will help. After your updo is done, let them cool for a bit before touching them again. This style has been in our salon for as long as I can remember, and it works beautifully for different face shapes and hair types!
#29: Low Bun with Ombre Highlights That Add Depth
If I had to choose, I like ombre a bit more when it’s more understated, especially with an updo. With updos, if some hair sections are gathered together and they have stark contrasting colors, it can get a little weird. In this case the transition is subtle enough that it mostly just contributes to the overall depth and dimension of the style, especially around the crown area where the lighter pieces are catching the light really nicely. The bun is smooth and tight, right at the nape. For uncurled hair like this, it is one of the most straightforward updo styles to keep looking nice for the duration of a long event since there is nothing that can really come undone. If your ends are a little dry, just tuck your ends under and let the outer layer do the talking.
#30: Wavy Half-Up Style with a Twisted Crown Detail
In my experience, this style is simpler than it appears, and this always helps distinguish the best looks from the rest. The twist at the crown removes hair from the face while adding structure to the style. The waves underneath the twist are soft and flowing to help keep the look romantic and approachable. The goal here is to get the twist tight enough to be secure for the whole night. I suggest using a couple of strong hold bobby pins, crossed over one another to give it more hold. Later on, just let the waves do the talking. If your hair is fine or medium, these curls will look way more voluminous than you may expect.
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