Words by Nasreen Osman
The up-do is well and truly back. While there's always a time and place for beachy waves or poker straight strands, this season the styles to try are all pulled away from your face and styled upwards. And we’re not just talking about whipping your hair into a messy topknot or high pony – it requires subtlety, from the blow-drying technique you need to keep strands in place to the products that ensure a high-shine finish. After all, when your event outfit is so carefully curated, why not pay the same attention to your hair? For this season's hottest hair trend, we turned to celebrity hairstylist Larry King: think slick knots, clean braids and nape-of-the-neck placements to make your hairstyle sing.
“It’s all about very sleek and clean looks right now – we’re seeing high-shine mirrored up-dos (simplicity is key), clean braids, and sleek ponytails with the ends left out... a style that is a bit of an ode to the ’90s,” says Larry.
“Soft hair sprays and creams are very good to tidy up the hair and make everything neat and polished. Follow by a shine spray to complete the look.”
“A long lasting up-do is all about the prep. Blow dry in the direction that the hair is going to be placed to get the shape. If it’s going low, blow dry downwards and tie it into a low pony or knot; if you’re going high, blow everything upwards to where the knot will be placed. And, unless you’re using Dyson tools that have heat protection built in, use heat-protection products.”
“It depends on the kind of up-do – for example, if you’re going for a big, soft up-do, using clarifying shampoos and nothing too oil-based works well.”
His most requested style? “The classic sleek bun. Timeless, elegant, and simple – and it looks beautiful. This is a good go-to when the client’s make-up is quite dramatic and they’re going all out in a ballgown – they just want hair up and away, to let the rest of the outfit do the talking.”
A Harrods veteran, Angella has been weaving her magic at the store since 1994 – and a loyal client base is testament to her prowess. She’s a specialist in textured and afro hair – and, of course, up-dos. “I always start with a mini consultation before creating the look – that’s a key step to determining which up-do will suit. I ask where they are going, what their dress is like and what kind of jewellery they’ll be wearing. Then we take it from there.”
It may be that a complete up-do isn’t your vibe. In which case, with clients including the likes of Jennifer Lawrence, Victoria is your girl, for a half-up, half-down ’do – “glamorous, stylish, and beautiful”. Oh, and did we mention she’s also a master in the art of extensions? Victoria’s top tip? “Never wash hair on the day of the event – day-two hair is always best. And then I apply dry shampoo to the roots, which adds extra texture and volume.”
