These updos were so fun to do! First of all the girls (sisters) were fun and willing to try anything. Although they are sisters they have very different hair! Jana (below) has thick brown naturally curly hair while Leah (above) has blonde very straight hair. The updos are very similar although done differently. Jana's is more "messy" and Leah's more "refined". I also weaved a ribbon through Jana's updo to show some variation. On the top and in front we tied knots in Janas hair and kept strictly to the loops in Leah's. These are good examples of how you can make a style uniquely your own by adding or changing aspects of the composition while maintaining the overall look you want. Thanks girls!

Easy.

These pictures are of my 3 year old niece Layla. We just braided her hair and then flipped the braid upside down and secured it with a few pins to look like a bun. It's a very fast updo which can be very beneficial when working with small girls.

Swept away.

My twin sister is in town visiting and so we had some fun playing with her hair. Like me, she has very thin hair and so we opted for something loose to give her some fulness while sweeping it up. This is so simple. We just gave her a low french braid and secured the end with bobby pins. The flower just gave it an extra flair but without it, it is still very elegant. The whole thing only took a few minutes. Thanks Lu!

Lovely.

My sis came over to visit today so we whipped this together in about 2o minutes! I think it looks great on her. First we took the top half of her hair and put it in a clip to keep it out of the way. Then I started from the bottom right section of her head and picked up 3-4 inch sections bringing them to the middle of her head and wrapping them in loops using bobby pins to secure. As you can see, I should have used brown pins to be less noticable with her hair color...oops! Once the bottom was finished we took the top of her hair and wove it into the existing loops on the bottom. I also grabbed a piece of garland off my christmas tree to show how ornamentation can change or add to a style (as seen on the right). The end result...lovely.

Casual

This is a perfect updo for people with thin hair (like me). It has a casual look and can be worn for formal occasions as well as everyday use. I took my hair (which was loosly curled for added body) and pulled it into a low ponytail on one side. I pinned it there and then wrapped up the remaining pieces securing them with bobby pins in loose loops. I only used 5 bobby pins and probably could have used less, but again, keep in mind this works best with thin hair because it is much easier to secure.

Simply Gorgeous.

Is she cute or what? I think we could have done anything and she still would have looked great! It's a simple updo but because of her beauty it looks extravagant. Alisha's hair was a great length to start from. The challenge for me in this updo was giving her fullness and she can attest to that. I also think that the tiara she chose added drama in a delicate way.

I think a side part is always flattering when choosing this type of updo. Having the bangs left out gave her a youthful sort of flirty look, while still maintaining an overall classic feel.

Thanks for your willingness to share! Gorgeous!

Enchanted.

Okay, I realize this picture is somewhat blurry, but I will most likely have some more pictures of this to post soon so if you like what you see here...stay tuned. This was one of my favorite styles to do. Lucky for me the inspiration came from Dawn, my sister in law. I have done several different updos on Dawn over the years and felt honored to help with her wedding day as well. Let me just add that she has the most beautiful hair to work with.

Like, Katie (below), Dawn wanted her hair up but still wanted to show length. You can't tell very well from this picture but she actually has quite a bit of hair left out on the bottom. We wanted a loose, romantic feel, but also needed it to stay in tact for a long day. We started out at the top on this one because if you don't like how you look from the front view, well, the rest is useless. By picking up 2-3 inch sections of hair and wrapping them in loops we created this look. Talk about bobby pins!! We also added some bobby pins which Dawn had made with pearls on the ends to make it even more interesting. I thought it was a nice touch and actually did the same thing in my hair on my own wedding day. We finished the look by curling the bottom hair that was left out in large ringlets. Dawn also wore a tiara which of course made her look even more like a princess. Thanks for sharing Dawn!

Sisters...

Well, I must say that I have had the most practice with this beautiful girl over the years because she happens to be my baby sister. She also happens to be one of my more "particular" clients to put it nicely. In her bridals, shown here, we were working around some hair extensions which made what should have been fairly simple a little bit tricky.

I have found that most girls who have length tend to be torn as to how to wear it for the big day. Why? Mostly because they are attached to their length and they associate it with feminity. Traditionally speaking, however, brides wear their hair up. What to do?

Compromise, and what you get is something like this. By pulling up the top half of her hair in different sections we were able to give her some added height which let's face it flatters anyone and also show off her length at the same time.

I wish I had some pictures of the back of this because it is quite beautiful when positioned with a veil as seen here.

Sophistication.

Thank you Emily! I just love this updo...because she came to me with the idea and this is what we came up with. As you can see, she has gorgeous but extremely THICK hair...which can be difficult to manage in an updo. I think this worked well keeping it secure.
We began with a low ponytail slightly off center and picked up random sections pinning and looping them together. I like to call it a "fancy bun". It has a timeless, classic feel that I just love. The flowers, also Emily's idea, look great and really polish the style.

Here goes...

I have been tossing this idea in my head for years and finally have decided to give it a try. Most of you already know that I have been a hairstylist for over 10 years. I have recently "retired" from the salon to be at home with my two sons, however, I still have a strong desire to maintain and further my creative skills in hair design. It is my hope that this blog will help me do so.

While working as a cosmetologist I have enjoyed many of the aspects the job entails. Perhaps my "favorite" aspect is the "updo" or formal style worn for that "special occasion". I have loved being a part of a womans wedding day, bridal portraits, prom, or other special event by participating in the hairstyle. I love the "pressure" that comes along with it and so I have decided to begin compiling my ideas and sharing them with others. I have been a slacker over the years and have rarely, if ever, taken a photo of the before or after "style". Because of this, I may be slow getting going and so I ask for your patience and willingness to participate in this endeavor.

Because the holidays are vastly approaching and with them come Christmas parties, formal dances, and the occasional december bride, I would love to demonstrate on any willing and able hair models to begin my compilations. If there are any of you out there reading this who I have had the opportunity to already work with, and are willing to allow me to post any of your special occasion photos please leave your email if you feel comfortable doing so or email me at ericka.cooper@aggiemail.usu.edu

Thanks for the support...it means so much to me!
Ericka