Inspired by the classic updos of winter weddings, Matrix Artist Michael Albor created this look as part of a collection of wearable styles that can go from the wedding day to the morning-after brunch. “To do classic updos you need to have the right textural foundations, as well as a good foundation of shape,” Albor says. “Most clients don’t always know if they have a good haircut or not, but they can always tell if they have a good style or updo.” Here, Albor shares how to get the look.
1. Wash hair with Matrix Biolage VolumeBloom Shampoo and Conditioner to create ultimate fullness.
2. Blow-dry the hair with a combination of Biolage Styling Blue Agave Blow-In Control and Biolage Styling Whipped Volume Mousse from scalp to ends to give body, lift and style retention.
3. Use a boar bristle dry brush in horizontal sections to maximize volume.
4. Divide hair from the crown to the top section, and separate diagonal triangle sections. Spray each section with Biolage Styling Blue Agave Finishing Spritz Non-Aerosol Hairspray, and curl hair with a 1½-inch curling iron. Curl in opposite directions to maximize volume, pinning temporarily to the scalp to hold shape.
5. On the sides and back of the scalp, spray individual sections in a diagonal upward direction and lightly go over with a flat-iron to set the hair back for easier backcombing.
6. Begin at either of the front hairlines and backcomb on top of the section. Then, grab the next diagonal section behind the previous one and backcomb for volume, connecting the two sections to each other.
7. Continue throughout both sides of the head, making sure to use indentation at the nape.
8. Brush the right side around the head until you reach the middle-back. Crisscross pins from the nape to the crown to secure hair, then wrap the left side around the head into a French twist and pin. Use Biolage Styling Freeze Fix Anti-Humidity Hairspray, and brush hair for a clean and polished finish.
9. On the top of the head, undo each of the curls that were pinned to the scalp from the back, moving forward. Backcomb each section into a rounded shape and into an eye-appealing structure. Then backcomb from side to side and pin into place. matrix.com ✂ — Nicole Altavilla
Photography: Bob Packert (model shot)