When Ruth Roche (@ruthroche), Global Artistic Ambassador for Pureology Serious Colour Care, creates updos, she goes for wearable, undone styles. To make sure the looks are secure and last throughout the day, Roche incorporates lacing and braids that add volume, texture and interest. Watch as she creates a modern, double-fishtail updo inspired by the '60s
Get the Look
1. Section at the natural part with a triangle from the front at recession area to crown. Put the rest of the hair into a high ponytail at the crown.
2. Lace the tail by backcombing small sections at a time, creating a cushion for the base. Note: If the sections are too large, the lacing will be uneven and the shape will be affected.
3. Make a claw shape with your hand and place it inside of laced hair. Push the hair forward to create voluminous shape, and secure with pins. This fills in the space in front of the ponytail with volume and texture.
4. Divide the ponytail into two sections.
5. Create a fishtail braid on the right half by taking little pieces from the right side and little pieces from the left, building a criss-cross pattern into the braid. Continue to the ends. Keep it messy on purpose so it looks uncontrived. When finished, hold the ends with a clip so they're free for the final pinning.
6. Take the remaining section of the ponytail and divide into two sections. Start fishtail braiding while feeding in pieces from the original triangle section that was not laced. Cross pieces from the front over to the other side, like a French Fishtail. Draping from the triangle section stays secure because it’s woven into the braid.
7. Pull the first braid apart to build more volume, lift shape upward and create a nice design on the base and pin in. Repeat with other braid. This design has an interesting texture with the windswept little hairs sticking out from the lacing—it doesn’t necessarily look like two braids.
8. Finish with Pureology Colour Stylist Strengthening Control Hairspray by looking at the shape from all angles (use a mirror) and spraying for nice hold that is still and flexible. Let the natural pieces at the face fall out for a very soft, feminine look.
“This is a great updo for those who shy away from updos because they’re afraid they’ll fall out. This style is soft and feminine, yet very secure due to the braids,” adds Roche.
About: Roche specializes in design/finishing trends and business – she’s as captivating in front of thousands as she is in an intimate in-salon setting. She is the winner of multiple North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA) awards and has contributed to Milady’s Standard Textbook of Cosmetology. Stylists from around the world learn, grow and fuel their creative fire with her. She is an established celebrity stylist (Anne Hathaway, Claire Danes, Amy Adams, Pink, Jenna Fischer, Mariah Carey…) and maintains a loyal clientele at Cutler Salon in NYC.