Let’s start the year with something fancy!
I blowdried my messy hair super smooth to style this more formal braided updo tutorial.
Jennifer Behr kindly sent me these stunning hair accessories and I thought they deserved a more elegant hairstyle. Though I think they’d look equally lovely in any type of hair.
I love a big Dutch braid any day of the week, but in this double braid bun it would be perfect for any formal occasion or even for a bride.
DIY Braided Formal Updo Tutorial
What you need:
- Two small hair elastics
- Bobby pins
- Hair pin or headband
Step-by-step:
- Brush your hair to remove any knots or tangles. If styling this in curly hair, you can skip this step and save yourself the frizz.
- Part your hair and take a section to begin your braid. Split it into three and begin your Dutch braid.
- A Dutch braid is just like a French braid but in the reverse. Instead of braiding over, you braid under. Cross the left section under the middle, then the right under the left. Then add in hair with the next section and continue braiding.
- Braid until you reach your ear, then finish in a basic braid (plait) without adding in any more hair. Secure the end of your braid with a small clear hair elastic.
- Now gather the rest of your hair over your left shoulder and split it into three equal sections.
- Make a basic braid (plait) and secure the end with a small clear hair elastic. You want to choose a small elastic that will blend in with your hair and not show up in the finished style.
- S-T-R-E-T-C-H out your braids. I can’t emphasise this step enough. Please stretch out your braids to make them look thicker and wider and for mega volume, sprinkle on a little styling powder.
- Roll the lower braid around into a bun. Pin in place with bobby pins.
- Wrap the Dutch braid around the bun, tuck the ends in and pin in place with bobby pins.
- Finish the style with a gorgeous hair pin and some shine spray like this.
Styling tips
Shorter hair: You can just do a regular bun instead of a braided bun at the back and pin your Dutch braid around it. You could change it up to create a more of a Twist & Pin bun.
Longer hair: My hair just wrapped around and tucked under the braided bun but if you have longer hair, continue wrapping your Dutch braid all around to create a larger bun. It will look stunning!
Try it with a headband
I also tried this braided updo with with the gorgeous Eloise circlet from Jennifer Behr because it’s just so pretty. These pieces are expensive but they are handmade and are so lovely. They deserve somewhere special to show them off.
Get the look:
Shop some stunning Jennifer Behr pieces here:
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I’d love to know what you think of this style and where you would wear it! If you have any tutorial requests leave me a comment below xx
Sara says
I very much like your hair, you did an amazing job making it smooth and silky.
My hair has some freeze and it’s curly, Can you tell me how did you achieve such a look?
If you have a tutorial on this I would be more than happy to read it!
Have a lovely week,
-Sara
Hair Romance says
Hi Sarah, I blowdried my hair with a round brush to stretch it out. I also used a straightening balm first to help smooth my frizz. I don’t know why I haven’t done a tutorial on this yet but I will add it to my to do list! Christina x
Caitlin O'CONNOR says
Stunning! Love the accessories with this style. I need about another year of length to make a pretty braid though.. Must.. Not… Cut… Hair!
Hair Romance says
Stay strong Caitlin! xx
gio says
What a gorgeous hairdo! I love it even more with the headband.
Hair Romance says
Thanks Gio! xx
Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid says
I love this so hard. I wish my fingers were nimble enough and my hair was well behaved enough to pull this one off!
Hair Romance says
Thanks Sammie! I’ll do you hair when we next catch up (SO overdue!) xx
lanie says
I love this look! I am only having a little trouble with making mine look bigger without the braid getting to lose to hold. My daughter has thicker hair and holds this look perfectly. Thanks for another great how to do my do!!
Hair Romance says
Thanks Lanie! xx
Madeleine | The Daily Mark says
So so gorgeous! So keen to grow out my layers so I can start trying more braids! x
Madeleine, The Daily Mark
Hair Romance says
Thanks lovely! I should hold a bloggers braiding class, what do you think? x
Kelly (@Gouldylox) says
I love this look! It’s beautiful! And the accessories too! (and I’d love a braiding school!) I can’t get my hair to do huge braids like this one. I know it’s all about loosening it up, but still. And I still love the red!
Hair Romance says
Thanks beautiful! I’m thinking about going back to blonde…I’m copying you xx