THE ONLY WAY IS UP!

Headed for a party? Follow these expert tips to perfect a celeb-worthy updo in just minutes.

byElizabeth Liew Dec 2016

Headed for a party? Follow these expert tips to perfect a celeb-worthy updo in just minutes

A chic, glamorous updo as seen on some of our favourite celebrities is perfect for year-end parties and events. And so you won’t be bugged by celeb hair envy, we’ve asked industry experts for their tips on how to create the look – fast.

With the right styling products, tips and a bit of practice, these hairstyles are actually easy and quick to achieve from home, say the stylists, who have helped break down each look for us. Whether you want something simple or more elaborate, this step-by-step guide will help you look party perfect in no time!

Emily Blunt’s

REGAL TWIST

The British actress wore this embellished hairstyle to the premiere of The Girl on the Train. Kimage director Monica Tan reveals an easy way to wear this ’do:

Step 1: Prep with a styling product like hair cream sparingly, to volumise and add texture to your tresses.

Step 2: Find your parting and gently put the headband on. Tuck stray strands behind your ear, and use your fingers to lift and loosen some hair at the fringe area for a slightly tousled, natural look.

Step 3: Divide hair into two sections – left and right – and work either half first. Begin looping and tucking hair into the lower part of the headband in an upwards direction, starting from behind your ear.

Step 4: Repeat on the other side.

Step 5: Tuck in any excess hair into the headband, then use your fingers to pinch and loosen up the overall hairdo for the tousled effect.

Step 6: Set with hairspray, and decorate with pretty clips or pins.

You’ll need:

From top: Aveda Smooth Infusion Nourishing Styling Crème, $52 (250 ml). John Frieda Luxurious Volume All-Day Hold Spray, $16.90 (250 ml).

Jeannie Mai’s

MODERN TOP-KNOT

The How Do I Look Asia Season 2 host’s trendy, casual ’do is suitable for parties but also works as an everyday hairstyle (great if you’re heading for a fancier event after office hours). Hairloom’s stylist Bosco Eng shares how to achieve it:

Step 1: Section off the fringe (or hair at front portion if you don’t have a fringe) to create more volume.

Step 2: Create a high ponytail by gathering all of your hair to the crown of your head, and secure with an elastic band.

Step 3: Gently backcomb your fringe at the roots, or use a sea salt spray to give it some body.

Step 4: Comb it back and tie it loosely to the rest of the ponytail.

Step 5: Twist the ponytail into a knot by wrapping it around itself and secure with bobby pins (as many as needed!).

Step 6: Release some stray baby hairs around your forehead to create softness at the front and give off a more natural, lived-in look.

You’ll need:

From top: Shiseido Professional Stage Works Beach Air Spray, $26 (150 ml). H&M 30-pack hair grips, $2.90.

Olivia Wilde’s

BRAIDED CHIGNON

Don’t be daunted – the actressmodel’s elegantly intricate look is actually quite simple to recreate. It’s the perfect style for a more formal event, like a year-end wedding. Kimage’s Monica breaks it down:

Step 1: Prep your hair by applying gel to your strands for better control when braiding.

Step 2: Take a section of hair from one side of your head and begin making a crown braid, adding more hair from the hairline as you go and working to the end of your locks. Secure with elastic bands.

Step 3: Repeat on the other side.

Step 4: Working with the rest of your hair, braid the lower portion and secure with elastic bands.

Step 5: Twist this portion into a low knot, just as you would with a regular bun, and secure with pins.

Step 6: Wrap the two side braids around the knot, using as many bobby pins as necessary.

Step 7: Finish with hairspray to set and hold the style.

You’ll need:

From top: Sachajuan Hair Spray Light & Flexible, $38 (300 ml). Paul Mitchell Reformer Gel Texturiser, $30 (3 oz).

Jessica Alba’s

TEXTURED TUCK

This effortlessly chic updo is ideal for medium-length hair that’s just brushing or slightly below the shoulders. Salon VIM’s leading stylist Fiona Lim shows you how to get Jessica’s natural look:

Step 1: First, prime your hair with mousse or sea salt spray by running it throughout your lengths with your fingers.

Step 2: Create a side part to give your hair greater lift.

Step 3: Lightly smoothen out your hair with a brush.

Step 4: Tie a low, semi-loose ponytail.

Step 5: Twist the ponytail upwards and tuck it partially at the nape of your neck, securing with bobby pins (Tip: Curling the tips of your hair will help make tucking your hair in much easier!).

Step 6: To create that textured effect, loosen some strands around your face then spray on some volumising hair powder followed by a finishing spray to set it.