For a fancy party or outing – or simply a day when you’d like to wear your hair up – an updo is the way to go. But instead of flocking to the hairdresser to have her put up your mane, why not give it a try yourself? It’s easier than you think to get that polished look. The best lengths for updos are medium to long hair, but it’s possible to pull off the look with short hair, too. Short hair can be either slicked back and secured away from the face with a pretty barrette or bobby pin, or if you can secure it with an elastic at the nape of the neck, then you can tuck the end under and conceal the elastic with a barrette or clip. If you want a very slick, close-to-the-head look for your updo, then wash and towel-dry hair, then add a styling product, such as gel or smoothing lotion, and work through. Blow-dry hair in sections and use a flattening iron if needed. A pretty look might be to slick it back in a ponytail, saving one small section of hair to wrap around the elastic and securing with a bobby pin to conceal the elastic. The same technique can be used to create the classic bun. Simply wrap ponytail hair around the elastic and secure with bobby pins, then spray with a strong hairspray. If you like a little volume in your updo, then use mousse in your damp hair instead of gel or smoothing lotion. Scrunch hair as you blow dry, then use hot rollers to get pretty waves. From here, you can pull hair away from the face in a partial updo, securing with a pretty accessory, or you can pull it up into a loose, messy bun. Use your fingers to pull a few strategic strands out of the bun. If you want something really fancy, then it may take a little practice to perfect the style. There are plenty of videos on YouTube that will help you get a sexy look.