Easy Updo: Crown Twists

Introduction

This dressy hairstyle is an elegant downdo that combines a sleek veil of shiny hair with chic crown twits that are carefully sculpted and pinned close to the head with crystal butterfly clips to give a sleek but elegant look.

This downdo can be modified with an asymmetrical part or other type of part. This unusual do was created on beautiful Model Anna - shown to the side in her before style - by stylist Barbara Lhotan exclusively for HairBoutique.com and our media partner - Multi Media International.

This style is quick and easy to accomplish. With minimum practice and a good mirror anyone should be able to create this style effortlessly. If you are a hair klutz you might like to request the assistance of a professional stylist or a friend that has hairstyling talents. A stylist or friend can help with the placement of the crown twists and the jeweled butterfly clips.

If you wish to create this style by yourself but are unsure, ask a stylist or friend to work with you the first time so that you can practice crafting the style until you can do it by yourself. (Photos courtesy of HairBoutique.com & Barbara Lhotan. Photography by Eric Von Lockhart).

This style generally works best on any length of hair since the highlight of the style is the crown area. Ultimately the style works great for short hair in most textures because it provides an instant dressiness without a lot of muss or fuss.

Hair that is extra long can adopt to the style by adjusting the size of crown twists. When in doubt let your stylist guide you about the appropriateness of the style for your hair type and texture. If you wish to try this look on fine hair, be prepared for hair slippage with gel, strong holding spray and extra bobby pins to help anchor the tiny jeweled hair clips.

Step By Step Instructions

This style works best on hair that is not freshly washed. When possible allow your hair to "age" at least 24 hours from your last shampoo. The natural hair oils will help the knots and parts hold tighter and last longer. (Photos courtesy of HairBoutique.com & Barbara Lhotan. Photography by Eric Von Lockhart).

Barbara Lhotan did comment that this look can be created on freshly washed and dried hair if desired. However, Barbara explained that it is important to dress newly washed hair with the appropriate styling aides to counterbalance extra soft or slippery strands. Let your stylist determine what type of hair they prefer to work with.

1. Begin by using a soft boar's head brush or similar natural bristle brush on your hair. Make sure that all knots and tangles are completely removed. (All photos are the express copyright of HairBoutique.com & Multi Media International).

Although this elegant style was designed with an off-center part, if you prefer, experiment with a different type of part for a slightly different look. The current fashion trend is for deep side parts which may or may not work for this particular style. This elegant look can be modified to accommodate a center or other type of part. This style can be worn with or without bangs according to preference.

2. Working with individual sections that are about 1-2" in thickness, smooth all of the hair with a hot flat iron. Allow hair to cool completely before proceeding.

3. Using the tail of a rattail comb create an off-center part that extends from the hairline to the crown area of the head.

4. Starting on the left side of the head use the tail comb to pick up 1 to 1 1/2 inches of hair from the scalp in order to create three equally spaced strands of crown hair that run from the hairline to the middle of each strand. Clip the individual sections to keep them separate.

5. Starting on the left side of your head, lift the first section of hair at a 45 degree angle and gently twist from the hairline to the middle of the strand. As you twist the single strand pick up more pieces of hair as you move towards the back of the hear. As you twist and pick up additional hair weave the strand over or under other sections of scalp hair to create a slight woven look (shown above).

Note: Apply a light gel or setting lotion to each section for hair that is fine, slippery or does not hold styles well. This will help to anchor the hair better.

6. Spray the newly twisted section with hairspray and then clip the final twisted strand near the middle of your head. Use the jeweled butterfly clip to hold the twisted strand in place. If your hair is slippery, use a tiny 1/2" bobby pin the same color of your hair to anchor the clip in place. Note: Always spray hair before applying hair accessories since spray can dull crystals and rhinestones.

7. Add another jeweled butterfly clip at the end of the strand to hold the end of the strand firmly in place and give the illusion of butterflies nestling in your hair. You have the option to pin the strand at a straight or curve angle.

8. Repeat the same styling steps on the remaining strands. If you prefer you can increase the number of strands from 3 to 6 or more. Try to arrange the twisted sections so they are close to the same size and position on each side of the head although they do not have to be perfectly aligned. Experiment with adding more or less sections of hair for different looks.

9. The finished scalp section should consist of a series of jeweled butterfly clipped sections. The rest of the hair should be worn down and silky smooth.

10. If you desire a different look take the bottom half or the remaining hair and use a curling iron or hot curlers to add a slick flick, a few little curls or soft waves to remaining hair.

(Photos courtesy of HairBoutique.com & Barbara Lhotan. Photography by Eric Von Lockhart).

The possibilities are endless if you take the time to play with different variations of this classic knotted style. This finished style if perfect for any special party, Prom, Wedding or other dressy hair event. Enjoy!

Credits

Hairstyles by Barbara Lhotan Make-up by Catherine Raffaele Hair accessories & necklace provided by HairBoutique.com Photography by Eric von Lockhart Copyright 2002-2003 All rights reserved HairBoutique.com & MultiMedia International.

Barbara Lhotan is known as the "Personal Trainer" for stylists wishing to be experts with long hair. She is the Director of Education for Renaissance Salon in Smithtown, New York and a Senior National Educator for John Paul Mitchell Systems.

Barbara works on all types of hair from short to long and creates spectacular updos and styles for any event. She is also talented with hair extensions and color. Contact Barbara for a consultation at: (631-724-2386)

Eric von Lockhart was born in New York City but spent his early years traveling to exotic locales as a military brat. Sensing from an early age that “some form of art was his destiny”, Eric embraced his early gypsy life. He viewed his constant travels as priceless opportunities to observe life through many angles, ultimately training him to do the same with his beloved cameras. Eric has been perfecting his craft “all his life” which explains why he is one of the most sought after fashion photographers in America.

Over the years Eric’s unique eye, lightening wizardy and brilliant photographic images have been in hot demand appearing in an extensive list of fashion and beauty magazines including Vogue, Women’s Wear Daily, Elle, Essence, Salon News, Modern Salon, Hype Hair, Inspire, Passion, Blacktress, Hair World, 101 Celebrity Hairstyles, Short Cuts, and HairBoutique.com.

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