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Spend £250 on beauty and receive a gift worth £400+. MyBeauty members only Ts&Cs apply – Find Out More

Seasonal reductions: Up to 30% off fashion. Ts&Cs apply*Shop Now


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How to Create a Sleek Up-do Hairstyle

Feature: Short Read
Words by Nasreen Osman

The up-do is well and truly back. While there's always a time and place for beachy waves or  poker straight strands,  this season the styles to try are all pulled away from your face and styled upwards. And we’re not just talking about whipping your hair into a messy topknot or high pony – it requires subtlety, from the blow-drying technique you need to keep strands in place to the products that ensure a high-shine finish. After all, when your event outfit is so carefully curated, why not pay the same attention to your hair? For this season's hottest hair trend, we turned to celebrity hairstylist Larry King: think slick knots, clean braids and nape-of-the-neck placements to make your hairstyle sing.

Trending Up-dos To Take Into 2024

“It’s all about very sleek and clean looks right now – we’re seeing high-shine mirrored up-dos (simplicity is key), clean braids, and sleek ponytails with the ends left out... a style that is a bit of an ode to the ’90s,” says Larry.

Woman with hair braided up

Discover Your Kit Essentials

Polish With Products

“Soft hair sprays and creams are very good to tidy up the hair and make everything neat and polished. Follow by a shine spray to complete the look.”

Woman with her hair up

Shop Your Smoothing Styles

The Importance of Blow-Drying

“A long lasting up-do is all about the prep. Blow dry in the direction that the hair is going to be placed to get the shape. If it’s going low, blow dry downwards and tie it into a low pony or knot; if you’re going high, blow everything upwards to where the knot will be placed. And, unless you’re using Dyson tools that have heat protection built in, use heat-protection products.”

Woman with hair tied up

Find Your Blow-Out Buys

How to Wash for the Best Styling

“It depends on the kind of up-do – for example, if you’re going for a big, soft up-do, using clarifying shampoos and nothing too oil-based works well.”

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Your Next Squeaky-Clean Buys

The Inside Line from Our In-Store Stylists

  • Thomas Murtagh

    His most requested style?  “The classic sleek bun. Timeless, elegant, and simple – and it looks beautiful. This is a good go-to when the client’s make-up is quite dramatic and they’re going all out in a ballgown – they just want hair up and away, to let the rest of the outfit do the talking.”

  • Angella Sinclair

    A Harrods veteran, Angella has been weaving her magic at the store since 1994 – and a loyal client base is testament to her prowess. She’s a specialist in textured and afro hair – and, of course, up-dos. “I always start with a mini consultation before creating the look – that’s a key step to determining which up-do will suit. I ask where they are going, what their dress is like and what kind of jewellery they’ll be wearing. Then we take it from there.”  

  • Victoria Pucko

    It may be that a complete up-do isn’t your vibe. In which case, with clients including the likes of Jennifer Lawrence, Victoria is your girl, for a half-up, half-down ’do – “glamorous, stylish, and beautiful”. Oh, and did we mention she’s also a master in the art of extensions? Victoria’s top tip? “Never wash hair on the day of the event – day-two hair is always best. And then I apply dry shampoo to the roots, which adds extra texture and volume.”  

Book Your Hair Appointment Now

Stories

Beauty Buyers' Top 20 Gifting Picks

Beauty buyers top products

The holiday season is drawing near, and you’ve got some serious shopping to do. These are the best gifting picks according to our beauty buyers.

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Scalp care products

Stories

The Ultimate Guide to Caring for Your Scalp

Between the extra heat styling and hair washing, your scalp can suffer the consequences of a busy social calendar. Here’s how to show it some TLC in between events - and why it’s so important.

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Parties

Consider this your destination for all things party season – whether you’re wondering what to wear or looking for the perfect Champagne with which to toast the year.

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