Maintaining & Taking Down an Updo

Hair styled into a beautiful updo for a special occasion
Photo: Photographer_me/Shutterstock
Q: What aftercare advice should I give my client to help maintain her updo, remove pins and hair ornaments, and safely take out any backcombing? I’d appreciate detailed guidance!
 
A: In most cases, updos are designed for single-occasion wear, such as an evening event. However, if your client needs the style to last longer - overnight or even for a couple of days - it’s important to plan for durability during the initial styling process.
 
For extended wear, focus on incorporating secure structural techniques like braiding, pinning, and using supportive tools such as foam donuts or hair wraps to reinforce twists and buns. These methods help distribute tension evenly and minimize strain on the hair.
 
If the updo has been crafted with stability in mind, advise your client to protect it while sleeping by wrapping their hair in a silk or satin scarf. This reduces friction and helps maintain the style’s shape. She should also try to sleep on her back or in a position that minimizes movement to prevent excessive loosening or tangling.
 
When it comes time to take down the updo, proper removal is key to avoiding unnecessary hair damage. Before your client leaves the salon, walk her through the styling process so she understands how everything is secured. Point out where pins are placed - whether they’re individually anchored or interlocked - and highlight any sections with backcombing.
 
For backcombed areas, recommend applying a detangling spray or a lightweight leave-in conditioner to soften the hair and ease out knots. This step is crucial for preventing breakage, especially if the hair is fine or chemically treated.
 
If you’ve incorporated decorative accessories like clips, combs, or hair jewelry, demonstrate how they’re attached so the client can carefully remove them later without pulling or snagging the hair.
 
Once the pins and ornaments are out, instruct her to gently work through the hair with a wide-tooth comb, starting from the ends and gradually moving upward to minimize tugging. After the initial takedown, switching to a soft-bristle brush or a vented paddle brush will help smooth the hair and eliminate any remaining tangles.
 
Finally, encourage her to follow up with a nourishing hair mask or conditioner to restore moisture, particularly if the style required extensive teasing or heat styling. This extra care will keep her hair healthy and ready for the next appointment!
 
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See also:
 
Photos of up-styles
 
How to style your hair up
 
How to get rid of tangled hair