DIY Braids & Updos (Or Hire a Pro?)

Yes, you can absolutely do gorgeous updos yourself, especially with "perfectly imperfect" styles that are soft, textured, and romantic rather than stiff and salon-perfect. The secret is starting with day-old hair (which has more grip), using the right prep products (texturizing spray or mousse for hold), and mastering two genuinely easy techniques: the 5-minute low chignon (gather low ponytail, flip through opening above elastic, twist and wrap into bun, secure with pins) and the pull-through braid (series of ponytails you split and pull around each other, then "pancake" for fullness). However, for high-stakes events like your own wedding, very intricate styles with multiple braids and perfect symmetry, or when incorporating extensions, professional styling ensures your look is flawless and lasts all night.

Hi, it's Hasblady here from Bokaos Aveda. Just the other day, a client sat in my chair feeling a little stressed because she had a friend's wedding coming up and wanted a beautiful style, but wasn't sure she could pull off anything more than a simple ponytail at home. In this guide, you'll discover the prep techniques that make DIY styling actually work, step-by-step instructions for two achievable styles (the low chignon and pull-through braid), and when it's worth booking a professional instead.

I hear this question all the time, and my answer is always the same: Absolutely. With social media showing off complex styles, it's easy to feel intimidated, but the secret isn't about creating a flawless, salon-perfect helmet; it's about embracing soft, textured, romantic looks that are incredibly achievable at home.

Prep is Everything: Your Foundation for Flawless Styles

Before you even think about twisting or pinning, let's talk about the foundation. You can't build a pretty house on shaky ground, and the same goes for your hair. Getting the prep right is 90% of the battle.

Most updos and braids actually hold better on hair that isn't squeaky clean. Day-old hair has a bit more grip and texture, making it less slippery. If you must wash it, use a texturizing spray or mousse to give your strands some hold.

Here's your essential toolkit: clear elastics (the small, clear ones are your best friend for securing braids invisibly), bobby pins that match your hair color (spray them with hairspray before using for extra grip), a good hairspray like Aveda's Air Control Light Hold Hair Spray (gives you flexible hold without stiffness), and a teasing comb (your secret weapon for creating volume where you need it).

Thessaly came to me from Sierra Madre last March wanting to learn DIY updos for work events. She's a real estate agent who often has client dinners and thought she could only do ponytails. She was intimidated by anything more complicated and assumed updos required professional help.

During her appointment, I taught her the low chignon technique, walking her through each step slowly. It took about 15 minutes for her to get it the first time, with me guiding her hands. I explained that day-old hair would work better than freshly washed, and showed her exactly where to place the bobby pins for security.

She practiced at home twice before her next event. Two weeks later, she texted me a photo from a company gala: her low chignon looked polished and elegant. "Everyone asked if I got it done professionally," she wrote. "I can't believe I can do this myself now." She's been doing the low chignon twice a week for eight months and says it takes her less than 5 minutes now.

The Easiest Updo You'll Ever Do: The Low Chignon

This style looks incredibly chic and sophisticated, but it's surprisingly simple. It's my go-to recommendation for anyone needing an elegant look in a hurry.

Step-by-Step: The 5-Minute Low Chignon

Start by gathering your hair into a low, loose ponytail at the nape of your neck and secure it with a clear elastic. Split the hair just above the elastic to create a small opening, then flip your ponytail up and through that opening, pulling it all the way down (this creates a simple, pretty twist on each side).

Now, take the length of your ponytail, twist it into a rope, and wrap it around itself into a bun, covering the elastic. Secure the bun with bobby pins; don't be shy, tuck them in all around the base until it feels totally secure. Gently pull on a few pieces around your face to soften the look, and finish with a light mist of hairspray.

Troubleshooting Your Chignon

If your bun feels loose or you can see your scalp, you probably just need more pins. Tuck them in so they interlock. To hide scalp visibility, gently backcomb the base of your ponytail before you start twisting and wrapping the bun.

Marceline came to me from South Pasadena last June with fine hair, frustrated because every time she tried to do a bun, it looked thin and scraggly with her scalp showing through. She'd given up on updos because she thought her hair was too fine to pull them off.

I showed her two tricks: first, using Aveda's Pure Abundance Style-Prep before starting (it adds texture and makes hair feel instantly thicker), and second, backcombing the base of her ponytail before wrapping the bun. The combination created the illusion of much fuller hair. She practiced in my chair until she could feel where to place the pins for security.

When she came back six weeks later, she showed me photos from three different events where she'd done the low chignon. "I finally have an updo that works with my fine hair," she said. "The backcombing makes all the difference." She's been doing it confidently for seven months now.

Your First "Fancy" Braid: The Pull-Through Braid

A pull-through braid looks intricate and complicated, like something you'd see on Pinterest, but it doesn't involve any actual braiding. It's a clever trick using just a series of ponytails. This is a fantastic style for an afternoon at The Huntington Gardens because it's secure but still has that romantic, windswept feel.

Step-by-Step: The Deceptively Simple Pull-Through Braid

Begin by creating a small ponytail at your crown, securing it with a clear elastic. Gather another section of hair right below the first ponytail and secure it with another elastic (you should now have two ponytails, one above the other).

Split the top ponytail into two halves and pull them down and around the second ponytail. Clip the second ponytail up and out of the way for a moment. Bring the two halves of the first ponytail back together underneath the second one and add a new section of hair to them, securing this new combined section with a clear elastic.

Now, unclip the ponytail you had moved out of the way (this is now your "top" ponytail). Repeat the process: split it, bring it around the ponytail below it, add more hair, and secure. Continue this pattern all the way down your hair.

Once you reach the end, gently pull on the edges of each section (we call this "pancaking") to make the braid look fuller and more voluminous. This style is perfect for Pasadena weather, keeping your hair controlled and off your neck while still looking incredibly stylish.

Julie came to me from Pasadena last September wanting to learn the pull-through braid she'd seen on Instagram, but every time she tried at home, she'd get confused about which section went where and end up with a tangled mess. She'd attempted it five times and was ready to give up.

I walked her through the steps slowly in my chair, having her do it on herself while I guided her hands. The key was understanding the pattern: split, around, clip, combine, repeat. Once she got the rhythm, it clicked. She practiced twice more at home that week.

The next month, she came back for a trim and showed me her phone: photos of three different events where she'd done the pull-through braid successfully. "Once I understood the pattern, it became so easy," she said. "And people are always shocked when I tell them I did it myself." She's been doing variations of it for eight months now and says it's her go-to for outdoor events because it stays secure all day.

The Big Question: When Should You DIY vs. See a Stylist?

I'm a huge believer in empowering you to style your own hair. But it's also important to be honest about when to call for backup.

Consider booking an appointment with a professional stylist at Bokaos Aveda when: the event is high-stakes (think your own wedding, a formal gala, or a major photoshoot where a professional ensures your style is flawless and will last through photos and dancing); the style is very intricate (if you're dreaming of complex updos with multiple braids, twists, and perfect symmetry, a stylist has the 360-degree view and practiced hands to execute it perfectly); you're incorporating extensions (while clip-ins are great for DIY volume, weaving in more permanent extensions for a seamless look is a job for a pro); or you just don't want the stress (sometimes, the best part of getting ready is sitting back, relaxing, and letting someone else pamper you, which is totally valid).

Elowen came to me from Altadena last November wanting to learn DIY updos for everyday events but knowing she'd need professional help for her own wedding in six months. She was practical: she wanted to save money on styling for regular occasions but invest in professional work for the big day.

I taught her both the low chignon and pull-through braid over two appointments. She practiced on her own and used them successfully for holiday parties, family gatherings, and date nights. But when her wedding approached, she booked our bridal styling service.

"I'm so glad I learned to do my own hair for normal events," she told me at her wedding hair trial. "It's saved me hundreds of dollars over the past six months. But for my wedding, I want to know it's perfect and will last all day without me worrying about it." Her wedding updo was intricate with multiple braided elements, something that would have been impossible for her to do on herself. She looked stunning and didn't have to stress about her hair all day.

Common DIY Styling Questions in Pasadena

Can I really do this if I'm a total beginner?

Yes, and at Bokaos Aveda in Pasadena, we recommend starting with the low chignon because it's one of the most forgiving styles. The key is practice without pressure; try it out on a lazy Sunday afternoon when you're not rushing to get somewhere. The more you do it, the more your muscle memory will kick in, and what felt awkward at first will become natural.

What are the best products to make my style last?

At our Pasadena salon, it all comes down to foundation and finish. Start with a mousse or texture spray for grip on damp or day-old hair, then always finish with a flexible-hold hairspray once your style is complete. For a sleek look, a touch of smoothing serum on any flyaways makes a big difference, especially in Pasadena's occasional humidity.

How can I add volume if my hair is thin?

Backcombing is your best friend at Bokaos Aveda in Pasadena. Gently tease the roots at the crown before you start your updo to create lift. Using a volumizing prep product like Aveda's Pure Abundance Style-Prep is also key because it adds texture and grip. For a really big event, don't underestimate the power of a few strategically placed clip-in extensions to boost fullness.

How do I know if I should DIY or book a professional?

At our Pasadena salon, consider the stakes and complexity. For everyday events, date nights, casual gatherings, or work functions, DIY styles like the low chignon or pull-through braid are perfect and save money. For your own wedding, formal galas, professional photo shoots, or styles with intricate braiding and perfect symmetry, professional styling ensures flawless execution and lets you relax and enjoy getting ready.

What if my style falls apart halfway through an event?

At Bokaos Aveda in Pasadena, this usually means not enough bobby pins or not using products with hold. Make sure you're using at least 8-10 bobby pins for an updo (sprayed with hairspray for grip), and always start with texturizing spray or mousse on day-old hair. Bring a few extra pins and a travel hairspray to your event for quick touch-ups if needed.

Ready to Try These Styles?

Playing with your hair should be fun and creative, not stressful. Start with the low chignon, practice it a few times, and build your confidence. The pull-through braid is your next step once you've mastered the basics.

If you give these styles a try and get stuck, or if you decide you'd rather leave your next special occasion look to us, we'd love to see you. You can find us at Bokaos Aveda Salon at 52 Hugus Alley in Old Town Pasadena. Give us a call at (626) 304-0007 or book your appointment online.