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There is nothing like a good Holiday updo! Today, I have a Twisted Criss Cross Updo for you to rock this holiday season (be sure to check out the other looks in the Holiday 1, 2, 3 Series). This updo is really really simple and not only adds that edginess to any look but it’s also a great protective style to shield your hair from that cold winter weather. Here’s how I did it:
Step 1: Start off on stretched hair
When doing cornrows or flat twists, it’s always easier to manipulate the hair when it has some stretch to it. Today I started with a 4 day old twist out; depending on the state of your hair you can also lightly blow dry your hair on low heat to achieve some stretch.
(Pic of stretched hair)
Step 2: Making the Center Part
To start of this style, I take my parting tool (or a rat tailed comb) and make a center part from the hairline through to the nape.
(Pic illustrating each step)
Step 3: Section it Off
I now have 2 sections. Starting on one side, I then make a part from the tip of my ear to the center part. This section should now be split into 2 sections.
(Pic illustrating each step)
Step 4: MOISTURIZE!
Let’s start with that back section, it’s time to MOISTURIZE! In these cold winter months, this is a very important step! I like to moisturize my hair in smaller sections to ensure that each strand gets some love, no dry patches over here!
So my hair still has some product in it from the twist out and the moisturizer I added to it throughout that time but just to put some life back into my hair, I very very lightly mist my hair with some water (only about 2-3 spritzes) and then I go in with my handy dandy Shea Moisture Coconut and Hibiscus Curl and Style Milk with Silk Protein and Neem Oil. I use a very small amount, this is a water based product and I am careful not to make the hair revert. I follow that with some Extra Virgin Olive Oil as a sealant and then I add some gel to the base of the hair for hold. My absolute favorite gel is the Olive Oil Eco Styler. (This step is of course repeated for each section.)
(Pic illustrating each step)
Step 5: Let’s Start Twisting!
Next, I begin flat twisting the section from the nape upwards, making sure to twist the hair all the way through to the ends.
(Pic illustrating each step)
Step 6: Slick Back Ponytail
For that front section, I go ahead and repeat step 4, moisturizing the hair and using the gel to really slick that section into a ponytail. Make sure your ponytail is as close to the end of that back twist as possible, you don’t want too much of a gap between the front and back sections.
(Pic illustrating each step)
Step 7: 2 Twists
Go ahead and twist the hair that’s in the ponytail. You will then have two twists, one from the flat twist in the back and the other from the ponytail in the front.
(Pic illustrating each step)
Step 8: Repeat on the Other Side
Repeat steps 2-7 for the other side, you now have 4 twists.
(Pic illustrating each step)
Step 9: Time to Criss Cross
You then want to take each twist and pin them into place on opposite sides, creating a twisted bun look. Play with this step a little until you get your desired look.
Maintenance: Maintain this style by wrapping your head with a silk scarf (this will keep those edges laid) and then putting a silk bonnet on over that to protect any exposed areas.
And that’s it my loves, I hope you enjoyed this look! Let me know if you have any questions in the comment section below. As always, slay all day and make sure to check out the makeup and outfit looks I put together with this hairstyle in the Holiday 1, 2, 3 Series!
Thank you for stopping by!
Christina
(Pic showing final look with kissy face)
