The cultural value of long hair varies from region to region. In some areas, longer hair correlates with physical attractiveness in society, while in others it can be a detriment to the fashionably-inclined. For those in the latter situation, however, there are alternatives to simply cutting ones hair. For those who enjoy having long hair but would like to style them differently, using an updo is always an option.
The simple definition of an updo is a hair style that uses long hair in a different way than simply allowing it to fall free. One such example of the style is a simple ponytail. This, of course, involves banding a part of the hair together neatly with a hair clip or tie. This is one of the easiest ways to manage long hair, and certainly one of the most commonly used updo styles.
Of course, long hair styles do not have to be simple. A complex updo style that was widely popular during the 1950s and 1960s is the beehive. This style, which involves pushing long hair upwards, is most commonly seen on the television show The Simpsons, with Marge Simpson having worn the do for much of the show’s twenty-plus year run.
A more modern updo look is the bun. The bun is a hairstyle most often used by ballet dancers, as it allows hair to be held in place, not allowing it to sway from side to side as a ponytail would. A bun can be held in place by either a bobby pin or a hairnet, and can be as tight and neat or messy and loose as the individual wants it to be.
Clearly there are a wide variety of updo possibilities for the long-haired person looking for a new look. In addition to the updos mentioned above, french twists and afros can also be considered. Anyone seeking more information on their choices should visit their local salon or hairdresser and ask for suggestions. Or just flip through a celebrity magazine and look for ideas, as stars such as Reece Witherspoon and Angelina Jolie often use updos themselves.
In conclusion, there is no reason to let long hair go to waste. In truth, having long hair only increases the number of possibilities one has on how to style their hair. Whether a person is looking to imitate a celebrity’s look, or come up with something on their own, an updo is a great option for just about everyone.