When Olandria Carthen stepped onto the Vanity Fair party scene, her hair made just as much of a statement as her gown.
The romantic updo, softly sculpted with delicate tendrils and a polished finish, captured the essence of modern elegance. Created by celebrity hairstylist Ashanti Lation, the look strikes the perfect balance between effortless and intentional. The good news? It’s a style you can recreate at home with the right technique and a bit of patience.
The foundation of this updo begins with properly prepped hair. Lation emphasizes starting with clean, moisturized strands. Blow-dried or lightly stretched natural hair works best, as it allows for smooth shaping while still maintaining volume. A heat protectant and lightweight serum will help create that glossy, red carpet-worthy finish without weighing the hair down.
Next comes sectioning, which is key to achieving the sculpted effect. Divide your hair into three main parts: the front, crown, and back. The front section will later form the soft face-framing pieces that define the romantic feel of the look. Clip this area away and focus on the back.
Gather the back section into a low to mid-height ponytail, securing it firmly but not too tight. From there, begin twisting or loosely wrapping the hair into a bun, allowing some pieces to naturally fall out for that soft, airy effect. Use bobby pins strategically to hold the shape while maintaining movement, this is what keeps the style from looking overly rigid.
At the crown, gently tease or lift the hair to create subtle volume. This adds dimension and prevents the updo from appearing flat. Smooth the surface lightly with a brush, but avoid over-polishing, you want the style to feel lived-in and romantic, not stiff.
Now, return to the front section. Take small pieces and use a curling wand or flat iron to create soft waves. Let these tendrils fall naturally along the face, framing your features and adding that signature softness. This step is what transforms the updo from classic to dreamy.
To finish, mist a flexible-hold hairspray to lock in the style while preserving movement. A touch of shine spray can elevate the overall look, giving it that luminous, camera-ready glow.
The beauty of this updo lies in its versatility. Whether you’re attending a formal event or simply want to elevate your everyday style, this soft, sculpted look delivers timeless elegance with a modern edge.
