We're in the home stretch and nearing the end of the quest for the perfect bridal updo! This week's style is our fifth and second to the last -- then you get to vote. Stay tuned for details...

For Laurel's fifth wedding updo, we traveled to the north side of Chicago to visit one of the four Michael Anthony Salons. We met with master stylist Matina Koronakos, who created a romantic, but modern gathering of loose curls at the crown. It was big and beautiful. Don't be fooled by the casual and soft look -- every strand was thought out and carefully pinned. Then, Matina went on to create a killed smokey brown eye too!

Steps

1. Stylist Matina started by setting Laurel's the top half of Laurel's hair in hot rollers, alternating between 1 inch and 1 and a half inch sizes. Before rolling each strand, she sprayed with an Aveda non-aerosol hairspray.

2. While the rollers cooled, she curled the front sections of the hair, then the back. She again alternated between 1 inch and 1 and a half inch sizes for the curling irons. Before curling, she used an aerosol hairspray on each strand. In this case, she used an aerosol because it would not damage the hair when it connected with the high heat of the iron.

3. After curling the rest of the hair, she released the cooled rollers.

4. Next, she partitioned a section at the crown to create the base of the style.

5. To build on the base, she began taking individual strands and looping and pinning them into place.

6. As Matina continued to loop strands, she also wove them in and out of each other creating the intricate design.

7. The style built outwards from the original base.

8. Matina re-curled some strands around the face, before separating them and pinning them into place at the back of the head.

9. She finished the hair style by sleeking and pinning back the sides.

10. At the front, she sideswept the bangs to finish.

Finished Shots

Matina also did Laurel's make-up, creating a smokey, natural brown eye -- in contrast to some of the plums and purples that have been used.

Side view.

Back view.

Laurel with stylist and make-up artist, Matina Koronakos.


Related:
Wedding Updo #1, Ruby Room
Wedding Updo #2, Salon Coccole
Wedding Updo #3, Salon 1800
Wedding Updo #4, Avalon Salon
Wedding Updo #5, Michael Anthony Salons
Wedding Updo #6, Prink Salon