While there are undoubtedly problems with both aesthetics in some way or another, there’s one thing we know for sure—this new era of low-lift beauty is a breath of fresh air. And according to pro stylists, even the beloved slicked-back ponytail has met its match. “For the last few years, we have seen lots of down, loose waves or tucked-behind-the-ears styles all over the red carpet,” Maine says. The updos, however, followed a different trend—especially the super-sleek bun. Now we’re starting to see more intricate updos take over, Maine says. But why the switch? Apart from the general shift toward more effortless beauty trends, the tousled updo mimics the classic Pamela Anderson–esque style that has seen a resurgence throughout 2022, especially after the limited series Pam & Tommy was released earlier this year. “From the tousled Pam Anderson–inspired look to sculptured upstyles including finger waves, it will be a glamorous red carpet year,” Maine adds. The best part is that these looks are easier to nail (especially for those with curly or wavy hair), and they’re a healthier alternative for your scalp and strands. You see, when the hair is pulled too tight, you risk damaging the scalp and potentially experiencing targeted bald spots—more formally known as traction alopecia. All of that being said, it’s not like anyone needs an official green light to style their hair a certain way, but the pros are predicting a strong resurgence of the updo. Here, we grabbed Maine’s step-by-step tutorial to help you out. Have your texture spray at the ready: Finally, do the same thing with the bottom ponytail, pinning some pieces to cover the actual elastics. After that, give your hair a good mist with hair spray, and voilà! You’ve nailed the effortlessly chic ’90s updo. For a visual demo, feel free to watch this video from Maine’s Instagram page.
