Let’s face it, considering the ‘big chop’ can be daunting. As tempting as the promise of a two-minute hair routine might be, it’s a big commitment, and sometimes you’re simply not ready to part with your lengths. Hannah Waddingham, however, has a brilliant workaround: an updo that so expertly mimics a pixie, you might mistake it for the real thing.
Last night, Hannah looked incredible as she stepped out in London for the glitzy premiere of Project Hail Mary. At first glance, with her signature bob cleverly concealed, she almost had the GH beauty team fooled into thinking she’d chopped off a few inches.
However, upon closer inspection, it became evident that her platinum lengths had actually been skilfully wrapped around her head. The clever updo, with shorter layers at the front left loose, was enough to create the convincing illusion of a pixie cut.
‘Hannah’s look is a brilliant example of how clever styling can completely change the shape of your hair without cutting a single inch,’ says Jonathan Andrew, global ambassador for Fudge Professional. As he explains, ‘Her length has simply been swept back and pinned into a classic twisted updo, and it works beautifully.’
While, unfortunately, we don’t all have a glam squad on speed dial, the look is achievable at home with a spritz of product and a few strategically placed pins, says Jonathan. ‘With this style, it’s all about controlling the front hairline and creating that shorter silhouette around the face to give an illusion of a shorter style,’ he says.
‘To recreate it, start by building a bit of texture through the roots with a texture spray to give your hair grip.’ He namechecks the Fudge Professional Texture Hair Spray as a personal favourite – and it’s one that’ll currently cost you less than £10.
Fudge Professional Hair Texture Spray
With your spritz complete, it comes down to manipulating your strands into position. ‘Next, blow-dry the front section with a barrel brush, pulling it forward and against the root to build volume. Then, you can sweep it slightly across the forehead to create that soft, shorter look,’ he explains.
As for tucking the rest of the lengths away, hairpins will become your best friend. ‘Take the lengths from the sides and back, twist them loosely and pin them up at the back of the head into a relaxed chignon. The key is to keep the front light with soft pieces framing the face, so it really mimics the feel of a pixie crop.’
Though be warned, the updo might be all the convincing you need to finally schedule that salon visit.
