The Bond Girls

Some may call this time of year summer…stylists and makeup artists also call it wedding season! Bridal parties create huge revenues for some salons and spas, and stylists are always looking for fresh, new updos to create on brides, mothers, and attendants. Many say that creating a one-of-a-kind look for a bride on her wedding day is arguably one of the most rewarding experiences of a stylists' career.

The team at Tony Odisho Extensions recently introduced new Advanced Technique Courses, and we chose Bridal and Special Occasion Styling to be the first. It was one of the largest classes we've hosted- and the creative juices were flowing!

Our instructor Joanna is well known in Chicago for her ability to create beautiful updos in half an hour or less. She is booked nearly every weekend and signs bridal contracts up to a year in advance. One of her stories in particular stunned all the students and stylists- she once did 45 updos in one day…for one wedding!

Here's a sneak peek at two of the styles Joanna expertly designed:

Style 1: The Braided Beehive


This style took Joanna 32 minutes to create. Her secret is to tease, tease, tease…then tease some more! She crossed and secured the braids with standard bobby pins. Although our model's hair was long and full, Joanna ensured us that you can create this style with short hair- just use foam to create fullness!

Style 2: 2010's Grecian Goddess


More romantic than the first, this beautiful updo highlights the model's hair color and face shape. Again, use foam to create the base if you're working with short hair. Joanna did not use a curling iron during the class. Instead, she used boar hairbrushes, a blowdryer, and a can of hairspray. The end result? Amazing!

At the end of the class, the students/stylists all agreed that they were totally inspired by the unique updos and time-saving tricks they learned. Our next Bridal and Special Occasion Styling Class will feature more romantic and soft styles- think curls, gentle waves, and deconstructed ‘dos.

We hope to see you there!