How to Create the Hottest Oscars Hairstyles

The biggest trend for hair at the Oscars last night was structured updos with height at the crown. It's easy to see why this Oscars hairstyle is popular-it's formal without being fussy and doesn't compete with the really elaborate Oscars fashions that were on the red carpet. As seen on Rachel McAdams, Zoe Saldana and Kristen Stewart, this look also adds a tiny bit of welcome toughness to all the girly ruffles and tiers and it's suitable for a variety of hair textures-straight or wavy and thick or fine.

To create this Oscars hairstyle, you'll need to use a bit of product, but that's kind of the whole point of it-controlling the hair, because in looser updos tendrils tend to escape as the night goes on, which can be highly distracting when you're interviewed on the red carpet or presenting an award. Start with a good spray foam applied to damp hair from roots to ends. This will provide hold and pliability without making the hair look stiff or dry.

Divide the hair into two sections, front and back-if you have giant clips like you find in salons, great. If not, coated elastic bands work just as well. Blow-dry both sections separately, lightly teasing the front section with a stiff-bristled hair brush for a bit of height.

Next, twist the bottom section up into a bun and pin using bobby pins which match your hair color (yes, they come in blonde and red too, though you may have to go to a beauty supply store to find them). Make sure to use sufficient pins for proper hold-on a long night like the Oscars, even the best styling products in the world will need some hardware help!

When the back of the hair is in place, pull the front section up, grasp it two or three inches from the roots (this is the part that will give you height), and twist it-it may take a few tries to get the twist just right. When you do, pin it where it meets the back section, making sure any ends are tucked under. Use a jeweled hair ornament to cover any visible bobby pins or ends and you'll look as good coming as going (the Oscars are pretty much the only event where anyone bothers to photograph the backs of gowns!).

Finally, finish the hair with an extra-hold hairspray and be sure to choose one without added shine-matte hair textures are in right now and this was an important element of the Oscars 2010 structured updo as well.