ComScore

Why You Should Try Hair Sewing

Big needles are the key to a modern updo

Updos can be such a drag: The bobby pins. The hairspray. The chance you might walk out of the salon looking like Marge Simpson.

Maybe it’s time to try hair sewing.

Our latest beauty discovery from the Chicago-based stylist Michael Jacobson, of Michael & Michael, is a way to get a glam off-the-neck 'do that doesn’t look or feel overly overly done (meaning: it’ll be perfect for that big wedding or rooftop cocktail bash on your calendar this summer).

Here's the scoop.

salon

Ask around for a stylist in your city who’s been trained in hair sewing. Then block out about an hour and a half for the appointment--this is an art, people.

longhair

For best results, your hair should be shoulder-length or longer.

curling hair

After a shampoo and blow-dry, your hair will be curled with an iron to add texture. Then out comes a large set of needles (similar to knitting needles).

janeausten

With the help of thin, rubberized string, your stylist will sew your hair into a mass of undone-looking, romantic ripples (think: Jane Austen heroine, version 2.0). (Bonus: you won’t have bobby pins falling out everywhere, and it’s easy to securely add flowers and jeweled pins if you want.)

takeoutsew

When you want to take it out, all you have to do is dig around a bit to expose a piece of the string, then just snip it and pull.

sewnupdo

A sewn updo is mostly a day-of phenomenon, but if you sleep perfectly still, you might get a second day out of the look.


susan waits

Lousy baker, stellar shopping buddy

You can find Susan either blissfully buried in a pile of clothes or on a plane between L.A. and NYC.

beauty
/ Destinee Scott
Psst: The Viral Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Purse Spray Is Still Up for Grabs for Less Than $200 (I'm Shocked)
beauty
/ Chelsea Candelario
I Have Some Thoughts About TikTok's Controversial 'Morning Shed' Trend
beauty
/ Marissa Wu
What Does Collagen Do for Skin? A Dermatologist Explains
beauty
/ Delia Curtis
Is Tarte Shape Tape Better Than This $7 Dupe? We Tested Both Beauty Products with Original Photos
beauty
/ Chelsea Candelario
Can the NuFace FIX MicroWand *Really* Give Me a Face Lift in 3 Minutes? Let’s Find Out
beauty
/ Marissa Wu
HairTok Can’t Stop Talking About This Cult British Hairbrush
beauty
/ Destinee Scott
Excuse Me, But There's a Really Good Deal on the Upgraded Dyson Airwrap *and* Supersonic Right Now
beauty
/ Chelsea Candelario
Fellow Millennials, TikTok Is Urging You: Stop Doing This to Your Brows
beauty
/ Marissa Wu
Recession Brunette Is the Most 2025 Hair Trend to Come Out of 2025
beauty
/ Jael Rucker
ATTN Luxury Beauty Lovers: The Price on This Givenchy Irresistible Set Is (Almost) Too Good to Be True
beauty
The Secret to “Staying Power”? Our New Show with Kate Mackz and Maybelline Taps Female Athletes to Find Out
beauty
/ Chelsea Candelario
Anna Wintour Calling: The Prada Bob Is Spring’s Hottest Haircut
beauty
/ Destinee Scott
Sephora Spring Savings Event 2025: 30 Editor-Approved Beauty Buys to Score for Up to 20% Off
beauty
/ Delia Curtis
The $25 Blush Behind Aimee Lou Wood's Finale Look on ‘The White Lotus’
beauty
/ Marissa Wu
4 PureWow Editors Try Cult French-Girl Makeup Brand Violette_FR
beauty
/ Stephanie Maida
Michelle Monaghan Reveals the Viral Lip-Plumping Balm She Wears on 'The White Lotus'
See More