If you feel like creating an elegant hairstyle, try the classic shell hairstyle. This gorgeous gathered style is popular at weddings and formal parties, but you can create a softer, more casual version for everyday wear. Read on to find out how to make a clamshell chignon or a classic slightly fluffy clamshell hairstyle on the crown of the head.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Simple Shell Hairstyle
Step 1. Gather all the hair on one side
If you want the finished crop to go from left to right, bring your hair to your left; if you want it to go from right to left, bring them to the right. Keep your hair steady with one hand.
Step 2. Use bobby pins on the back of your head to secure your hair
That way, they'll keep on one side. If they're long, thick, and heavy, using bobby pins will help keep them pinched throughout the day. Otherwise, some strands will melt over the hours.
For maximum hold, cross several pairs of bobby pins vertically on the back of the head
Step 3. Apply the lacquer
If you want to set the unruly locks, spray it lightly all over your hair at this point. This can result in a slightly stiff looking crop, but it also helps you maintain it throughout the day.
Step 4. Lift the hair by supporting it with one hand and brush it very gently
Make sure you brush them to one side, so they hold their position and the bobby pins don't move.
Step 5. Twist the hair upwards
Gently grab them and twist them in the opposite direction from where you picked them up. If you picked them to the right, turn them the other way. Insert the tips into the cone created by the collected hair, or leave them loose for a more casual result.
Once you're done, the hair should form a cone facing down. For now, the excess hair will hang down to one side
Step 6. Insert bobby pins to secure the hair
Thread the tip of each bobby pin horizontally across the entire cone and pin it to the hair along the scalp. Make sure you arrange the bobby pins in such a way that they are hidden in the hairstyle.
Step 7. Fix your hairstyle with some finishing touches
Use a brush or fine-toothed comb to arrange the crop, then secure it with hairspray.
Step 8. Tuck the loose ends into the hairstyle
Use bobby pins as needed to secure the tips in place, without them being visible.
Step 9. Finished
Method 2 of 3: Classic Shell Hairstyle
Step 1. Comb your hair back
Start with all your hair combed back, without parting.
Step 2. Separate an 8 cm section of hair at the top of the head
Use a fine-toothed comb to separate an 8cm section from the forehead to the crown of the head, as if it were a mohawk. Lift it over your head to keep it separate.
Step 3. Divide the separated section into 3 parts
You should get a front section, a middle section, and a top section.
Step 4. Toss the strands
Take each of these 3 sections individually and cotton them by running a fine-toothed comb from the tips to the roots. Gently tease each section, then let it fall over your face to momentarily set it aside.
Step 5. Gather and twist the back of the hair
Grab them as if you were making a ponytail, then twist ¾ of this section from the roots.
Step 6. Twist the hair keeping it close to the head
At this point, you will begin to glimpse the shell hairstyle. Twist your hair tightly against your head, then pin it in place with bobby pins.
Step 7. Secure the ends of the hair creating a small bun
Make a small bun and pin it right under the first section of the backcombed hair.
Step 8. Incorporate the front sections into the hairstyle
Bring the front strands you teased into the shell hairstyle, then wrap the tips around the cone. Tuck them into the hairstyle where it meets your head and use the bobby pins to secure them.
Step 9. Secure all remaining loose strands
At this point, your hair should have a classic shell-like hairstyle, slightly fluffy at the top where you teased it.
Step 10. Fix your hair and do the finishing touches
Use a comb to lightly smooth the top and sides of the hair. Spray some strong hold hairspray to secure them.
Step 11. Finished
Method 3 of 3: Shell Hairstyle Fixed with a Comb
Step 1. Collect all of your hair in a low ponytail
Tie it about 2.5cm away from the neck.
Step 2. Twist the ponytail upwards
Place it on your head. If necessary, you can redo the cone as many times as necessary, until the hair is all over the head. Hold it in place with one hand.
Step 3. Starting from the side of the face, take the comb and comb the hair back
As you do this, collect them.
Step 4. Once you have reached the cone, lift the comb slightly, bringing the hair from the side to the top of the cone
Insert the comb gently but firmly into the cone.
If you have very long or thick hair, you may need to use 2 combs: one on the top and one on the bottom
Step 5. Finished
The hair will now stay neatly in place.
Advice
- You will need a lot of bobby pins for a good hold.
- This hairstyle is preferable for long hair.
- For a softer result, do not brush the hair very precisely to fix it and do not insert the tips perfectly into the cone. You could also pin the entire hairstyle to the head with large pliers.
- If you'd like to have a fluffy or soft look, pull out a few strands on both sides of your ears. For a more messy result, ruffle the bun more.
