Many updos require controling the hair at the back of your head. It is either pulled straight up or into a French roll or twist. Creating a roll in the following way is useful for many variations of the updo.

Start by sweeping your hair over to one side. Brush through it smoothly and secure it in position with bobby pins inserted in a vertical fashion - straight up the back. You may have to spray your hair with hairspray before inserting the pins so that the bobby pins have something to grip on to. Another way to prevent slippage is to cross the pins over one another in an X formation. The bobby pins should be inserted firmly and should feel tight.

When your hair is secured to the side, use a brush and your hands to fold it back over the bobby pins, tucking the ends under. If the ends are long, they can be directed either upwards to extend out of the top of the roll or downwards to extend out at the bottom. As an alternative, you can tuck all the ends inside the roll for a neat and tidy look. When the roll is in place, slide two or three bobby pins down through the fold of the hair to hold it in place. Finish the roll by spraying with a firm hold hairspray. If you have left the ends extended out of the top or the bottom of the roll, they may be curled or brushed into a smooth tail.
You can find ideas for creating spiral curls here: How to make spiral curls.

EBook - Updos for Every Occassion
Updos for parties, proms, weddings or the office. Follow these simple instructions to begin creating them yourself!