Stop Ripping Your Hair Out After an Event : How to Take Down an Upstyle Without Damaging Your Hair!

How to Take Down an Upstyle Without Damaging Your Hair

If you’ve ever had your hair styled for a wedding, formal, or special event, you might know the feeling of getting home late at night and just wanting to rip the pins out and jump straight in the shower.

But this is actually one of the most common ways people accidentally damage their hair.

As a hairdresser, I often see breakage around the crown and mid-lengths that comes from pulling elastics, pins, and knots through the hair when removing a hairstyle too quickly.

The good news is that removing an upstyle safely only takes a few extra minutes, and it can make a huge difference in protecting your hair.

Here’s the method I recommend.

Why Removing a Hairstyle Carefully Matters

When your hair is styled for an event, it usually has: hairspray, bobby pins, elastics, tension from the style itself

Throughout the evening, dancing and movement can cause these elements to shift position, which means pulling everything out quickly can drag through the hair and cause breakage.

Most people assume damage happens during styling but in reality, a lot of damage happens when the style is removed.

Step 1: Loosen the Bun First

Instead of immediately pulling pins out, start by gently massaging the bun or upstyle with your hands.

This helps release tension in the style and often causes some of the pins to naturally loosen or become visible.

Once the bun softens slightly, it becomes much easier to identify where the pins are placed.

Step 2: Remove Bobby Pins Carefully

When removing pins, avoid pulling them straight through the hair if they feel tight.

If a pin seems to be gripping the hair, open the pin slightly before sliding it out. This prevents the pin from dragging hair strands with it and causing breakage.

Working slowly through the pins first makes the rest of the process much easier.

Step 3: Detangle in Sections

Once the first section of hair is free, use a high-quality detangler spray and gently work through the hair starting at the ends.

For this step I like to use the Serene Haircare Detangler, followed by a soft detangling brush. (I LOVE the amazing hair detagling brishes)

Starting at the ends and working upward helps prevent unnecessary pulling and allows the product (and detagling brush) to do most of the work.

Working in small sections keeps everything controlled and prevents tangles from forming again.

Step 4: Continue Releasing the Style

Once one section is detangled, move back to the bun and continue loosening the style.

Remove the remaining pins gradually and repeat the same detangling process section by section.

If someone can help you with this step, it can make things easier because they can see the pins more clearly.

Step 5: Remove Elastics Safely

When you reach the base of the ponytail or bun, you may find elastics or thread securing the style.

Instead of dragging elastics down the hair, which can cause friction and breakage, it’s often safer to cut them out carefully.

However, it’s extremely important to lift the elastic or thread away from the hair before cutting so you don’t accidentally cut the hair itself.

Taking this extra step can prevent a lot of breakage around the ponytail area.

Step 6: Prepare Your Hair for Washing

Once the style is fully removed, give your scalp a gentle massage and brush through the hair one final time.

This helps remove any remaining hairspray and prepares the hair for washing.

After an upstyle, I usually recommend washing with a moisturising shampoo and conditioner, applying a nourishing hair mask for about 10 minutes and allowing the hair to air dry if possible. Its also awesome if you can avoid heat styling the following day to give the hair time to recover.

These small steps help restore hydration and balance after the hair has been styled.

Final Thoughts

Removing a hairstyle properly might seem like a small detail, but over time it can make a big difference in the health and strength of your hair.

Instead of ripping your hair out at the end of the night, take a few extra minutes to loosen the style, remove pins carefully, and detangle gently.

Your hair will thank you for it.

Watch the Full Tutorial

Watch the full video on my youtube channel here: https://youtu.be/TJhHCCGf5mE

Products Mentioned

Serene Haircare Detangler
Amazing Hair Extension Detangling Brush

If you have questions about hair care after events, weddings, or upstyles, feel free to leave a comment on the video... Have a beautiful week.