Prep for Success
Before you even start twisting, setting the right foundation can make all the difference. While it might seem counterintuitive, freshly washed, silky hair is often too slippery to hold a pencil or hair stick securely. This style works best on second-day
hair, which has a bit more natural texture and grip. If your hair is freshly cleaned, you can mimic this texture by spritzing a small amount of dry shampoo or a texturizing spray at the roots and through the lengths. This provides the necessary friction for the hairstyle to lock into place. Also, grab the right tool. While any standard pencil will do in a pinch, it's best to use one that is smooth and free of any rough edges that could snag or break strands. Specially designed hair sticks, often made of wood, acetate, or metal, are an excellent investment as they are crafted to glide through hair without causing damage.
The Gather and Twist
First, gather all of your hair into a ponytail at the height you desire for your bun—be it at the nape of your neck for a classic chignon, or higher up for a more casual look. Do not use an elastic or hair tie. Simply hold the base of the ponytail firmly with one hand. With your other hand, begin to twist the entire length of the ponytail. The firmness of your twist will influence the final look; a very tight twist will result in a sleek, compact bun, while a looser twist will create a softer, more voluminous style. For maximum hold without pulling, aim for a firm twist that feels taut but doesn't strain your scalp. Continue twisting until you reach the ends of your hair.
Coil and Hold
Once your hair is fully twisted, begin wrapping it around the base of the ponytail you're holding. Coil the twisted rope of hair around itself, creating the bun shape. Keep your movements controlled, laying each new coil flat against the previous one. When you reach the end of your hair, tuck the tips securely underneath the bun. Place the palm of your free hand over the coiled bun to hold it in place against your head while you prepare for the final, most crucial step.
The Weaving Technique
This is where the magic happens. The key to a secure hold is not jamming the pencil through the middle, but weaving it to anchor the bun to the base hair on your scalp. Take your pencil or hair stick and, holding it almost vertically, insert the tip into the top edge of the bun. Nudge the tip downwards until you feel it touch your scalp just under the bun. Now, angle the pencil so it glides along your scalp for about an inch, picking up the base hair. Finally, angle the pencil back up and push it out through the opposite (bottom) side of the bun. You should feel the pencil lock into place. This weaving motion uses the tension of the coiled bun against the anchored base hair, creating a surprisingly strong hold without pulling on your follicles from one single point.
Fine-Tuning for Comfort and Style
Give your head a gentle shake. If the bun feels wobbly, it means you didn't catch enough base hair from your scalp in the weaving step. Simply pull the pencil out and try again, making sure to slide it against your scalp for a slightly longer distance before pushing it through the other side of the bun. If the bun feels too tight, you can create a bit of softness without sacrificing security. Gently tug on a few of the outer loops of the bun to create more volume and a more relaxed look. You can also pull out a few face-framing tendrils to soften the style. The beauty of this technique is that the hold comes from structure, not from painful tightness, so you can adjust for comfort easily.
