Chic pencil hairstyles for long hair

• Use a pencil as a hair tie for quick and elegant updos
• Try three styles: a classic bun, a French twist, or a looped ponytail
• Use second-day hair or texturising spray for a more secure hold

Caught without a hair tie? Don't despair. The humble pencil in your bag is the only tool you need to whip your long hair into an elegant, secure updo. It's a simple hack that transforms a basic writing tool into a chic hair accessory.

The Classic Pencil Bun

This is likely the most common and beloved pencil hairstyle, perfect for quickly getting your hair out of your face. It’s surprisingly secure and works best on hair that isn't freshly washed, as a little texture helps with grip. Start by gathering your hair into a ponytail at the back of your head, wherever you'd like the bun to sit. There's no need for a hair tie; just hold the base firmly with one hand. With your free hand, twist the ponytail tightly from the base all the way to the ends. Next, coil the twisted hair around its own base to form a neat bun shape, tucking the ends underneath. Hold the bun in place with one hand and take your pencil. To secure it, insert the pencil's tip on one side of the bun, weave it down through the center, ensuring it catches hair from the base close to your scalp, and push it out the other side. The pencil should feel snug and hold the bun firmly against your head.

The Swift French Twist

For a look that feels a bit more sophisticated but is just as quick, the pencil-assisted French twist is a fantastic option. This style has a timeless elegance and can be created in under a minute. Begin by gathering your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck. Hold the ponytail with one hand and place the pencil vertically against the side of the ponytail, with the tip pointing upwards. Wrap your hair up and over the pencil, then begin rotating the pencil towards your head. This motion will cause the hair to coil into a vertical roll or twist. Continue to twist until the hair feels snug against your head. Once twisted, flip the pencil so the point is now facing downwards. Push the pencil down along your scalp, weaving it through the twist to lock it in place. You can tuck in any loose ends for a polished finish or pull out a few face-framing strands for a softer look.

The Looped Ponytail Updo

This method creates a beautiful, intricate-looking bun that is surprisingly simple to achieve. It offers a slightly different finish from the classic coiled bun. Gather your hair into a low ponytail. Place the pencil horizontally just above where you are holding the ponytail. Take the length of your hair and loop it up and over the pencil, then bring the ends down and begin wrapping them around the base of the ponytail. Once all the hair is wrapped, you'll have a loop sitting over the pencil. Now, take the pencil and rotate it upwards, flipping the loop over the wrapped base of the bun. Push the pencil down and through the bun to secure it. This technique creates a secure and voluminous style that looks like it took much more effort than it actually did.

Tips for a Secure Hold

While pencil hairstyles are convenient, keeping them in place all day can sometimes be a challenge, especially with fine or silky hair. For a better grip, try these styles on second-day hair, as the natural oils provide helpful texture. If your hair is very clean, a light spritz of texturizing spray or dry shampoo can make a world of difference. When inserting the pencil, the key is to 'anchor' the style by weaving the pencil so it catches a bit of the hair close to your scalp—this is what truly locks it in place. Make sure the pencil you use is smooth and doesn't have any cracked wood or overly sharp lead, which could snag or damage your hair. For extra-long or thick hair, you may need to wrap your hair more times or use a slightly longer pencil for a secure hold.