The Elevated Claw Clip Twist
The claw clip is back and more chic than ever. Forget the messy, haphazard clip-up of the past; today’s version is intentional and elegant. This style works wonderfully on medium to long hair. Start by gathering your hair at the nape of your neck, as if
you're making a low ponytail. Instead of using a tie, begin twisting the entire length of your hair tightly, from the base to the ends. Once twisted, lift the hair straight up against the back of your head. The twist should create a vertical line. Now, simply secure the length of the twist with a large claw clip. For a softer look, you can pull a few small, face-framing tendrils loose. The secret to making this look modern is the tight, neat twist, which provides a clean foundation for the clip to hold. It’s a 60-second style that looks like it took much more effort.
The Two-Minute Low Bun (Chignon)
A chignon sounds fancy, but it is essentially a knotted bun worn low at the nape of the neck. And you can create a beautiful one with just a hair tie and a few bobby pins. Begin by brushing your hair into a low ponytail. You don’t need to make it super tight; a little softness adds to the elegance. Now, twist the ponytail from the base all the way to the ends. Wrap the twisted ponytail around its base, coiling it into a bun shape. Tuck the ends of your hair underneath the bun and secure them. Use two to four bobby pins to secure the bun to your head, placing them around the edges to hold it firmly in place. For extra hold, you can spray the bobby pins with a bit of hairspray or texture spray before inserting them. This simple technique creates a classic, sophisticated look that is perfect for the office or an evening out.
The Simplified French Twist
The classic French twist has a reputation for being difficult, but a simplified version gives you all the elegance with none of the hassle. This technique is about creating the illusion of a perfect tuck. First, sweep all of your hair over to one side. Create a vertical line of bobby pins down the back of your head, about an inch off-center, to hold the hair in place. Now, take the loose hair and begin twisting it upwards, folding it back over the line of bobby pins you just created. As you twist, tuck the ends of the hair into the 'seam' of the roll you are forming. Instead of needing a dozen pins, you can use a single large French pin or a few U-shaped pins inserted along the seam to hold the twist securely. It’s a modern take that feels less rigid and can be done in just a few minutes once you get the hang of the motion.
Pro-Tips For All-Day Hold
The key to making these simple styles last is starting with the right foundation. These styles often hold better on hair that isn’t freshly washed, as second-day hair has more natural grit and texture. If your hair is clean and silky, a light spritz of dry shampoo or a texturizing spray at the roots and through the lengths will provide the grip you need to keep your updo in place. When using bobby pins, try to insert them so they interlock or cross over each other for a stronger hold. For a low bun or chignon, securing the elastic tightly at the base is crucial. Finally, a light mist of a flexible-hold hairspray can set your style without making it feel stiff or crunchy, ensuring your effortless look lasts all day.
