1. The Classic Pencil Bun
This is the quintessential pencil updo, a fast and surprisingly secure style that works wonders on medium to long hair. It’s an elegant solution that looks effortlessly chic. Start by gathering all of your hair into a ponytail at the back of your head,
holding it firmly with one hand. Begin twisting the entire ponytail from the base all the way to the ends until it forms a tight coil. Next, wrap this twisted coil around its own base, creating a classic bun shape. Hold the bun in place against your head with one hand. With your other hand, take the pencil and push it through the outer edge of the bun. The key is to weave it: go down through the edge of the bun, then along your scalp under the bun, and finally back up through the opposite edge to secure it. If it feels loose, try again, making sure the pencil catches a good amount of hair from the base against your scalp.
2. The Speedy French Twist
A French twist feels sophisticated, but it’s remarkably simple to create with a pencil. This style is perfect for a polished look in under a minute. Gather your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck, but don’t secure it. Begin twisting the hair upwards, keeping the twist tight against the back of your head. As you twist, a natural pocket will form along the seam. Once you reach the ends, fold the remaining hair down and tuck it neatly into that pocket. Now, hold the twist in place. Take your pencil and insert it at an angle on one side of the twist, catching the hair on the edge. Push the pencil down and through, angling it so it weaves through the base of the twist and anchors against the hair on your scalp underneath. The pencil should run parallel to the twist, holding it snugly in place.
3. The Inverted Tuck
This technique uses a clever flip to create a very secure hold. It might take a little practice, but once you master the motion, it becomes second nature. Start by gathering your hair into a loose, low ponytail. Hold a pencil horizontally in your other hand. Wrap your ponytail up and over the pencil once or twice, depending on your hair's length. You should now have your hair coiled around the middle of the pencil. Now for the flip: rotate the pencil towards your head. As you turn it, the coiled hair will twist and tighten against your scalp. Continue to rotate the pencil until the pointed end can be pushed down and into the base of the newly formed bun, securing it firmly. You can leave the ends sticking out for a messier look or tuck them in for a cleaner finish.
4. The Folded Loop
If you struggle with coiling your hair, this method is a fantastic alternative. It relies on a simple fold rather than a full twist. Gather your hair as if you're making a low ponytail. With your free hand, loop the ponytail up over your index and middle fingers, creating a simple loop. Then, wrap the remaining length of your hair around the base of that loop. Keep wrapping until you are left with just the ends, which you can then tuck under the wrapped base. Gently slide your fingers out, holding the bun shape against your head. Take your pencil and slide it horizontally through the top of the loop, making sure it goes under the wrapped sections at the base and comes out the other side. This locks the loop in place over its foundation.
5. The Braided Bun
For those with hair that is slippery or tends to fall out of buns, starting with a braid can provide the extra texture needed for a secure hold. First, gather your hair and create a simple, tight three-strand braid from top to bottom. Secure the end with a small elastic if you have one, but it’s not essential. Once your hair is braided, twist the braid into a coil, just as you would for a classic bun. The woven texture of the braid will help it hold its shape. Wrap the coiled braid against your head to form a bun. Finally, take your pencil and weave it through the bun, making sure to catch the hair near the scalp to anchor it properly. The braid not only adds security but also creates a beautiful, intricate-looking pattern.
