1. The Classic Pencil Bun
This is the quintessential pencil updo, a lifesaver for anyone with medium to long hair. It’s surprisingly secure and looks effortlessly chic. Start by gathering your hair into a ponytail with your hands, as if you're about to tie it back. Twist the entire
length of the ponytail into a tight coil. Once coiled, wrap it around its own base on the back of your head to form a neat bun. Hold the bun in place with one hand. With the other, take your pencil and push it into the top edge of the bun. Weave it downwards, catching hair from the bun and the hair close to your scalp. Push it through until it emerges at the bottom, securing the bun tightly. For a cleaner look, you can tuck in any loose strands.
2. The Speedy French Twist
A French twist can seem intimidating, but a pencil makes it incredibly simple and quick. This elegant style is perfect for an impromptu meeting or a sudden plan after work. Gather your hair into a low ponytail. Hold a pencil vertically next to the base of the ponytail. Wrap your hair up and over the pencil, then twist the pencil a full turn clockwise, which will coil the hair into a vertical roll. Once the twist is formed against your head, flip the pencil so the sharp end points down. Push the pencil down through the top of the twist, making sure it goes through the base hair against your scalp to lock it in place. It might take a little practice, but once you get the motion, it takes less than a minute.
3. The Inverted Pencil Bun
Also known as a messy bun, this style is perfect for a more relaxed, casual look and works especially well with longer hair. Begin by gathering your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck. Hold the pencil horizontally in one hand. Loop your ponytail around the middle of the pencil. Now, rotate the pencil upwards and towards your head, flipping the coiled hair over itself. Keep rotating until the pencil's point is facing downwards. Push the pencil down into the twist you've created, anchoring it against your scalp until the bun feels secure. This style is meant to be a bit undone, so don't worry about loose pieces; they add to its charm.
4. The Half-Up Pencil Knot
For days when you want your hair out of your face but still want to keep some length down, the half-up pencil knot is a perfect choice. Section off the top half of your hair, from your temples back. Hold this section like a ponytail. Twist this section into a small coil and form it into a mini-bun. Secure it with one hand. Now, take your pencil and slide it horizontally through the base of the mini-bun, making sure to catch the hair underneath to hold it in place. This is a quick, practical style that looks polished and is great for keeping pesky flyaways at bay during a long day.
5. The Braided Pencil Bun
If you have a little more time, a braided bun adds beautiful texture and extra security. Start by gathering your hair into a ponytail and braiding it all the way to the end. You can secure the end with a small elastic if you have one, but it’s not essential. Twist the braid into a coil to form a bun, tucking the end underneath. Hold the braided bun in place. Now, insert your pencil through one side of the bun, weave it through the center, and push it out the other side. The texture of the braid provides extra friction, helping the pencil hold the style more securely. You can also angle the pencil vertically for a different look.
