The Effortless Top Knot
The top knot is a timeless classic for a reason: it's versatile, chic, and surprisingly simple to master. It keeps hair neatly off your face and can be styled sleekly for a professional look or left messy for a casual weekend vibe. To start, gather your hair into
a high ponytail at the crown of your head and secure it with a hair tie. For extra grip, especially if your hair is clean and slippery, a spritz of dry shampoo or texturizing spray can work wonders. Twist the ponytail tightly from base to end. Once twisted, begin coiling the hair around the base of the ponytail, forming the bun shape. Tuck the ends of your hair underneath the bun and secure everything in place with bobby pins. Don't be afraid to use several pins to ensure it feels stable. For a softer, more 'undone' look, gently pull a few small strands of hair out to frame your face.
The Simple and Sleek Chignon
A chignon sounds sophisticated, but at its core, it's just a low bun styled at the nape of the neck. This makes it an incredibly elegant option that is perfect for formal occasions but easy enough for everyday wear. To create a simple chignon, begin by brushing your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck. Secure it with a hair tie. Next, twist the ponytail from top to bottom. Wrap the twisted hair around the base of the hair tie to create the bun. Secure the bun tightly against your head using bobby pins. For a flawless finish, slide the pins into the base of the bun so they are hidden from view. You can also create a looped version by not pulling the ponytail all the way through the elastic on the final wrap, then artfully arranging and pinning the loop.
The Quick French Twist
The classic French twist is an iconic updo, and a simplified version can be achieved in minutes. This style is all about creating a vertical roll of hair along the back of the head. First, sweep all of your hair over to one side. To create a secure anchor, insert a vertical line of bobby pins down the center-back of your head, from the crown to the nape. These pins will be hidden inside the twist and will give the style its structure. Now, take the full length of your hair and fold it back over the line of bobby pins. As you fold it, twist and tuck the ends into the 'seam' you've just created. Use more bobby pins or U-shaped hair pins to secure the twisted roll against your head, inserting them along the seam to keep them hidden. A light mist of hairspray will help tame any flyaways and lock the style in place.
The Braided Bun
Combining a braid with a bun adds an extra touch of texture and visual interest, making a simple style look much more intricate than it is. This is a great way to elevate a standard bun with minimal extra effort. Start by pulling your hair into a ponytail at your desired height—high for a top knot, or low for a chignon. Secure it with a hair tie. Next, apply a simple three-strand braid to the entire length of the ponytail and secure the end with a small, clear elastic. To add fullness, you can gently pull on the sides of the braid to 'pancake' it, making it appear thicker. Finally, wrap the braid around the base of the ponytail, just as you would with a regular bun. Tuck the end of the braid underneath and use bobby pins to secure it firmly in place.
