The Polished Low Bun or Chignon
The chignon is the epitome of effortless elegance and is surprisingly simple to create. The name comes from the French phrase 'chignon du cou,' meaning nape of the neck, which is exactly where this classic bun sits. Start by brushing your hair to remove
any tangles and gathering it into a low ponytail. For a sleek look, you can use a touch of smoothing cream. Secure the ponytail with an elastic, but don't pull the hair all the way through on the final loop. This creates a simple looped bun. Take the remaining ends of the hair and wrap them around the elastic to conceal it, securing them underneath with a couple of bobby pins. For a softer feel, gently pull a few face-framing strands loose. This style works beautifully on second-day hair and instantly makes you look more put-together for any work setting.
The Elevated Ponytail
A simple ponytail can be transformed from a gym staple to a chic statement with one easy trick. Start by gathering your hair into a high, mid-level, or low ponytail, depending on your preference. Secure it tightly with a hair tie. To elevate the look, take a small, half-inch section of hair from the underside of the ponytail. Wrap this section around the base of the ponytail until the hair tie is completely hidden. Secure the end of the wrapped strand by tucking it into the hair tie or pinning it underneath with a bobby pin. For added volume and texture, especially in fine hair, you can gently tease the hair at the crown before creating the ponytail or use a texturizing spray. This small detail creates a seamless, professional finish that looks like it took far more effort than it actually did.
The Quick Twisted Crown
For a romantic and soft look that keeps hair away from your face, the twisted crown is a perfect choice. This style is particularly great for medium to long hair. Part your hair where you normally would, either in the center or on the side. Take a one-to-two-inch section of hair from the front on one side and begin twisting it away from your face. As you twist backward toward the crown of your head, you can incorporate small pieces of hair along the hairline for a fuller look. Once you reach the back of your head, secure the twist with a bobby pin. Repeat the process on the other side. You can either pin both twists at the back, leaving the rest of your hair down, or gather all your hair, including the twists, into a low bun for a full updo. It's a versatile style that looks intricate but takes only minutes to complete.
The Effortless Messy Bun
Mastering the 'perfectly imperfect' messy bun is a true time-saver. This style works best on hair that isn't freshly washed, as the natural oils provide better grip. If your hair is clean, a spritz of dry shampoo or texturizing spray can add the necessary grit. Flip your head over and gather your hair into a high ponytail, but don't worry about it being perfectly smooth. Secure it with an elastic, and on the last pull-through, only bring the ponytail part of the way to form a loop, leaving the ends out. You can then wrap the loose ends around the base and secure them with bobby pins or by tucking them into the elastic. The final, crucial step is to 'mess it up' intentionally. Gently pull on sections of the bun to increase its size and loosen strands around your face for a soft, effortless finish.
The Modern Claw Clip Twist
The claw clip has made a major comeback for a reason: it's the foundation for one of the fastest updos possible. This '90s-inspired style offers a relaxed yet intentional look that's perfect for busy mornings. Simply gather your hair at the nape of your neck as if you're making a low ponytail. Begin twisting the hair upwards, folding it against the back of your head. Once it's all twisted up, secure the entire length with a large claw clip. The key to making this look modern is to let the ends of your hair fan out over the top of the clip. You can also leave a few tendrils out at the front to frame your face. It’s a secure, stylish, and comfortable updo that requires only one accessory and less than a minute of your time.
