1. The Classic Weave Bun
This is the quintessential pencil bun, a go-to for its speed and reliability. First, gather your hair into a ponytail at your desired height—no hair tie needed. Tightly twist the ponytail from the base all the way to the ends. Once twisted, coil the hair around
its base to form a neat bun, holding it in place with one hand. With your other hand, take the pencil and push it into one side of the bun, angling it toward your scalp. Weave the pencil up and down through the bun's layers and against the hair on your head, as if you're sewing a stitch. When the pencil emerges from the opposite side, the bun should feel secure. This weaving technique is what locks the style in place. For a softer look, gently pull out a few face-framing strands.
2. The Speedy French Twist
A French twist looks incredibly sophisticated, but a pencil makes it surprisingly simple. Gather your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck. Hold a pencil vertically next to the ponytail. Wrap your hair up and around the pencil. Now, rotate the pencil clockwise a full turn, which will coil the hair into a vertical twist against your head. Once the twist is formed and the pencil's point is facing upward, flip the pencil over so the point faces down. Push the pencil down through the top of the twist, keeping it close to your scalp to anchor the style. The pencil should disappear into the twist, holding it securely. This might take a bit of practice, but the elegant result is worth it.
3. The Inverted Lazy Wrap Bun
This method creates a slightly messier, more casual bun that’s perfect for everyday wear. Hold your pencil horizontally and place it on top of your hair where you want the bun to sit. Take your ponytail and wrap it up and over the pencil once or twice, depending on your hair's length. You should be left with the ends of your hair hanging down. Now, rotate the pencil toward your head, flipping it over. This motion will catch the hair and roll it into a bun. Push the pencil in to secure it against your scalp. The ends can be tucked in or left out for a more undone finish. This style works best on medium to long hair and is fantastic for creating volume.
4. The Braided Pencil Bun
Adding a braid brings beautiful texture to a simple pencil updo. Start by creating a regular braid from a ponytail and secure the end with a small elastic. Coil the braid into a bun shape against your head, tucking the end underneath. Hold the braided bun in place. Now, take your pencil and, just like with the classic bun, weave it through the coiled braid, making sure to catch the hair from your scalp underneath. The texture of the braid provides extra grip, making this a very secure style that holds well throughout the day. It’s a great way to elevate the look with minimal extra effort and works beautifully for keeping layers contained.
5. The Half-Up Twist
For those who like to keep some hair down, a pencil can create a quick and stylish half-updo. Section off the top half of your hair, from your ears to the crown of your head. Gather this section into a small ponytail. Twist the small ponytail into a tiny bun and hold it against your head. Insert the pencil horizontally through the base of the mini-bun, ensuring it catches the hair beneath it to anchor the style. This look keeps hair out of your face while still showing off your length. It’s a softer, more romantic alternative to a full updo and takes less than a minute to create.
