The Go-To Updo, Reimagined
We’ve all been there: you need your hair up and out of your face, but you’re tired of a standard ponytail. The pencil bun, secured with a pen, pencil, or decorative hairstick, is the ultimate in functional hairstyling. It’s a lifesaver on busy days, post-gym,
or when you’re on your second or third day between washes. While its simplicity is its strength, it can sometimes feel a bit plain. That’s where the side twist comes in. By adding a small, elegant detail, you can transform the entire look from purely practical to intentionally styled. It’s a low-effort, high-impact upgrade that works for the office, a casual weekend lunch, or even an evening out.
What You'll Need
The beauty of this hairstyle lies in its minimalism. You don't need a drawer full of complicated tools to achieve a polished look. Before you start, gather these simple items: A Pencil or Hairstick: The star of the show. Any standard pencil, chopstick, or decorative hairstick will do. Bobby Pins: Essential for securing the twist and tucking away any stray hairs. The number you need will depend on your hair's thickness and length. Hair Elastic (Optional): While some can create the bun without one, using an elastic to create a base ponytail can provide extra security, especially for those with long or very thick hair. Light-Hold Hairspray or Texture Spray (Optional): A spritz of texture spray can give fine or silky hair more grip, while a light hairspray can help tame flyaways for a sleeker finish.
Step 1: Prep and Section Your Hair
Start by brushing your hair to remove any tangles. For a sleeker look, you can apply a smoothing balm. If you prefer a softer, more voluminous style, a texture spray can work wonders. Next, create a part on your preferred side—a deep side part often creates a more dramatic and elegant effect with the twist. Once parted, section off a piece of hair at the front, on the heavier side of your part. This section should run from your hairline back to about the top of your ear. Clip it out of the way for now; this will become your twist later on.
Step 2: Create Your Base Bun
Gather the rest of your hair—the part that wasn't sectioned off for the twist—into a low or mid-height ponytail at the back of your head. You can secure it with a hair elastic for more control if you have long or heavy hair. Now, twist this ponytail tightly from the base to the ends. Once it’s fully twisted, wrap it around the base of the ponytail to form a neat bun. Don't worry about it being perfectly smooth; a little bit of texture adds to the charm. Tuck the ends under the bun and use a few bobby pins to secure it firmly in place.
Step 3: Add the Signature Twist
Now it’s time to work with the front section you clipped away. Unclip the hair and begin twisting it away from your face. As you twist, guide the section back towards your bun. You can keep the twist tight and sleek for a polished look, or gently pull on the edges of the twist to create more volume and a softer, romantic feel. Once you’ve twisted the section all the way to the ends, wrap it around the base of the bun you’ve already created. You can wrap it over the top or tuck it underneath, depending on the look you prefer. Secure the end of the twist with a couple of bobby pins, hiding them under the bun.
Step 4: Secure with a Pencil
This is the final, defining step. Take your pencil or hairstick and slide it through the top edge of your bun. Weave it down through the center of the bun and out the bottom edge, making sure to catch the hair at the base against your scalp. This motion is what locks the entire style in place. Wiggle the pencil gently to ensure it feels secure. If your hair is particularly thick or slippery, you might need to add a few extra bobby pins around the bun’s perimeter for all-day hold.
Tips for Different Hair Types and Styles
This style is incredibly versatile and can be adapted for various hair textures. If you have fine hair, pulling the twist apart slightly can create the illusion of more volume. For those with curly hair, this style is perfect for second-day curls, helping to tame frizz while looking put-together. If you have layers, you might find some shorter pieces pop out of the twist; simply use a few extra bobby pins to tuck them in. For a more formal occasion, use a decorative hairstick and make the twist sleek and tight. For a casual, bohemian vibe, leave a few face-framing tendrils out and make the twist looser and more textured.
