1. The Classic Pencil Bun
The pencil bun is the quintessential hair hack, perfect for creating a chic messy or sleek look in seconds. Start by gathering your hair into a ponytail at the desired height—no hair tie needed. Twist the ponytail tightly from the base all the way to the ends.
The tighter you twist, the more secure your bun will be. Coil this twisted rope of hair around its own base, forming a neat bun. Hold the bun in place with one hand. With the other, take your pencil and insert it into the top edge of the bun. The key is to weave it: push the pencil down so it catches hair from the base against your scalp, then guide it up through the other side of the bun. It should feel anchored. For a secure hold, ensure the pencil goes through enough hair at the scalp level.
2. The Elegant French Twist
For a more sophisticated updo, a French twist is a timeless choice that a pencil can surprisingly hold. Gather all your hair at the nape of your neck as if making a low ponytail. Begin twisting the hair upwards, keeping it snug against your head. As you twist, the hair will naturally form a vertical roll. Once you reach the top, fold any remaining ends down and tuck them neatly into the seam of the twist. To secure it, take the pencil and insert it vertically into the roll, near the top. Weave the pencil down through the layers of the twist, making sure to catch the hair close to your scalp. Push it down until it feels secure and the point isn't poking your neck. This creates a clean, elegant line perfect for a work meeting or a nice dinner.
3. The Secure Braided Bun
If you have hair that tends to slip out of regular buns, incorporating a braid can provide the extra texture and grip needed for a long-lasting style. First, tie your hair into a simple braid and secure the end. Next, twist the braid into a coil to form a bun, just as you would with unbraided hair. The plaits of the braid will offer more friction and structure. Hold the braided bun against your head and insert the pencil from the top. Weave it through the centre, making sure to anchor it by catching the hair underneath the bun against your scalp. Rotate the pencil slightly if needed to tighten the hold before pushing it completely through. The resulting look is both intricate and effortlessly secure.
4. The Flipped Ponytail Twist
This method creates a beautiful, low-slung twist that looks more complicated than it is. Gather your hair into a low ponytail. Hold the pencil horizontally just above the base of your ponytail. Wrap your hair up and over the pencil once or twice, depending on your hair's length. Now for the crucial move: rotate the pencil clockwise, turning it so the point moves from a horizontal to a vertical position, pointing straight up. As you do this, it will coil the hair into a twist. Finally, flip the pencil over the top of the bun and push it straight down, weaving it against your scalp to lock the style in place. The result is a secure, inverted bun that sits gracefully at the nape of your neck.
5. The Quick Half-Up Knot
For days when you want your hair down but away from your face, a half-up style is the perfect compromise. Gather the top section of your hair, from your temples to the crown of your head. Twist this section tightly until it begins to form a small loop or bun against your head. Hold this mini-bun in place. Now, take your pencil and insert it through one side of the bun, making sure it goes under the base hair on your scalp, and then out the other side. You can insert it horizontally or at a slight angle for a different look. This simple knot keeps the front sections of your hair neatly pulled back while letting the rest flow freely.
