The Timeless Chignon or Messy Bun
The messy bun is the modern-day hero of quick hairstyling, but its elegant ancestor, the chignon, has a rich history. The word 'chignon' comes from the French phrase 'chignon du cou', meaning nape of the neck. This style dates back to ancient Greece,
where Athenian women wore their hair in low-knotted buns, often secured with handcrafted gold or ivory pins. It was a sign of status and elegance. Over centuries, it has been a practical choice for working women, including those in factories during World War II, and a staple of formal events. Today’s messy bun is a rebellious, relaxed version, celebrating effortless style over rigid perfection. To create a quick messy bun, gather your hair into a ponytail — high for a topknot, low for a chignon. Twist the ponytail, then coil it around the base. Secure it with another hair tie or bobby pins. For the 'messy' effect, don't aim for perfection. Pull a few strands loose to frame your face and gently tug at the bun to create volume. The entire process takes less than two minutes, giving you a look that is both casual and chic.
The Simplified French Twist
The French twist exudes sophistication, often reserved for formal occasions. However, a simplified version can be your secret weapon on a busy morning. This classic updo became popular in the Victorian era and saw a major resurgence in the 1940s. It has long been a symbol of elegance and poise. While the traditional version can be tricky, a 'cheater' French twist gives you the same polished look with minimal effort. Here’s how to do a quick version: sweep all your hair to one side and secure it with a vertical row of bobby pins at the back of your head, just off-centre. Then, take the rest of your hair and twist it upwards, folding it back over the line of pins. Tuck the ends into the 'seam' of the twist and secure with a few more pins or a large claw clip. This method provides structure and ensures your twist stays in place all day long, looking far more complicated than it actually was to create.
The Elevated Topsy Tail
A throwback to the 90s, the Topsy Tail is an incredibly fast way to add a touch of detail to a simple ponytail or bun. While the plastic tool was a childhood staple for many, you can easily create the effect with just your fingers. This technique is all about creating an inverted loop that gives a simple style a designed, intentional feel. It’s a playful nod to a retro trend but can look surprisingly modern and polished when done right. Start by making a low, loose ponytail and secure it with an elastic. Just above the elastic, use your fingers to create a small opening in the hair. Flip your ponytail up and push it through the opening, pulling it all the way down. This creates two elegant twists on either side. You can leave it as a dressed-up ponytail or continue by twisting the length of the pony into a bun, securing it against the nape of your neck with pins. The initial flip adds instant volume and a decorative element that elevates the entire look.
The Quick Braided Updo
Braids are one of the oldest forms of hairstyling, with a history stretching back thousands of years across countless cultures, often signifying social status, ethnicity, and life events. While intricate braids can be time-consuming, a simple braided bun is a beautiful and practical updo that looks far more complex than it is. It’s perfect for second-day hair, as the texture helps the braids hold their shape. For the quickest version, start by putting your hair in a low ponytail. Braid the ponytail and secure the end with a small elastic. To create more volume, gently pull on the sides of the braid to 'pancake' it, making it look fuller. Then, simply wrap the braid around the base of the ponytail, creating a coiled, bun-like shape. Tuck the end of the braid underneath and secure everything with a few bobby pins. In under five minutes, you have a romantic and secure updo that will last all day.
