The Sleek Low Chignon
A chignon is a timeless, elegant style that rests at the nape of your neck, making it perfect for the office or any professional setting. It looks intricate, but at its core, it's a simple twist and pin. This version keeps things smooth and sophisticated
with minimal effort. To start, brush your hair to remove any tangles and gather it into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck, securing it with a hair tie. For an extra polished look, you can create a clean center or side part before pulling your hair back. Once your ponytail is secure, twist the length of it from the base to the ends until it begins to coil on its own. Wrap this coiled hair around the base of the ponytail to form a neat bun. Secure the chignon with four to six bobby pins, making sure to slide them into the base of the bun to anchor it to the hair on your head. For a softer, more romantic feel, gently pull out a few face-framing strands.
The Effortless Top Knot
The top knot is the ultimate solution for a busy morning, keeping hair completely off your face and neck while looking intentionally chic. This style works best on second-day hair, as the added texture helps it hold its shape. Begin by gathering your hair into a high ponytail, positioned at the crown of your head. Secure it tightly with an elastic. Next, twist the ponytail from top to bottom. Wrap the twisted ponytail around its base, creating the bun shape. Tuck the ends of your hair under the bun and secure them with a couple of bobby pins. Don't worry if it's not perfectly smooth; a slightly messy top knot often looks more modern and relaxed. You can gently pull on small sections of the bun to add volume and create a fuller look. If you have flyaways around your hairline, a light mist of hairspray on a clean toothbrush can be used to gently smooth them down.
The Quick Twisted Half-Updo
For those who want their hair out of their face but still like the feeling of having it down, the twisted half-updo is an ideal compromise. It’s softer than a ponytail and adds a touch of romantic detail. This style is incredibly fast and looks great on almost any hair length and texture. Start by taking a two-inch section of hair from one side of your head, near your temple. Gently twist this section away from your face until you reach the back of your head. Hold it in place and repeat on the other side with a matching section of hair. Bring both twisted sections to meet in the middle at the back of your head. Secure the two twists together with a small, clear elastic or a few bobby pins. For a more secure hold, you can cross the bobby pins over each other in an 'X' shape. The rest of your hair is left to hang freely, showcasing its natural length and texture.
The Modern Claw Clip Twist
The '90s claw clip is back and remains one of the fastest tools for a stylish updo. This look is the definition of 'done in seconds' and is perfect for a relaxed yet put-together vibe. To start, gather your hair at the nape of your neck as if you're making a low ponytail, but don't secure it with a tie. Begin twisting the hair upwards, lifting it against the back of your head. Continue twisting until you reach the ends. Once the hair is in a tight vertical twist, fold the end of the twist down over itself. Open your claw clip and secure it over the folded twist, ensuring it catches the hair close to your head for a firm hold. You can let the ends of your hair stick out from the top of the clip for a spiky, modern finish or tuck them in for a cleaner look. Allow a few strands to fall around your face to soften the style.
