The Essential Toolkit
Before you begin, having the right tools on hand is the secret to speed and success. Most of these quick styles can be achieved with a core set of items: a good brush, a few hair elastics, several bobby pins that match your hair colour, and a can of dry
shampoo or texturizing spray. Second-day hair often works best for updos because it has more grip and is less slippery than freshly washed hair. A quick spritz of dry shampoo can absorb excess oil while adding volume and texture, making your hair easier to style.
The Polished Messy Bun
The messy bun is a classic for a reason, but there's a fine line between 'effortlessly chic' and 'just rolled out of bed'. To get it right, start by gathering your hair into a high ponytail. Twist the ponytail loosely, then wrap it around its base to form a bun. Secure it with a hair tie, but don't pull it too tight. The trick to elevating the look is to gently pull on the bun to add volume and fullness, and allow a few strands to frame your face for a softer finish. This creates a relaxed yet intentional style that works for almost any hair type.
The Speedy Low Chignon
A chignon sounds complicated, but a simplified version is surprisingly fast and incredibly elegant. Begin by pulling your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck and securing it with an elastic. Twist the ponytail until it begins to coil around itself, then wrap it into a small bun. Secure the bun tightly against your head with bobby pins. For a softer look, you can leave a few pieces out at the front to frame your face. This style is perfect for the office or any occasion where you need to look put-together instantly.
The Claw Clip Twist
The claw clip has made a major comeback and is one of the fastest tools for a stylish updo. This technique is particularly great for medium-length and long hair. Simply gather your hair at the back of your head, twist it upwards against your head, and secure the entire twist with a large claw clip. That's it. For those with shorter hair, a half-up version using a smaller clip can achieve a similar polished effect by sweeping the top section of hair back. The beauty of this style is its simplicity and the modern, relaxed vibe it creates.
The Half-Up Twist
For those who want their hair out of their face but still like some length down, the half-up twist is a perfect compromise. Take a small section of hair from each side of your head, near your temples. Twist each section toward the back of your head and secure them together with a small clip or a few bobby pins. You can gently pull at the crown to add a bit of volume before securing the twists. This style keeps the front looking neat while showcasing the rest of your hair's length and texture.
The Simple Braided Accent
A braid can make any hairstyle look more intricate than it actually is. One of the quickest methods is the braided ponytail. Start by creating a simple low or high ponytail. Then, braid the length of the ponytail and secure the end with a small elastic. To add volume, you can gently pull on the sides of the braid to 'pancake' it, making it appear fuller. Another fast option is a braided crown, where you create two simple braids on either side of your head, wrap them over the top, and pin them in place for a sophisticated look.
