In our busy daily lives, spending a lot of time on hair styling is often a luxury we cannot afford. However, looking put-together doesn't have to mean complex routines or a drawer full of styling gadgets. The simple elegance of a low bun shows that sometimes the most beautiful styles are the quickest to create. This guide will walk you through ten easy hairstyles that require little more than your hands, a few pins, and a touch of creativity, perfect for transforming your look in minutes.
Foundations for Fast Styling
The key to a successful quick hairstyle is preparation. Often, hair that hasn't been washed for a day is easier to style, as it has more grip and texture than freshly washed, silky hair. If your hair is too clean, a light spritz of dry shampoo or a texturising spray at the roots can add the volume and hold needed to keep your updo in place. Keep a small kit of essentials handy: hair elastics, bobby pins that match your hair colour, and a simple smoothing brush or comb are all you need for these looks.
Chic Ponytails in an Instant
The ponytail is a timeless classic, but it can be easily elevated from a gym-ready style to a chic statement with a few simple adjustments.
The Wrapped Low Ponytail
This style looks incredibly polished but takes less than two minutes. Start by gathering your hair into a low, smooth ponytail at the nape of your neck and secure it with a hair elastic. Take a small section of hair (about a centimetre wide) from the underside of the ponytail. Wrap this section around the hair elastic until it is completely covered. Tuck the end of the hair section into the elastic or secure it discreetly underneath with a bobby pin.
The Topsy Tail Trick
For a touch of elegance, the topsy tail is a fantastic option. Create a loose low ponytail and secure it with an elastic. With your fingers, create a small opening in the hair just above the elastic. Flip the ponytail up and push it through the opening, pulling it all the way through. This creates a beautiful, simple twist that instantly elevates the look.
Elegant Buns and Knots
A bun is the ultimate solution for getting hair up and away from the face, but it doesn't have to be severe or boring. These versions are soft, modern, and quick.
The Perfect Messy Bun
The 'effortlessly' messy bun requires a little technique. Gather your hair into a high ponytail but on the last pull-through of the elastic, only pull the hair halfway through to create a loop. Now, use your fingers to gently pull and loosen the loop, creating a fuller, more relaxed shape. Wrap the remaining ends of your hair around the base of the bun and secure with bobby pins. Pull out a few face-framing strands to soften the look.
The Twisted Low Bun
This is a sophisticated alternative to a classic bun. Start with a low ponytail. Split the ponytail into two equal sections. Twist both sections in the same direction, then twist them around each other in the opposite direction to create a 'rope braid'. Coil this rope braid around the base of the ponytail to form a bun and secure it with bobby pins.
The Scarf Bun
An accessory can do all the work. Create a simple bun, either high or low. Take a silk or patterned scarf, fold it into a long band, and wrap it around the base of the bun once or twice. Tie it in a knot or a bow to add a pop of colour and interest to your hairstyle.
Simple Twists and Half-Up Styles
When you want your hair down but still styled, these half-up options are the perfect compromise. They keep hair out of your face while showcasing its length.
The Twisted Crown
This romantic style works beautifully on most hair lengths. Take a two-inch section of hair from one side of your temple and twist it back towards the crown of your head, securing it with a bobby pin. Repeat on the other side. You can either cross the two twists over each other or pin them next to each other for a simple, elegant detail.
The Half-Up Knot
A modern and minimalist take on the half-up style. Separate the top section of your hair as you would for a regular half-up ponytail. Instead of securing it with an elastic, split the section into two and tie them into a simple knot. Secure the knot with a few pins hidden underneath. Gently pull on the knot to add volume and texture.
Quick Braiding Techniques
You do not need to be a braiding expert to incorporate beautiful woven details into your hair. These techniques are simple and effective.
The Pull-Through Braid
This faux braid creates the illusion of a thick, voluminous plait. Start by creating a small half-up ponytail. Just below it, create another ponytail. Split the top ponytail in two, and bring the bottom ponytail up through the middle. Clip it out of the way. Now, gather the two split sections and add some more hair from the sides, creating a new 'bottom' ponytail. Release the clipped section, split it, and repeat the process down the length of your hair.
The Braided Ponytail Accent
For a subtle detail, simply add a small braid to your regular ponytail. Before gathering your hair, take a small section from underneath or from the side and create a simple three-strand plait. Now, gather all of your hair, including the plait, into a ponytail. The small braid adds an unexpected element of texture.
