How to: Everyday Updos

A bun is one type of updo.

Updos range from formal to informal, but for an everyday style, informal is the best option. An informal updo is perfect for summer days when you want to get hair off your neck but don’t have hours to spend in front of the mirror. These everyday updos are also good choices for school as they are both attractive and easy to do. An everyday updo can be taken from day to night as well, with the addition of jewelry to highlight the hairstyle.

Things You'll Need

• Brush
• Gel
• Rubber band
• Flat iron
• Hairspray
• Bobby pins

Instructions

Ponytail

1. Brush all of your hair up into a ponytail. You can do a medium high or a high ponytail depending on your preference.

2. Fasten the ponytail with a rubber band or ponytail holder.

3. Apply a dime-size amount of gel to the hair to hold it back and prevent flyaway strands.

4. Use a flat iron on the ponytail itself to ensure your hair looks sleek.

Messy Bun

1. Brush hair into a low ponytail just above the nape of your neck.

2. Pull your hair halfway through a rubber band to fasten the bun. Some of your hair should be sticking out from the ponytail. You can rearrange the ends to get the look you want.

3. Spray lightly with hairspray to hold hair in place.

Braid

1. Part your hair in the middle.

2. Braid one side of your hair and fasten. Braiding is done by dividing the one side of hair into three sections. Cross the right section over the center and pull gently to tighten. The right section is now the center. Cross the left section of hair over the center and tug slightly. Repeat until all of your hair is braided.

3. Repeat Step 2 with the other side of your hair.

4. Pull the braids up and around to the back of your head and fasten with bobby pins. The braids should form a wreath around your head.

5. Apply a light coat of hairspray to your hair.

Tips & Warnings

• Add a clip-in flower to dress up a low bun or use a headband with a ponytail for an extra touch.

• Don’t wash your hair on an updo day. Your hair has natural oils that hold the updo in place.

References

• “The Complete Book of Hairstyling”; Charles Worthington; 2002
• “The Hair Bible: A Complete Guide to Health and Care”; Philip Kingsley; 2003
• “Good to Great Hair: Celebrity Hairstyling Techniques Made Simple”; Robert Vetica et al.; 2009
• “388 Great Hairstyles”; Margit Rudiger et al.; 1998