updos · easy hairstyles
Easy Updos You Can Do Yourself in5 Minutes
Easy updos you can do yourself in five minutes or less, for long, medium, and short hair, from the messy bun and French twist to braided and claw clip styles.
Hairover Team
The easiest updos you can do yourself are the claw clip twist, the messy bun, and the low chignon. They take under five minutes and need no special skill. Start with second-day hair or a little texturizing spray, keep a few bobby pins handy, and loosen everything with your fingers at the end, since a slightly undone finish looks more modern than a stiff one.
Under two minutes
1. Claw clip twist. Twist your hair up and clip it. See claw clip hairstyles.
2. Messy bun. High or low, tied in one go. See how to do a messy bun.
3. Low knot. Tie your hair into a loose knot at the nape, then tuck the ends under.
4. Topsy tail. Tie a low ponytail, open a gap above the band, and flip the ponytail through it. Instantly looks styled.
Five minutes
5. Low chignon. Twist and coil a low ponytail. See how to do a chignon.
6. French twist. The classic vertical roll at the back of the head. See how to do a French twist.
7. Braided bun. Braid a ponytail, then coil it. See how to braid hair.
8. Sleek bun. Smooth everything back with cream or gel. See the slicked-back bun.
9. Twisted side bun. Twist the front sections back, then tie everything into a bun just behind one ear.
For medium and short hair
10. Half-up twist. Twist the top section back and pin. See half-up half-down hairstyles.
11. Mini claw clip updo. Twist what you can and use a small clip. Leave the shorter pieces down.
12. Two low buns. Split the hair in two and make two small buns at the nape. Easier than one big bun on shorter hair.
Tips
- Texture first. Dry shampoo or texturizing spray gives grip.
- Pin smart. Slide bobby pins in against the direction of the twist, and cross them in an X.
- Soften it. Pull out face-framing pieces.
- Keep it comfortable. An updo shouldn’t hurt. The American Academy of Dermatology says if a hairstyle hurts, it’s too tight.
Related guides
See your face with your hair up
Updos show off your face shape and neckline. Hairover lets you upload a clear photo, get a hair analysis, and try hairstyles on your own face in Style Studio.
FAQ
What is the easiest updo to do yourself?
A claw clip twist or a messy bun. Both take under two minutes and need no braiding or pinning skill.
Can you do an updo with shoulder-length hair?
Yes. A small low bun, a half-up twist, or a claw clip updo all work. Use a few extra bobby pins for shorter layers.
How do I make an updo last all day?
Start with second-day hair or texturizing spray, use bobby pins in an X where it feels loose, and finish with hairspray.
What is a good updo for a wedding guest?
A low chignon, a French twist, or a braided bun. They look polished, work with formal outfits, and stay neat through the day.
