Up, Up, & Away| Basic Up-dos

Up-dos are a great means to give you and your hair a break from tedious styling. For the most part I consider up-dos fuss free styling. But fuss free styling doesn't mean you can't look put together. I have four go to up-dos that never seem fail me. A ponytail, a bun, a side twist style, and a chignon.

Ponytail hairstyles are timeless. From curly to straight hair almost anyone can pull this style off. Not to mention this is a low maintenance style. Although ponytails are simple they are very versatile. Looks can range from neat and tidy. Messy. Curly. Straight. High. Low. Thus the list can go on and on.

To Create The Basic Ponytail:                                                                                

•  Use a comb,brush, or fingers and gather the hair back in the position you wish to secure the ponytail.
• Bring to the desired position, take hair elastic and wrap it tightly close to the scalp.  
• In order to conceal the hair elastic separate a thin strand of hair from the ponytail and wrap it over the elastic until you reach the end which you will secure under the pony using a bobby pin.  

 A bun is a great way to style your hair if your looking for quick and easy sophistication. It's definitely my number one go to style. Like the ponytail this style is very versatile. Looks can range from neat and tidy. Messy. Curly. Straight. High. Low.

To Create A Basic Bun:                                                                                   

•  Secure your hair in a ponytail. Position the ponytail about where you want the bun to lay.
• Twist the tail either in two sections or one. Those with longer, thicker hair may want to separate the tail into 2 pieces.
• Guide the twist into a coil/circle around the ponytail holder. For those with longer, thicker hair, bobby-pin the coil into place as you wind it around and around the ponytail holder. People with shorter, thinner hair can often get away with winding and twisting the coil first and then inserting bobby pins about 45 degrees apart from each other.

*instructions courtesy of wikiHow.com*

 A side twist/braid can spunk up a basic ponytail or bun style. A side twist/braid can be done on just one side or both sides of the head. I love the look of both options. Side twist are great on both curly or straight hair.

To Create A Side Twist:                                                                                           

Due to the fact that a side twist is easier done than said (or written) I've included a "how to" link to allow you to get this look...click here . 

Chignons (pronounced Shin-Yon) are like the upgraded modern version of the bun. They're elegant yet simple.  This style can be worn either as casual-chic or formal. There are a variety of styles you can create depending on personal preference as well as hair length.

To Create The Basic Chignon:                                                                                                  

•  Brush your hair back into a low ponytail.
• Get a firm grip around the base of the ponytail and use your other hand to twist the tail into a tight spiral. Hold the base of the ponytail with one hand, then lift the tail straight up with the other.
• Begin to coil it clockwise around the base. When you've made half of a circle, release the hand holding the base and use it to hold the forming bun as you continue to coil the tail of the chignon. Complete one rotation - a little more if you have longer hair - then tuck the end of the tail under the chignon. If your hair is long enough, you might be able to push the tail through the bun and make a knot.
• Secure the chignon using a few prong-shaped bobby pins or a hair stick. Push one pin through at any outside edge, collecting a small amount of the bun as you make the insertion. Secure the opposite side with a second pin.
• If you're using a hair stick, push the tip up through the right corner of your chignon, so that a thin flat layer rests on top of the stick. Rotate the stick 180 degrees and push it gently through the base of the bun. As the stick begins to emerge, hook a small amount of hair on the underside of the left corner, then center the stick.

 *instructions courtesy of eHow.com*