Up-dos are a perfect college fix. Messy buns and French braids are quick, easy, and ever-present on campuses nationwide. They tuck away frizzies and give the impression of being put together. They translate across the many stages of clothing collegiettes experience on a daily basis: leggings and sweatshirts, sweaters and jeans, dresses and skirts.
But just because these easy up-dos are prevalent in every facet of collegiette existence does not mean they should be seen as mundane. Here are some suggestions of how to turn your standard day-to-day up-do into a fresh, exciting style.
Not every up-do has to be a bun; there are plenty of other ways to pull up your hair (casually or elegantly). Braid your hair before twisting it into a bun. This is a perfect fix for mornings when you wake up with just a few minutes to spare before class. The braid will tame and hide your frizz and knots. The finished product looks polished and effortless.
The first is a braided headband. Start by beginning a braid at your part and pulling in another piece of hair each time you cross over. Work your way around your hairline, cheek, and the base of your neck. Once you read your neck, temporarily keep this braid intact with a clip or hair tie. Then repeat the process on the other side of your head. Once you’ve braided all of your hair, braid the two handfuls at the base of your neck together. Then try to artfully tuck them into the braided headband you’ve created. Secure (and hide!) the excess with bobby pins.
The second option crosses the boundaries of casual and formal events effortlessly. Begin by placing an elastic headband just behind your hairline, like a crown. Then tuck sections of hair through the band, rolling them over one another until each piece of hair is completely off the neck.
The third option is a simpler version of the braided headband. Take two pieces on either side of your part along your forehead. Twist one around the next, and continue to incorporate sections from the rest of your hair. Once your two sections meet up at the back of your head, style them as you’d like. You can create a ponytail, tight bun, messy bun or braid.
If you are particularly attached to pulling your hair into a bun, you can add some unique touches to make this style more applicable to the outfits you pair it with. The first option, courtesy of Pinterest sleuthing, incorporates your standard bun with an elegant touch.
You can begin by dividing your hair into five sections. After parting your hair down the middle, take the bottom layer and divide it in two. Do the same with the top layer. Use the middle layer to create a high bun. Then take each section individually and twist it around the bun. Secure the four sections with bobby pins.
A fast, easy approach is to pull your hair back and braid it before twisting the braid into a bun. This approach will tame your fly-aways and knots and last through hours of class and studying.