Easy Updos for Long Hair: 10 Styles You Can Do in Under 10 Minutes

Long hair in the Canadian summer heat calls for updos, but most tutorials assume you have salon-level skills and 45 minutes to spare. These 10 styles are genuinely easy — each takes under 10 minutes, requires no special tools beyond a claw clip and a few bobby pins, and works on straight, wavy, or curly hair.

Everyday casual

1. Claw clip twist: Gather hair, twist clockwise, and secure with a large claw clip. The most effortless updo that looks intentional. Takes 30 seconds.

2. Low messy bun: Gather hair into a low ponytail, twist, wrap around the base, and pin with 2–3 bobby pins. Pull a few pieces out at the front for a relaxed look.

3. Scarf ponytail: A regular ponytail with a silk scarf tied around the elastic. Elevates the most basic style to Pinterest-worthy.

Office-appropriate

4. Sleek low chignon: Smooth hair back with a light gel or mousse. Gather into a low ponytail, twist into a bun at the nape, and pin. Clean, professional, timeless.

5. French twist: Gather hair to one side, twist vertically up the back of your head, and pin in place. Surprisingly easy once you’ve done it twice.

6. Polished half-up twist: Take the top third of your hair, twist it back, and pin at the crown. Looks put-together for meetings and video calls.

Events and special occasions

7. Bubble bun: A high ponytail with elastics spaced every 3 inches, each section gently pulled outward, then coiled into a bun. Takes 8 minutes, looks like a $100 salon updo.

8. Braided crown: Two simple braids, crossed over the top of your head and pinned behind each ear. Romantic, works beautifully with a summer dress.

9. Twisted low bun with face-framing pieces: Leave out two front sections. Pull the rest into a low bun. Curl the front pieces with a flat iron. Elegant without trying too hard.

Active and outdoors

10. High braided bun: French braid from nape to crown (upside-down braid), then coil into a high bun. Secure as a workout, cute enough for brunch after.

Tips for updo success

Second-day hair is better: Updos hold best on hair that isn’t freshly washed. The natural oils add grip.

Texture spray or dry shampoo first: Adds grip to clean, slippery hair. Spray at the roots and mid-lengths.

Bobby pin trick: Insert bobby pins with the wavy side against your scalp for better hold. Cross two pins in an X for extra security.

Don’t aim for perfect: The “undone” look is intentional. Pulling a few pieces out softens the style and makes it more flattering.

Key Takeaways

• Claw clip twists, messy buns, and scarved ponytails are the quickest everyday updos.
• Second-day hair holds updos better than freshly washed hair.
• Insert bobby pins wavy-side down and cross them in an X for maximum hold.
• All 10 styles work on straight, wavy, and curly hair with minor adjustments.

The Bottom Line

You don’t need professional skills to do a great updo. A claw clip, 5 bobby pins, and a little texture spray are all you need. Start with the claw clip twist (30 seconds) and the low messy bun (2 minutes) — those two alone will get you through most of summer.

Sources

1. American Academy of Dermatology