As a busy mum, it is all too easy to scrape your hair back into a pony and be done with it. I’m embarrassed to say that sometimes I’ve even resorted to a rubber band rather than a hair tie. By the time I’ve got breakfasts done, kids changed, bags packed and everyone ready to go, it’s not unusual for me to rushing out of the door right as I realize that I haven’t done my hair yet. Here, though, are six super easy hairstyles that look amazing, but take literally just a minute or so more than a simple pony.
- The Gibson Tuck
This is an incredibly elegant hairstyle that would even be suitable for a formal night out, but is so unbelievably easy to do. If you are a child of the eighties, you will surely remember the “topsy-turvy” ponytails, and this is the basis of this hairstyle.
Start with your hair in a low ponytail using a hair elastic that matches your hair. Just above the elastic, make a hole in the midst of your hair, from top to bottom, and then feed your ponytail over and through the hole, and back down the bottom. (check out this video if you need a visual). Take the tail of the pony again, and bring it back up and tuck the ends into the nest created by the topsy turvy pony, creating the Gibson Tuck. You can either pin in place with bobby pins, or use a decorative hair comb like I have in the pic above. This comb was purchased many years ago in Paris (on my honeymoon, no less), but I have seen some beautiful ones at France Luxe (and I have many of their clips, so can speak to their quality). I also have a beautiful flowered clip from this Etsy seller that I often use for this style.
- Hair Comb Bun
Here I’ve started my hair in its usual ponytail, about mid way down, then twisted into a messy bun. If you have thick hair, you can simply secure with a decorative hair comb like this one and be done. Since my hair is baby fine, I need a bit more structure, so I also put in two spin pins, one at the top of the bun and one below. If you have never used spin pins before, then go out now and buy some – they are amazing! Instead of bothering with a thousand bobby pins, simply spin in one or two of these great pins and you are done. I’ve only ever seen these Goody ones, but I am sure there are lots of others out there.
- Lilla Rose Twist
This is a variation of the twist most of us do when putting our hair up with a claw grip, but the Lilla Rose flexi clip makes it look so much more pretty. Simply gather your hair at the nape of your neck in a pony (no elastic), twist tightly until it twists up onto itself on the back of your head, then clip in place. These clips can be found at Lilla Rose in various sizes depending on how thick or thin your hair is, and the site has lots of videos showing different styles you can do with this clip.
- Sock Bun Curls
This style takes some pre-planning, as it has to be started the night before, but the payoff for an extra minute of work before bed is a head of beautiful bouncy curls the next morning that last all day. The length my hair is at the moment is really the minimum you need to do this style – the longer your hair is, the more amazing this style looks.
Follow the next section for instructions on how to do a sock bun, starting the night before with slightly damp hair. I usually put it up about an hour after I wash my hair, or you could lightly mist it with a spray bottle of water. Make sure you place the bun on the top of your hair so you can sleep comfortably. The next morning, unwind the bun, remove the elastic, and then gently comb through with your fingers. Done!
- Sock Bun
I know, you’ve seen all the young girls doing it, but it looks great on us mums as well. Plus, it makes me look I actually have a decent amount of hair, rather than the ridiculously thin amount I really do have! For this style, you really do need a visual description, so head here, or search for “sock bun” on youtube for what seems like a gazillion tutorials.
- Top Knot
This is what we all did before we knew about the sock bun, but I still wear it like this every now and then, especially on weekends when I want a more casual look. I am sure you know how, but just in case you don’t, make a high ponytail, twist the tail until it winds around itself, then secure with 2 spin pins. Looks better slightly messy!
