I’m not a fan of elaborate hair tutorials that look amazing but take forever. Choosing an outfit and doing my makeup is hard enough — I prefer quick methods that appear intricate but are actually fast and simple. If that sounds like you, this is the tutorial for you.
This easy updo looks like it took a long time, but it’s actually a five-minute style that works for day or night with a relaxed, cool vibe.
This quick technique works on every hair type — thin, thick, curly, or straight — as long as your length is long enough to gather into a ponytail.
What You’ll Need
- Bobby pins
- Dry shampoo or texturizing powder
- Hair spray
How to Pull Off a Cool Updo in 5 Minutes
Begin by adding texture. If your hair is naturally straight or needs movement, quickly run a curling iron through sections to create soft waves. This step is optional but helps the pieces hold and gives the finished updo more dimension.
Spritz with dry shampoo or a light hairspray to add grip and keep everything in place throughout the day or night.
Divide your hair into several smallish sections — use the photos as a guide for section size. Work with one section at a time.
For each section, make a simple rope twist: split the section into two strands and twist them around each other. The rope twist looks like a miniature twisted rope rather than a three-strand braid.
When you reach the end of the twist, gather a small clump of hair at the tip — around 20 strands or so — and hold that portion steady. Slide the rest of the twisted piece upward toward the base of the head.
Tuck and secure the twisted piece with bobby pins. Place pins underneath the twist so they’re hidden and the look stays seamless.
Repeat with every section, shaping and arranging the twisted pieces as you pin them in place. You can move pieces to create the silhouette you want — messy and asymmetrical, or neater and more centralized.
For the look shown on Mallory, the twisted pieces were arranged asymmetrically, flowing from the base upward in one direction for movement and interest.
If you prefer something more classic, pin all the twisted pieces toward the center back of the head for a balanced, symmetrical updo instead of wrapping them around.
That’s it — easy, right? This method gives you a unique, polished day-to-night style that looks like a secret technique people will wonder about.
Photography and styling Brittni Mehlhoff
Hair: Cori Maass
Model: Mallory Hunter
Will you try this easy updo? Share how your morning beauty routine looks.
Do you spend a lot of time on your hair in the morning? I’m curious if you prefer the fastest option or if you enjoy taking your time to style your hair—let me know.