After tying your hair into a high ponytail, flip the hair onto itself on the knot. Then fan out the hair to create a doughnut shape before securing it with another hairband. After gathering the ends of the hair, loop them around the bun and secure them with hairpins. This style works best for hair that’s not layered.

To create a more casual, messy bun look, ensure that the pieces look loose and less slicked back by pulling them out slightly. This helps to create a more relaxed look.

For a chic, sleek look that works for both the office and evening, nothing beats a classic chignon or low bun.

Start by tying your hair into a ponytail. Then wrap the ponytail around the knot, keeping a loop open with a thumb. Stuff the ends through the loop then wrap the ends around the bun before securing with hairpins. This style works whether you choose to tie back your fringe or keep some face-framing pieces.

For an extra twist, this tutorial is a low-key yet chic take on the chignon, and works well for both formal and informal looks. After tying a low ponytail, bring the elastic down so that you can flip the ponytail back onto itself to create a loop. Secure the ends again with another elastic before looping it onto itself again. For the second loop, don’t pull the ponytail through completely as you want a more bouffant effect. Wrap the ends around the updo and secure them with hairpins.

Want to get an elegant updo with medium-length hair? It’s possible.

Split your hair into top and bottom halves and tie each of them into a ponytail. With the bottom ponytail, twist it back onto itself without pulling through. With the top ponytail, loop it onto itself and pull through. Then hide the top ponytail in the bottom updo. Secure everything with hairpins where necessary. Leave some face-framing pieces in the front and curl them for a relaxed look.

For more formal events, consider a sleek ballerina-inspired bun instead. Unlike the messy hair bun tutorial above, don’t loosen your hair too much. Instead, keep everything nice, neat and tight with the copious use of hairspray and a toothbrush. Hair gels can also help grip and slick back hair easier.

For those who don’t like when their elastic hairbands peek through their updos, take the ends and loop them around the knot to conceal the band. Once you’re done, keep everything in place with hairpins. This works best for those with extra-long hair that can loop fully around the bun.

For more texture than a regular slicked-back updo, consider twisting a section of hair into a braid first before putting it up (it worked well for Daenerys Targaryen). This is especially great for those with highlights in their hair as it shows off the tonal shifts. Use hairspray to keep it in place where necessary.

This look is for those who want to channel the ’60s bouffant hairdo (think Adele or Amy Winehouse). Twisting it into an updo gets you the best of both worlds without being too on the nose with the vintage look. Use texturising spray first to give your hair some body before putting it up, pair with some statement earrings, and you’re ready to go.

Instead of a bun, how about keeping everything in braids? If you don’t want anything to stick out, consider tucking the braids back onto themselves. Here, your best friend would be the hairpins to keep them all neat. You can also play with the different techniques of hair braiding – French, milkmaid or fishtail, for example – as they each result in varied finishes.

When all else fails and you’re not sure if your updo looks good, add some hair accessories to make it look more pulled together. There are many variants in the market featuring designs of flowers, pearls and more. When shopping for hair accessories, pick something that’s chic and low-key so it does its job without drawing too much attention.

Read Next

16 Best Hair And Scalp Treatments For All Sorts Of Concerns

9 Japanese Celeb-Inspired Hairstyles And Colours To Try Now

12 At-Home Hair Treatments That Help With Stress-Related Hair Loss