An Easy-Peasy Two-Minute Updo For Short To Mid-Length Hair

This post is dedicated to my friend Lisa, who wouldn't stop nagging me last summer to make a how-to video of an updo I wore during the Edel Gathering last summer.  Because I'm technologically challenged, and because the boys would insist on contributing their favorite sound effects to the show, (I'm sure you can guess what those would be), I think a photo tutorial is our best option here.

Lisa, if you're out there, and you are bored, read this, because it's for you!!

When you have multiple babes, ponytails and updo's really are a mamas best friend.  The boys currently have me on the "4.3 minutes per day to primp" plan with zero roll-over minutes.

They're so generous.  That gives me just enough time to choose between black or grey sweats and brush my teeth. So, make-up? Nada.  Hair? Ponytail.

But, every once in a while I get sick of the ponytail and feel all, "I hate my hair" crazy, which leads me to opt for the chop. I have to say that while I've really enjoyed having shorter hair, figuring out the pony tail and updo (I couldn't give 'em up) were a wee bit tricky at first. But, I finally figured out a quick way to tame my tresses without a lot of time or fuss.

{If this updo is already on Pinterest, my deepest apologies to whomever figured it out a long time ago.  I promise I'm not robbing your fame! Take comfort in knowing that last time I checked, the number of people who actually read this blog is around somewhere between 10 and 12.}

With a little practice, some twisting, and a few bobby pins, this updo can be mastered in just a couple of minutes.  Take that, boyyyyzzz! *wink*

The best thing about this do, is that you can totally start with bed head (do I hear applause?)!! For those of you who are sipping wine (oh, you know who you are), raise your glass.  This is a toast-worthy revelation!

All those Pinterest hair tutorials with photos that start with perfectly cascading curls just make me want to cry. Why would you wreck the hair most of us only dream of having with bobby pins and hair spray?? Why???? *sniff-sniff*

If you are afraid that nothing good can come out of bedhead, then put on your queen bee t-shirt and tell that girl in the mirror she's about to make something awesome happen.

Grab a few bobby pins, some hairspray, a comb, and a hair tie - the clear ones are nice, especially if you're planning to go out beyond the mail-box today.

 *If your bedhead head hair isn't fluffy enough already, tease the roots at the crown and spritz with a little hairspray first before you begin.

/1./  Gather hair from both sides of your head, about an inch or so above the ears.  Twist once and secure with a bobby pin.

/ 2. / Taking a small section of hair from one side, pull it across the twisted section, and secure with a pin (be sure to tuck the pin under the hair so it doesn't show. Repeat from the other side.

/3./  Using a comb, slightly tease the remaining hair to give it a little umph.  Then, gather it up like a pony tail just under the pinned section of hair. Secure with a hair tie.  Take a few pieces of the ponytail and twist them in different directions, tucking the ends back into the hair tie.

/4./  Loosen any tight loops and secure with pins. You want it to look effortless and natural, but not too messy. Tuck in any crazy hairs with bobby pins and mist with hairspray to set.

*My hair is about two inches longer in these pics than when I first had it cut, and even then I was still able to work this up-do.  It just takes a few more pins.