I am a huge fan of updos. Casual to elegant, I find myself coming up with new versions all the time. If you wanted the perfect updo this holiday season but it didn't quite work out, I'm here to help! There are some great updo helpers that will have you going from beginner to pro in no time!

The 3 items shown here are the Conair Bun Maker (the brown donut item), Goody Spin Pins (shown in both 2 regular size & 3 minis in blonde), & a simple 7 prong hair comb in black. All of these items should be available for purchase at your local drugstore or mega store in the hair aisle.All of these items are available for purchase for under $10. I also like all of them because they come in a variety of shades such as blonde or light, dark brown, & black. The hair comb shown is over 15 years old & it is simply made out of black plastic. You can find these in any color you can imagine. I also own some that I have decorated with jewels and ribbons.

Hair Comb- Great for thick or fine hair but you need to have a
medium to long cut. Holds all of my thick/long hair up all day without
using anything but a simple comb. You can also play with it a bit to
make different styles. You can also use this with curly hair although it
takes a bit more practice. 

Conair Bun Maker- Best for thin hair and a variety of lengths. This takes longer than the others for me because I don't like any of the donut showing at all. This color is a bit dark for me but these come in a variety of shades. They basically feel like a softer wire formed into a sponge. Great for fine/thin hair because it grips your hair really well to hold it in place.

Goody Spin Pins- Best for curly and medium-long hair although I use them with straight hair quite often. These come in a variety of colors as well so you can pick which colors suits you best. I have both the 3 minis and the 2 regular spin pins shown here for reference. The minis are great for half updos while the regular sizes are designed more for a full bun. All you need is 2, don't let the simplicity fool you!

1. Adjust your hair to where you want it. For a high twist, start low on the neck as I did. Twist hair tightly & straight up.
2. Bring your hair down folding in half which will loosen your hair up a bit on its own.
3. Tuck in visible ends if desired.
4. Continue holding your hair securely & grab the twist slightly at the edge with the comb.
5. Continue going all the way over grabbing some of the hair on your scalp then turn right side up. Tuck securely into your hair.
6. Here's the final effect. Spray if desired.

1. Gather your hair into a ponytail where you want the bun to be. Put the donut around the base of the band.
2. Begin working your hair around the donut to cover it completely. Here it is halfway.
3. Next pin your hair as you work your way around the donut. Pushing the bobby pins into the donut has the greatest holding ability.
4. Enjoy your finished look. Mine is a bit looser than a true ballerina bun. For a cleaner bun, simply wrap your hair tighter.

Author:
Stephanie Louise Telford
www.stephanielouiseatb.blogspot.com
www.cookinista.blogspot.com