If you’ve ever found yourself running late (guilty), you’ve likely thrown your hair into a messy bun or half-up hairstyle in hopes of getting out the door ASAP. While your inspiration may have been your favorite Instagram beauty blogger, if you have fine strands, lifeless locks, or simply aren’t a hair pro, you may be at a loss as to where to begin. Instead of feeling frazzled, heed the advice of Amber Fillerup Clark, AKA Barefoot Blonde, on how to bring her Insta-worthy #HairGoals to life. Ahead you’ll find five easy-to-follow tutorials that will put the finishing touches on any outfit of the day. Best of all, despite looking voluminous, expertly coiffed, and perfectly imperfect, each insanely quick style will take you no more than five minutes, a few bobby pins and, depending on your hair type, clip-in extensions to create.
Two-Twist Updo
You’ll need:
- extensions
- hair elastics
- bobby pins
Instructions:
1. If you have thick hair, you can skip this step. If you have fine hair, however, consider the BFB Up ($115). Designed to create full-bodied updos, these clip-in extensions make any ponytail, bun, or twist look bigger and better. If you use them, clip them in line with the tops of your ears under the outermost layer of hair.
2. Starting at the front of your hair, twist two sections of hair to their ends before twisting them together in a loose rope braid. To do so, twist toward your head and add in sections of hair as you work your way down.
3. Stop once you have twisted half of your hair and secure with elastic.
4. Twist the other half of your hair and secure with elastic.
5. Pin the two twists up. There’s no wrong way to do this; just have fun pinning hair in all directions.
Modern French Twist
You’ll need:
Instructions:
1. If you have thick hair, you can skip this step. If not, insert your clip-in extensions in the middle of the back of your head, in line with the top of your ear.
2. Gather all of your hair to the back like you’re going to make a low ponytail.
3. With your pointer finger, twist hair at the nape of the neck.
4. Twist two or three times while moving your hand up to create the twist.
5. Secure with bobby pins.
6. Leave the tail of your hair out for a fun touch, or tuck it under and pin.
7. Pull some pieces of hair out around your face.
Scarf Bun
You’ll need:
- extensions
- hair elastic
- scarf
- bobby pins
Instructions:
1. If you have thick hair, you can skip this step. If not, insert clip-in extensions in the middle of the back of your head, in line with the top of your ear.
2. Make a low ponytail at the back of your head.
3. Tie a scarf around the ponytail.
4. Take one side of the scarf and join it with the ponytail.
5. Twist the ponytail into a bun.
6. Bobby pin to secure the bun.
7. Tie a knot with the scarf ends or leave them longer. Up to you!
Snake Braid
You’ll need:
Instructions:
1. Take a small section of hair and do a three-strand braid on one side of your head.
2. With two fingers, hold the middle strand.
3. With your other hand, lightly pinch and push the braid toward the head.
4. Secure with an elastic and pin it in place.
Twisted Half Up
You’ll need:
Instructions:
1. Twist two sections of hair from each side and secure them in the back with an elastic.
2. Repeat again with two more small sections from the front.
3. Take the hair from the twists and add in two more small sections of hair to create bulk.
4. Fishtail or braid the gathered hair down to the bottom.
5. Pull apart the braid to make it look more voluminous.
6. Secure with an elastic.
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