Updos don’t have to be intimidating. All you really need to do is curl the hair, then pin the curled strands low and loose on the back of the head to form a pretty chignon. Another simple way to create an updo is an easy braid. Here we have two techniques to try: a fun twist on the messy bun and a French-braided headband.

Way 1: The Messy Bun with Braided Sides

You’ll need:

A hair elastic, a few bobby pins, and hair long enough to put up in a bun.

Way 2: The Twisted-Crown Braid

You’ll need:

A few bobby pins and hair slightly longer than shoulder length.

_{Video: Amanda Nyren and Mae Rice, Groupon}