3 Easy Updos for the Styling Challenged

I’ll be the first to admit it. I’m pretty much inept when it comes to styling my natural hair. I see tons of intricate, stunning, and sophisticated updos and protective styles all over social media and here on BGLH, and I start to get in my feelings a little bit. I’m pretty good about not having hair envy, but what I do have a bad case of is style envy. Yes, I envy you ladies who can go MacGyver with 2 bobby pins, a headband, and a toothbrush full of Eco Styler gel, and emerge with the most glamorous styles. I’m still trying to learn how to flat twist, meanwhile y’all done moved on to three-strand twisting. But it’s cool though, I’m not mad. I’ll get there one day.

For the ladies like me who lack the skill set, creativity or time to put together fly updos, I’ve compiled a list of 3 easy styles we can tackle. One of them is my own creation — which proves that it requires zero skill. As a bonus, all of these styles are transitioner-friendly!

1. Faux Hawk/Janelle Monae Inspired Updo

To get this look, all you need is a spray bottle with water, a little moisturizer (she uses Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie), gel (Eco Styler), scrunchies, and a few bobby pins. It’s the perfect way to transform your old wash and go or twist-out for a night on the town.

2. Easy French Roll

MissT1806 transforms her gorgeous tresses into this classic-inspired updo. To get this easy style, all you need is stretched hair, bobby pins, and a soft bristle brush to smooth your edges (gel or edge tamer optional).

3. Easy Twist/Tuck Updo

To replicate my easy updo all you need is a moisturizer of choice (I chose TGIN Butter Cream Daily Moisturizer), oil to seal, an edge tamer (optional, but I used Eden BodyWorks Coconut Shea Control Edge Glaze), a soft bristle brush, scrunchies, and a few bobby pins. Oh, and some sub-par twisting and rolling skills.