So you have woken up late, you are in a rush and perhaps you should have washed your hair yesterday. Maybe you just can't be bothered. We have all been there, and for some of us it happens more often than not.
Learning how to use basic hair accessories in clever ways gives you chic, effortless style in no time. They are called the basics for a reason: they work. In this post, we share some time-saving tips to help you get the most out of your basics. You can browse our Essential French Hair Accessories for everyday pieces.
There is no need to wake up early when you are armed with these quick hair tips.
The Perfect Pony
Start with two hair elastics: one thin and one fairly chunky (the chunkier the better, as this adds more volume).
The trick is to section off the top of your hair and use the thin elastic to tie it into a small ponytail. This creates volume at the crown without the need to backcomb. Position this smaller ponytail where you would like the finished one to sit. Then gather the rest of your hair around the first ponytail and secure it with the chunky elastic. Pulling this hair tight creates a flattering shape and, because you have used two elastics, your ponytail should look thicker. Loosen the sides a little and you are ready to go.
The Messy Bun
This style is a reliable way to hide a multitude of hair sins. The secret to making it easy is to use pins instead of an elastic. Simply pull your hair into a ponytail and twist it around itself to create the bun shape. Slide one pin, such as our Waved French Hair Pin, into the front of the bun and a second into the back, and that is it. The pins hide in your hair and keep the bun neatly in place.
A French Twist
This one may take practice, but after you have tried it a few times you can put your hair up in seconds using a single chignon pin. Twist the length of your hair and fold it upwards along the back of your head. If you have longer hair, you may need to fold the ends down to stop them poking out of the top. Once this is done, fold the twist, tucking it under one of the sides. Slide the ends of the chignon pin through the hair twist, making sure it is facing the opposite way to the curve of your head. Lever the pin round and push it into your hair: this tucks the twist under and secures it. Our guide to how to use chignon pins has a step-by-step video.
Half Up, Half Down
This style is so quick and effortless. All you need is a small barrette. We love our French Handmade Mini Barrette Clip, as it is the perfect size and gives a very polished look. The first step is optional: backcomb the hair at the top and sides of your head for added volume. Loosely section the hair at the sides of your head and take it round to the back. Pinch these sections together with the hair at the back of your head and twist once to keep them together. Move the twist up the back of your head slightly to give height and volume, then secure it with the barrette.
These styles all work best with hair that has been left a day without washing (or even longer) for that perfect, lived-in texture. On days when even these feel like too much, you can't go wrong with our Ooh La La! French Handmade range. These elegant handmade hair accessories are basics that go the extra mile. Try The Original Medium Hair Claw Clip to sweep your hair into a relaxed up-do when all else fails.
Frequently asked questions
What is the quickest hairstyle for a busy morning?
A claw clip twist. Twist your hair up the back of your head and secure it with a claw clip. Read our guide to how to use hair claws.
Which hair accessories should everyone own?
A claw clip, a small barrette and a chignon pin cover most everyday styles, from half-up looks to a French twist.
Stock up on your basics and say goodbye to bad hair days.
