No Ponytail Holder? No Problem: 4 Cute Ways to Pull Back Your Hair Without an Elastic

No Ponytail Holder? No Problem: 4 Cute Ways to Pull Back Your Hair Without an Elastic

As every person with long hair knows, getting your tresses out of your face or off your neck can at times be as vital as breathing. Though, as Murphy’s Law would have it, it’s often at those exact ponytail, now! moments that you find yourself missing the one thing you need most: an elastic.

But don’t freak out just yet. We found four updos — three buns and one insanely awesome braid — that don’t require a single tool or accessory other than your own hair and a free set of hands. Even better, they all look far more complex — and polished! — than they actually are.

Want to never experience the feeling of sticky, sweaty, or itchy hair on your neck again? Scroll on through.

Simple Bun

It doesn’t get any more classic — or easy — than this. The simple bun is a hairstyle any long-haired lady or fella can pull off in the blink of an eye: Just twist, twist again, and pull through. Ta-da!

Chignon-style Bun

Looking for a ’do that’s a bit more sleek and retro than a classic bun? This chignon-style updo is kind of like a reversed simple bun: Instead of pulling the loose ends through, you finish by tucking the entire bun into itself. Sound complex? It’s really not — and the result is a polished hairdo that looks much more intricate than it actually is.

Nautilus Bun

Working best on super-long hair, the nautilus bun is a bit like origami. It definitely requires more skill and patience than a simple bun, but it’s worth it in the end — this is the kind of hair style that’ll last through the whole day. Plus, it’s really beautiful. Sure, it’s a little complex at first. But with a bit of practice, those folds, loops, and twists will feel like second nature.

Self-Securing Braid

Braiding your hair without having an elastic handy seems like a pointless waste of time — but not with this awesome method! You know how the ends of your hair tend to get a bit tangled while you’re braiding the upper parts? Generally, the instinct is to separate the tangles away, so that you’re left with clean, smooth ends. But with a self-securing braid, those tangles work in your favor. Really! Just watch the vid to see for yourself.

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