Do It Up: Easy Updo Hairstyles

How to Create Laid-Back Braids

1. Make waves.
Texture keeps braids from lying flat against your scalp. The night before, apply spray gel to freshly washed hair, then create two (or more, depending on hair length) buns.

2. Braid your hairline.
The next day, release buns and part hair as usual. Rub wax onto fingers and weave an inch-wide French braid (Don't know how? Do a tight traditional braid instead) from the part to one ear and secure with a mini elastic; repeat on the other side.

3. Start twirling.
Pull remaining hair into a low, secured ponytail. Dip into the wax again, then twirl pieces of hair (about the width of a pencil) around your pointer finger. Pin pieces randomly around the elastic. Finally tuck and pin the ends of each braid under the bun to conceal them.

Tool Kit
1. Suave Professionals Volumizing Root Lifter Spray Gel, $2.99, drugstores
2. Vavoom Design Pulse Glow to Pieces Shine Wax, $16, matrix.com for locations
3. Blax Snag-Free Hair Elastics, $3.50, beautyhabit.com