Most any type of hairstyle with the hair swept up off the shoulders can be transformed into a casual updo. Even updos that are sometimes considered more formal can be made casual by loosening up the hair before it is pinned in place. Some of the most common casual updos include ponytails, braids, French twists, and buns.
Of all the casual updos, ponytails may be the most popular. Hair is brushed up and held in place using a rubber band or ponytail holder. Ponytails can be worn on top on the head, but are more frequently worn at the back of the crown or the nape of the neck. Hair adornments such as bows or ribbons can be attached to the ponytail to coordinate with clothing or makeup. One of the drawbacks to wearing a ponytail is that if the hair is pulled too tightly, wearers sometimes develop headaches or soreness of the scalp.
Casual updos done with braids are also popular. The hair can be secured as for a ponytail, but instead of hanging loose, the ponytail is braided and secured at the end, where bows or other hair accessories can be attached. Another way to wear a braided updo is to braid the hair, then wrap the braid into a bun that is then secured with pins.
The French twist updo can be both casual and elegant at the same time. This hairstyle is done by cinching the hair into a loose ponytail at the nape of the neck, then twisting it upward. The ends of the ponytail are tucked into the twist at the base of the crown. Casual updos such at the French twist can be secured with pins or combs. For those with longer hair, it is sometimes possible to do this hairstyle without securing hair at the base.
Buns can be done in a couple of different ways, depending on the length and thickness of the hair. For hair that is long and thin, it may not be necessary to secure the hair before beginning to wrap the bun. For thicker or shorter hair, it may be necessary to first secure the hair with a rubber band or ponytail holder. Once the hair is secured, or placement of the bun determined, hair should be wrapped in a circular motion, pinning the hair in place while wrapping. When the ends of the hair are reached, they are then tucked into the underside of the bun and pinned in place.