Get This Simple, Chic Hairstyle in Less Than 5 Minutes

From the runway to the red carpet, the messy side chignon is the prettiest look for summer

From the print edition, Summer 2011

Photography by John Cullen

Ready to rock a fabulous ‘do that’s perfect for any occasion? Just follow these seven simple steps.

Step 1: Bend forward and flip your hair over your head. Spray with a texturizing spray such as John Frieda Luxurious Volume Anytime Volume Refresher ($11).

Step 2: Using a brush, lightly backcomb hair to make it messy. Flip hair right side up.

Step 3: Create a side part; then loosely sweep hair to the opposite side and into a low side ponytail. Lightly smooth the top layer of hair with your fingers.

Step 4: Tie a hair elastic twice around your hair; then pull your ponytail halfway through the elastic.

Step 5: Wrap loose ends around the elastic to create a messy bun, securing with 2 or 3 Goody Mini Spin Pins ($7 for 3-pack), which twist and hold hair in place, eliminating the need for a ton of bobby pins.

Step 6: Loosely secure any hair that didn’t make it into the bun (such as long bangs) with a bobby pin.

Step 7: Spritz hair with a strong-hold hairspray.

TIP: Heading to a backyard party? Just add a mini floral clip. For an evening affair, try a jewelled pin.

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