The Quick Date-Night Updo You Can Pull Off in 15 Minutes

This may sound counterintuitive, but the first thing you want to do is dirty up your strands with a hair spray, like Wella Stay Firm Finishing Spray ($15). This will give the strands the hold and grip you need for styling. If you have superstraight hair, prepare to pile on the product!

Use a one-inch curling iron to give the hair volume and movement all over. Make a center part and then section the hair into four quadrants: two equal portions from the hairline to the ears, a crown section, and a larger piece from ears to nape. Pull the back portion into a loose, low ponytail — this will become the base of your chignon later.

Twist each side section up and back. Start by raveling two pieces together near the middle part and then slowly add more hair as you head back. Hold in place with a duck clip, and repeat on the opposite side.

Take the ends of each twist and wind them around the ponytail elastic. Secure with bobby pins.

Tease the crown section from midshaft to ends. Using a comb with special teeth for backcombing ($2) is the best tool for the job, if you don't want tangles. A brush can leave you with too much frizz instead of precise volume. Smooth the hair over and secure by wrapping the ends around the base of the ponytail.

Loosely braid the ponytail and wrap it up into a chignon. If there are any short hairs around the nape that escaped the bun, use Aveda Control Paste ($24) to brush up and hold the wispy strands (bobby pins also work, if your hair is extra-uncooperative).

Spritz your fingers with hair spray and pull a few pieces out around the face for a more carefree look.