How to do this crazy-easy summer hairstyle

Last month, I stopped by a P&G Beauty popup salon in the middle of the Flatiron district. (Was the location a styling pun? With all my heart, I hope it was.) Anyway, it was a sticky, hot, humid summer day, so I asked for an unfussy updo. And guess what? I got it, along with the steps to create this easy summer hairstyle. Seriously, even if your klutz level is up at Defcon 5, you can do this. Here’s how.

1. Curl your hair.
I know what you’re thinking: Why do I need to curl my hair? I thought this was supposed to be easy. Trust me! This step is worth the, like, 45 seconds it will take to do. You can focus on the front and top parts of your hair. The idea is to create some texture here, not to go full-blown Shirley Temple. Use a 1.5″ curling iron and a heat protectant spray. This one, from Pantene, is inexpensive and effective.

2. Gather your hair into a low ponytail.
Pretty self-explanatory. The ponytail shouldn’t be sleek, but it needs to be secure — it’s going to anchor the whole hairstyle in just a minute.

3. Create a braid.
Just a simple, three-strand braid. Secure the end with a small elastic.

4. Wrap the braid around the ponytail.
This, too, is easy. Pin to make sure it stays in place — and you’re ready to go.

See? Easy, easy, easy.