Sometimes you just don’t have time to spend teasing your hair perfectly into place. Occasionally you have to get out the door immediately, so it pays to have a style or two completely down so you don’t have to rely on the tried-and-trusted tight ponytail.

Here are a few hair tips for a hair style you can put together in 30 seconds that will make it look like you just stepped out of the salon:

1. The messy bun

First, pull your hair back into a ponytail positioned near the top of the head. Then place a hairband close to your hairline. Then wrap the ponytail into a bun. Twist the hair as you do it, using pins or a second elastic band to secure the hair in position. Use a pencil to lift a section of the hair between the hairband and the bun to give a little volume and show off your beautiful hair.

2. Pin twist

Start with a simple ponytail. Then take a one inch section of hair on either side, twist it and pin it back, use your pin at a 45 degree diagonal angle then use another pin to cross over the first. You don’t even need to hide the pins, they’re part of the look. It will give you a much slicker finish than a straight scraped-back ponytail and make it look like you spent far longer in front of the mirror.

3. Knotted low bun

Start off by pulling your hair into a low ponytail, then braid a slim section of the hair very loosely and use an elastic band to secure it. Wrap the braid around the base of the ponytail, as you would with a more complex bun and you’re ready to go.

4. Headband tuck

Gather up the entire crown section of the hair, use a comb to build in volume, together with hair products. Secure your hair into a ponytail, then use a ribbon, tied at the nape of the neck, and over the ponytail, to secure a tight fit near the hairline. Then pull the ponytail through the tie to create volume in your hair.