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Updo Upgrades: It's something a mom does without thinking before picking up her baby, tying her toddler's shoe, or buckling the car seat: She throws her hair into a speedy, out-of-sight-out-of-mind updo. The result is functional, but calling it a hairstyle is a stretch. Trade in that on-the-fly, eyes-closed bun for one of these chic styles.; By Jennifer Tung

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: high ponytailIdeal for day-old hair

1. To create lift at the crown, which instantly modernizes this look, gently tease the hair on the top of your head with a fine-tooth comb. Stay within an inch of the roots.

2. Carefully brush the hair on the crown back with a plastic vent brush (which won't flatten the teased area). Brush the rest of your hair up to meet it in a high ponytail.

3. Secure the ponytail with an elastic that matches your skin tone (Goody ColourCollection elastics, $3 for 10, Walgreens). "It isn't as obvious when you keep them on your wrist," says New York City stylist Susanna Romano.

TIP: To keep the hair under a ponytail from sagging or bulging, tilt your head back while putting it into the elastic.