Styling your hair in an updo without the help of a hairdresser can be quite the daunting task. I say this even after my years spent behind the chair – I still would only attempt an elaborate updo on my own with carefully managed expectations (you can see some of my favorite hair tutorials here, here and here).

I came across these spiral hair jewels (for lack of a better word) at H&M a few weeks back. I’d share a link, but unfortunately they don’t seem to be listed on H&M’s website anywhere. There are some very similar alternatives if you’re interested: here and here. The set I purchased included six spiral hair jewels.

For the look you see pictured above, I simply wrapped my ponytail around a hair donut and secured with hair pins. Then, one by one, I spun each hair spiral into the bun in a clockwise motion. That’s it! (See this post for more detailed instructions on using a hair donut in an updo – it’s really quite simple.)

While they may be a bit much for an average day, the hair spirals could be an excellent solution for a bride planning to do her own hair on the big day. And you can’t go wrong for less than $5 for a set of six.

Please let us know in the comments if you’ve tried a similar—or better—product to easily upgrade an updo?