:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/ponytail-clips-4a828ef40b1442929bc91ebdd9408fb9.jpg)
Photo: @kayleymelissa
On any given morning, it feels like we’re fighting an uphill battle to get everything done and ourselves out the door on time, and sometimes hair gets lost in the shuffle. However, there are easy ways to feign a put-together hairstyle that doesn’t require too much time or effort at all. ou can take a basic hairstyle and turn it into a weekday stunner in seconds with a braid here, a fun barrette there.
We’ve rounded up 20 quick and easy hairstyles—including
buns
, braids, and
ponytails
—that you can do even when you’re in a rush.
01
of 20
Half-Up Topknot
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/half-bun_0-d2b2fb14da354fcb91bca9173b93172c.jpg)
@brittsully
Add a touch of gold to your two-second top knot with a fun accessory, or consider styling using a claw clip that will give a bit of a messy edge to your look.
02
of 20
Scarf Braid
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/scarf-braid-2421c70507a54766bde2442a8ebb0a82.jpg)
@natalieannhair
It doesn’t get prettier than this quick braid. Start with a low ponytail, tie a skinny silk scarf onto the base, and pull it into an inside-out ponytail. Then, braid and go!
03
of 20
Pinned-Back Middle Part
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/medium-curls-e8789fab1b334e66930933bf633c3bbc.jpg)
@natalieannehair
You don’t even need a hair tie for this look. Accessorize with bobby pins on each side of your part for instant style.
04
of 20
Half-Up Braid
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/half-braid-aeed6377fcba4a89a259d47727c2cada.jpg)
Laurenconrad.com
A braid goes a long way when upgrading a simple style like this basic half-up. Achieve more of a seamless look by carefully pulling a piece of hair from beneath your braid and wrapping it around your hair tie.
05
of 20
Retro High Ponytail
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/retro-high-pony-f8f9ceed67d74ec39a8a3e2b8b8117d6.jpg)
nikkilee901
This vintage ponytail hairstyle calls for leaving out a chunky portion of hair at the front to sweep to the side in a grand fashion. Pull that ponytail up high, and flip out the ends with your straightening iron if you have extra time.
06
of 20
Scarf Bun
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/scarf-bun-1252b7781b134d6bb12bc361e8768041.jpg)
@thisislaurendavis
Since nothing beats a simple, throw-together low bun, try wrapping it in a silk scarf for the ultimate hair moment. You have the opportunity here to go totally seasonal, and choose what will suit the theme of the outdoors.
07
of 20
Easy Half-Up Style
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/half-up-1-dc8537f5bd1441928afd43bffc5e3ccc.jpg)
@ashleyantoinebeauty
It doesn’t get more beginner-friendly than a classic half-up. Seal it all with a fun accessory, and you’ve put yourself together in just seconds. As far as easy hairstyles go, this has broad appeal.
08
of 20
Easy Perky Ponytail
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/ponytail-clips-4a828ef40b1442929bc91ebdd9408fb9.jpg)
@kayleymelissa
Say hello to your second-day hair savior. Spray those locks with some dry shampoo for volume and hold-ability,
sweep your hair up
into a high ponytail, wrap the base with a strand of hair to cover the elastic, and accessorize with a barrette (or two).
09
of 20
Half-Up Bun
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/half-up-b30ac1ee2382497486456e3862788102.jpg)
@ashleyantoinebeauty
This style is lightning-quick to achieve. Simply gather a handful of hair from each side of your head (about the length above your ear), meet your hands in the middle, and secure with a fun hair tie.
10
of 20
Clipped Side Braid
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/bar-clips-219d6a6dca33444a9aa29df354e2272d.jpg)
Laurenconrad.com
This style starts with a Dutch braid, then layers it with bar clips. You can switch out for a regular or French braid if you prefer. Dressing the braid up with a subtle touch of ribbon brings extra attention to your lovely locks.
11
of 20
Messy Bun with Face-Framing Pieces
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/MessyBunWithFace-FramingPieces-fea7ceaa72544880ae04b2f253827b79.png)
Instagram/@veronica_nunez
This high updo lets you twist your hair into the perfect easy hairstyle for all occasions. It keeps your hair up and away from the face. Leave out strands around your face for a flattering look.
12
of 20
Inside-Out Ponytail
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/inside-out-pony-9adf47f09ff948ecbdff06878c2a20ff.jpg)
@hairbyshaylee/@ninezeroone
If you’re unfamiliar with the
inside-out braid
, it’s time to get acquainted. A basic ponytail goes from
blah
to brilliantly styled with just one extra step. This look can take you from a work meeting to an evening hang-out with ease.
13
of 20
Baby Clips
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/clips-fa32d606981e4ab9b0636970745fdd15.jpg)
@scunci
Mix and match baby clips to pin back one side of your hair, Old Hollywood-style. These clips resurface over and over as a trend. We declare them a timeless choice to dress up your ‘do.
14
of 20
Wrapped Pixie
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/pixie-e045760530e244c7a94cfd69665194d0.jpg)
@chrisjones_hair
Pixie cuts can get in on the action, too. Ramp up the volume and seal it with a headband wrap for instant style. Including textiles when tackling easy hairstyles is a very personal reflection of your own vibe.
15
of 20
Curly Topknot
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/high-bun_0-5a5756bd7cd84103a02b61dac3f8bcf1.jpg)
@scunci
Let those curls do the work.
Pull your spirals up high
and secure them into an effortless bun. Accessorize with these affordable barrettes and bobby slides to make it even more occasion-worthy. Bringing a little sparkle never hurts.
16
of 20
Quick Side Barrette
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/side-clip-ec52cc1f6872418e937fd26ab059624c.jpg)
@ashleyantoinebeauty
Every Southern girl loves her pearls, and we can also put them in our hair. Some accessories will always be considered classic, and placing elegant bling into our tresses is so alluring. Consider semi-precious jewels just for this purpose.
17
of 20
Undone Bun
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/undone-bun-10f6fa5a051f4f7ebe3ac6ec52dd5414.jpg)
@kristin_ess
Is it a ponytail? A bun? Leave them guessing with this artfully undone style.
18
of 20
Sleek Fluffy Ponytail
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/fluffy-ponytail-459d7fff0c5f41ff8e817cd7414b7f3c.jpg)
Tame your curls while also letting the shine with a slicked-back low ponytail with fluffed-up curls in the back.
19
of 20
Double Low Buns
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/double-low-buns-bed6dda836554f1ca78dd6065f74d1f3.jpg)
@thisislaurendavis
Quick, twisted buns make it look like you’ve put time into your look, even if they’re quick. Make sure to twist the two pieces of hair closest to your face back into the double buns.
20
of 20
Pinned Curls
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/curls-3654b4abccc74fd9b91eb09ff1bb4fcf.jpg)
@kinganthonyyyy
Double up on statement clips for a look that’s equally interesting and easy to style. Pull back one side of your part for an elegant look.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is the simplest, easiest hairstyle?
A quick bun or ponytail is the easiest look to style as you have a hair tie on hand. Or you can accessorize your hair down with a headband, hair clip, or barrette.
-
What is the easiest updo to do yourself?
A classic low bun is the easiest occasion-worthy hairstyle to try at home. Leave out loose, face-framing pieces around your face to complete the look.