Do you dream of having soft, romantic, and effortlessly beautiful hair, but the thought of a 10-step styling routine makes you want to reach for another messy bun? You are not alone. In a world of complex braiding tutorials and heat-styling gadgets, the simple pleasure of a soft, touchable hairstyle often gets lost.
The good news is that achieving that coveted soft, romantic look doesn’t require a professional stylist on speed dial or an hour of your morning. True style often lies in simplicity. This guide is dedicated to all the soft hairstyle lovers who believe that beauty should be easy, comfortable, and wonderfully low-maintenance. We’ve curated 19 incredibly easy hairstyles that prioritize softness over structure and ease over effort. Get ready to fall in love with your hair routine again.
1. The Textured Low Ponytail
Forget the sleek, severe ponytail of the past. The textured low ponytail is its softer, more relaxed cousin. This style is all about creating a sense of effortless grace. To achieve it, start by adding a bit of wave or texture to your hair with a curling wand or by braiding it loosely the night before. Then, instead of pulling it tightly, gather your hair at the nape of your neck, but leave a few face-framing pieces loose. Secure it with a snag-free hair tie, and then gently pull a few sections around the crown and the ponytail itself to create soft volume and movement.
2. The Half-Up Twisted Crown
This is perhaps the easiest way to look like you put in a lot of effort when you really didn’t. The half-up twisted crown is a timeless, romantic style that keeps hair out of your face while showcasing its length and texture. Simply take a small section of hair from each side, above your ears. Twist each section loosely backwards and secure them together at the back of your head with a small, clear elastic or bobby pins. The key is to keep it loose—pull gently on the twists to create a softer, fuller look.
3. The Messy (But Chic) Bun
The messy bun is the ultimate hero for bad hair days and busy mornings. But there’s a difference between a “I just rolled out of bed” bun and an “I meant to do this” bun. For the chic version, flip your head over and gather your hair into a high ponytail. Twist the ponytail loosely and wrap it around the base, securing it with another hair tie or bobby pins. The most important step: pull out several pieces around your face, at the nape of your neck, and from the bun itself to create a soft, wispy frame.
4. The Scrunchie-Bound Low Bun
Elevate the simple low bun with the help of a beautiful scrunchie. This instantly adds a touch of softness and color. Gather your hair at the nape of your neck as if you’re making a ponytail, but on the last loop of the scrunchie, don’t pull your hair all the way through. You’ll create a loose, folded bun. Tuck the ends in and arrange the shape to be as full and soft as you like. The fabric of the scrunchie prevents creases and adds a lovely, tactile element.
5. The Bubble Ponytail
Playful and incredibly easy, the bubble ponytail adds instant softness and fun to a simple style. Create a mid-height or high ponytail and secure it with a clear elastic. Then, move down a few inches and add another clear elastic. Continue this process down the length of the ponytail. Once all the elastics are in, gently tug each “bubble” to puff it out and create a round, soft shape. It’s a modern take on the ponytail that is surprisingly simple to execute.
6. The Headband Tuck
This style is the epitome of easy, soft elegance. All you need is a beautiful fabric headband. Place the headband on your head, then take the front sections of your hair and gently tuck them behind the headband, starting from your temples and working your way back. You can leave the back of your hair down in soft waves or a straight, sleek style. This creates a beautiful, clean line around the face while the tucked hair adds a touch of romantic volume.
7. The Rope Braid
If a traditional three-strand braid feels too complicated or tight, the rope braid is your best friend. It looks intricate but is deceptively simple. Divide a section of hair into two parts. Twist each part clockwise, and then twist them around each other counter-clockwise. The opposing twists are what lock the braid in place. This creates a soft, rounded braid that is perfect for a half-up style or a full side braid.
8. The Twisted Headband
Create a custom headband out of your own hair. Take a section of hair from the front on one side, divide it into two, and twist them together loosely. Continue twisting as you bring the strand across the top of your head, just like a headband. Secure it behind your opposite ear with a bobby pin, tucking the end under for a seamless look. This soft, bohemian style is perfect for keeping hair off your face in the most elegant way.
9. The Soft Claw Clip Updo
The claw clip is back and better than ever. For a soft, lived-in updo, twist your hair loosely at the nape of your neck as if you’re making a low bun. Instead of securing it with pins, fold the twist upwards and clamp a large claw clip over the base to hold it in place. Pull out a few pieces around your face and neck to soften the look. It’s secure, comfortable, and effortlessly chic.
10. The Pull-Through Braid
This style gives you the beautiful, full look of a fishtail braid with a fraction of the effort. Start with a low ponytail. Create a hole right above the hair tie and pull the ponytail up and through it (this is called a “topsy tail”). Then, add another hair tie an inch or two down, create another hole, and pull the hair through again. Repeat this process until you reach the ends. Gently tug on the sides of each loop to create a soft, voluminous braided effect.
11. The Accessorized Low Ponytail
Sometimes, softness comes from an accessory. Take your basic low ponytail and weave a delicate ribbon through the hair tie, tying it into a small bow. Alternatively, use a beautiful, ornate barrette to pin one side of the ponytail back, creating an asymmetrical softness. This takes seconds but completely transforms the look, adding a touch of romantic detail.
12. The Tousled Waves
Sometimes the best hairstyle is no hairstyle at all—just enhanced texture. If you have straight hair, create a base of soft waves by twisting sections of damp hair into two or three loose buns overnight. In the morning, let them down, run your fingers through them, and spritz with a texturizing spray. The goal is not defined curls, but a soft, tousled wave that looks naturally beautiful and requires zero daily heat styling.
13. The Gibson Tuck
A vintage-inspired style that exudes soft sophistication. Brush your hair smoothly and gather it as if for a low ponytail, but don’t secure it. Then, gently push the hair upwards, creating a loose fold or “tuck” at the back of your head. Use bobby pins inserted vertically to secure the fold from underneath, hiding the pins completely. This creates a beautiful, soft roll of hair that is both elegant and unique.
14. The Simple Side Braid
Don’t overthink it. A simple side braid, started at the nape of your neck and pulled over one shoulder, is inherently soft. The key is to braid loosely. After you’ve finished, gently pull on the outer edges of the braid to loosen it and make it look wider and more romantic. This is a perfect style for second or third-day hair when the natural oils add texture and hold.
15. The Mini Claw Clip Accent
For days when you want to do the absolute minimum but still look put-together, use a small, decorative claw clip. Simply pull back the front section of your hair on one side, twist it slightly, and secure it back with a mini clip. This adds a touch of polish and softness to an otherwise down hairstyle and takes about ten seconds.
16. The Low Twisted Bun
Similar to the scrunchie bun but even simpler. Gather your hair into a low ponytail and twist it until it begins to coil. Wrap the twist around the base of the ponytail to form a bun and secure the ends with bobby pins. The result is a neat yet soft bun that is perfect for the office or a dinner date. Pull out a few wispy pieces to complete the soft look.
17. The Pinned-Back Sides
This is the ultimate lazy-girl hairstyle with maximum impact. Simply take the front sections of your hair on both sides, pull them back to the crown area, and secure them with a single, beautiful clip or a couple of criss-crossed bobby pins. This instantly opens up your face and creates a soft, cascading effect with the rest of your hair.
18. The Waterfall Braid
It looks complex, but the waterfall braid is a repeating pattern that is easy to master. It creates a beautiful, soft effect as pieces of hair seem to cascade down. The braid involves dropping sections of hair as you go, creating an open, flowing look. It’s perfect for special occasions or when you want to feel extra romantic.
19. The “Lived-In” Waves with a Bandana
Combine the effortless texture of day-two waves with the soft, boho vibe of a bandana. Fold a square bandana into a triangle and tie it around your head, letting the point hang down your back. This not only adds a pop of pattern but also helps control any frizz, allowing your natural, soft waves to take center stage. It’s the perfect no-fuss, stylish finish.
Embrace the Ease of Soft Hairstyles
As you can see, a beautiful, soft hairstyle doesn’t have to be synonymous with a complicated routine. The true secret lies in working with your hair’s natural texture, embracing a little imperfection, and using simple techniques to enhance what you already have. These 19 styles are your toolkit for looking and feeling beautiful every day, without the stress. So put down the complicated tutorials, pick up a scrunchie or a clip, and let your hair be soft, romantic, and wonderfully easy.
