Let’s be honest: having long, beautiful hair is a dream until it’s time to style it. You stand in front of the mirror, brush in one hand, hopes in the other, only to be met with the daunting task of creating something that doesn’t look like you just rolled out of bed. The allure of intricate braids and perfect curls on Pinterest is strong, but who has the time, energy, or, let’s face it, the skill?
If your idea of a complicated routine is anything beyond a quick brush and maybe a hair tie, this guide is for you. We’ve curated a list of nine incredibly easy hairstyles for long hair that are big on style and minimal on effort. These looks celebrate the natural beauty of your long cut while requiring little more than your own two hands and a few seconds of your precious time. Say goodbye to hair-styling frustration and hello to effortless chic.
1. The Effortlessly Cool Low Ponytail
Forget everything you know about the basic ponytail. The low ponytail we’re talking about is its sophisticated, cooler cousin. The key to this look is a slight imperfection. Instead of pulling every strand back tightly, gather your hair at the nape of your neck. Before securing it with a hair tie, gently pull out a few face-framing pieces around your temples and forehead to soften the look.
Pro Tip: For an even more polished and voluminous effect, take a small section of hair from underneath the ponytail and wrap it around the hair tie, securing it with a bobby pin. This tiny detail hides the elastic and makes the style look intentionally crafted.
2. The Textured Messy Bun
The messy bun is the ultimate I-tried-without-trying hairstyle. It’s perfect for second-day hair, busy mornings, or when you just can’t be bothered. The goal is not perfection; it’s effortless texture. Flip your head over, gather all your hair into a high ponytail as if you were making a standard bun, but instead of twisting it neatly, simply twist the length loosely and wrap it around the base.
Use a second hair tie or some bobby pins to secure the ends, but don’t tuck them in too neatly. The magic happens when you gently pull sections of the bun apart to create volume and looseness. Pull out a few more pieces around your face and at the nape of your neck to complete the casually gorgeous vibe.
3. The Half-Up, Half-Down Twist
This style takes the simple half-up ponytail and elevates it with a single, elegant twist. It’s deceptively simple but looks like you put in real effort. Start by taking two small sections of hair from the front, one from each side near your part. Twist each section backwards, away from your face.
Once you have two twisted sections, join them together at the back of your crown and secure them with a clear elastic or a small, cute clip. Gently pull on the twists to loosen them and create a softer, more voluminous look. This style keeps the hair out of your face while showcasing the length and beauty of your hair down your back.
4. The Classic Side Braid
Don’t let the word braid intimidate you. A simple side braid is one of the easiest protective styles for long hair. Part your hair deeply to one side and gather all of it over your shoulder. Then, just make a standard three-strand braid. You don’t need it to be tight or perfect. In fact, a slightly looser braid is more on-trend.
Once you’ve secured the end with a hair tie, gently tug on the outer loops of the braid to pancake it—pulling it slightly apart to make it look thicker, softer, and more bohemian. This is a fantastic style for a bad hair day, a workout, or just adding a touch of romantic flair to your outfit.
5. The Sophisticated Low Twisted Bun
This is the messy bun’s more refined sister, perfect for the office or a dinner date. Gather your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck but don’t pull the hair all the way through on the last loop of the hair tie—you should have a loop. Then, split this loop down the middle to create a hole, and flip the tail of your ponytail up and through the hole.
Pull gently to secure, and then you can either leave the ends out for a casual look or tuck them under and pin them for a cleaner finish. It’s a 30-second updo that looks incredibly chic and requires zero twisting skills.
6. The Accessorized Headband Look
Never underestimate the power of a good accessory. A stylish headband, whether it’s fabric, tortoiseshell, or embellished, can instantly pull a look together. Simply place the headband over your hair, pushing it back from your forehead. You can wear your hair down and straight, wavy, or curly.
The headband does all the work, keeping hair out of your face and adding a vintage-inspired, polished touch. For a slightly different take, you can tuck the ends of your hair behind the headband at your ears for a cute, 60s-inspired flick.
7. The “Pulled-Through” Ponytail
This is a clever trick to add instant volume and interest to a basic ponytail. Create a high or mid-height ponytail and secure it tightly with a hair tie. Then, make a small hole in the hair above the elastic, right above the ponytail base. Gently pull the tail of your ponytail up and through this hole.
Pull it all the way through, and then tighten the base by pulling the ponytail slightly. You can fluff the top section to add more height. This creates a beautiful, woven effect that looks far more complicated than it is.
8. The Quick Claw Clip Updo
The claw clip is making a major comeback, and for good reason. It’s the fastest way to get your hair up and look put-together. To achieve the perfect claw clip updo, twist your hair loosely as if you were making a low bun. Instead of securing it with a tie, lift the twist upwards and clamp the claw clip vertically at the base of the twist, securing it to the hair at the back of your head.
Let the ends of your hair fan out casually from the clip. The result is a effortlessly chic and secure updo that works on all hair types and textures. It’s the ultimate quick fix.
9. The Simple Scarf Tie
A silk or satin scarf is a versatile tool for easy hairstyles. The simplest way is to use it as an upgraded hair tie. Fold a square scarf into a long strip, place it at the nape of your neck with the ends pointing up, gather your hair into a low ponytail, and then use the scarf to tie it as you would a regular hair tie, finishing with a bow or a knot.
This adds a beautiful pop of color and pattern to your look. Alternatively, you can tie it around a ponytail or a bun, or even wear it as a headband. It’s a simple addition that makes any basic style feel special and intentional.
Embrace the Easy Life
Long hair should feel like a blessing, not a burden. With these nine easy hairstyles in your arsenal, you can finally break free from the cycle of styling frustration. Each look proves that you don’t need a professional stylist’s skill or an hour of free time to look and feel amazing.
The secret lies in working with your hair’s natural texture, embracing a little imperfection, and using simple tricks to create dimension and style. So the next time you’re running late or simply don’t have the energy for a complicated routine, remember this list. Your beautiful, long hair is your best accessory—and now, it’s also the easiest one to manage.
