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Top 12 Easy Hairstyles for Work and Play

I confess: when it comes to hair, I don’t wash and style every day. Working at home means I mostly have only me to impress. And on the weekend, I’ve been known to pull on a baseball cap and wear hat-hair all day instead of looking for a brush. Still, there are times when last-minute plans pop up and hat-hair just isn’t an option.

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Luckily, you don’t have to break a sweat to create a stylish ‘do you feel great about. Whether you want a casual look for running errands or a hairstyle that’s appropriate for the workplace, I have you covered — here are 12 easy hairstyles to try this season.

Easy hairstyles

1. The messy ponytail

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Throw on your best jeans, boots, and let your hair go a little wild. To achieve this look, bend over forwards and flip your hair over your head. Spray with hairspray. Then, flip your head back and place your hair in a ponytail, letting any shorter strands fall wherever strikes their fancy.

2. The loose braid

The side pony or side braid is one of my favorite weekend looks that doesn’t involve a hat. This is not the French braid you perfected in junior high. This is a loose, easy style that should take only minutes to achieve. Bed-head is actually perfect for this look. You can start by teasing your hair a bit on top to give it volume and wave. Or, just roll out of bed and don’t brush.

Pull your hair to the side, and secure with a hair tie, piece of ribbon, or a clip. If like the braided look, try twisting a piece back from the front of your head to add some dimension. Or just let any shorter front pieces hang loose. Then braid the hair either backwards or forwards. Secure with a tie.

3. Honey highlights

Honey-toned highlights may have been a trend at one point, but now it’s just a way of life. You can ask your stylist to do it for you, or you can test this look on your own with wash-out hair color. We love Tokyo Vibes hair makeup in gold.

4. Thick bangs

Add sophistication to your work attire by experimenting with thick bangs. The best part about this fall fashion trend is that you can change your mind. Seriously. If you decide that bangs don’t work with your facial structure, simply pull them to the back or side, and they should be mostly grown out in six months.

5. The elegant ponytail

This is not the ponytail we wore in the fifth grade. It’s a sleeker, sophisticated style that us mature ladies can wear proudly.

  1. Start with clean, dry hair.
  2. Optionally, try hot rolling your hair first.
  3. Moisten with spray to keep all strands flat to your head.
  4. Sweep the strands back, and place on the higher side of the back of your head. If you feel like a cheerleader or I Dream of Jeanie, you’ve gone too high.
  5. Secure with an elastic and brush.
  6. Optionally, you can run a quick flatiron or wide-barrel curling iron through the strands if they’re poking out every which way.

6. Twist & pin

This is quite possibly the simplest way to achieve an elegant and classic look at work. To keep the hair off your face, simply part your hair down the side, grab a small piece, twist, secure with a bobby pin, and you’re done.

7. Put a feather in it

Try pairing a smaller feather with a classic updo for a fancy dinner or a night out dancing.

8. The head wrap

Head wraps are another trend that have staying power. For a night out with friends, select a wrap that features shimmery metallic fabric or rhinestones. If you’re a woman of color, try wrapping your hair ala Nina Simone in traditional wax print cloth.

9. Upside-down pony bun

I love this look, as it’s fabulous and fast. Simply divide your hair in half, horizontally. Make a bun with the bottom half and pin. Take the top half and gather as if you were making a pony tail, and tie loosely with an elastic. Make a hole in the hair above the elastic, and pull the pony through. Divide tail in half, and wrap around the bun. Secure it with pins. Or, if your hair is long enough, you can tie the pieces together in a knot and secure with a chopstick.

10. Half-up for grown ups

Gather the top part of your hair, and make a loose pony tail. Make a hole between the elastic and your head, and pull the pony through. You can stop there or add a braid or some curls to the end of the pony. Voila, your childhood look vamped-up!

11. Classic ballerina bun

A high bun is a classy take on the quick hairstyle. You’ll start by making a high ponytail. You can sweep it tight and sleek if that’s the look you want. Or, for texture and sass, pull it back haphazardly so it’s textured. Then, wrap the tail around the base, tuck in like a knot, and secure with bobby pins. I love this look because it looks good simple and straight or messy and casual.

12. The wig

The ultimate of easy hairstyles is a wig. Wigs are the easiest way to get the hair you want, without the drama of having to actually go to the salon. Look for lace cap wigs that give you a realistic hairline or if you want to use your own hair, opt for a removable “half weave” that easily mixes with your natural hair.

Terri

Friday 11th of November 2011

Couldn't help but notice that the trusty bun is on the list. Seems as though no matter what variation, a bun will always be in style. Glad to know everybody sees what us ballet chicks always knew!

Eva

Sunday 6th of November 2011

So... what can we do if we do have short hair? If we have, say, a bob with bangs, what hairstyles are options this fall?

gracie

Thursday 6th of October 2011

i would like a new hair trend i have a heart shape head and i have medium hair tan skin toned

Jeni

Tuesday 4th of October 2011

I've been searching for wigs and trying them on at local stores for the past few years, but it's super hard to find a realistic wig without spending thousands of dollars! I really want a wig to wear on bad hair days (which is like every day lately), but I'm still on the search for one.

Ruth

Saturday 10th of September 2011

I agree with Jennifer - what if we have short hair - also, what if we are over 50? I haven't seen anything lately for those over 50 and over size 12, and not geared for the 20's crowd.

TBF

Saturday 10th of September 2011

Remember this article is focused on beauty trends and these are the trends for this season. Sometimes whats "on trend" may not be what you have. (case in point: skinny jeans.. i just can't wear them, so I skip). That being said, you can wear feather embellishments if you have short and/or unprocessed hair. Older women should have highlights/lighter hair (dark hair, especially on women with pale skin) "highlights" wrinkles.

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