Long hair is a beautiful asset, but let’s be real—it’s not always the easiest to style. Whether you’re dealing with hectic mornings, getting ready for a date night, or simply looking to refresh your everyday look, having a lineup of easy and stylish hairstyles is a must. Long hair gives you the versatility to experiment with different looks, from elegant updos to effortless waves, and the best part is that you don’t need to be a professional hairstylist to achieve them. With just a few hair tools, accessories, and some simple techniques, you can create stunning styles in minutes. In this guide, we’ll walk you through 21 incredibly easy hairstyles for long hair that you can try right now, whether you want something casual, polished, or playful. Plus, if you’re looking for the perfect gift for a hair lover in your life, we’ve got you covered with product recommendations that will make styling easier and more enjoyable.
1. Classic High Ponytail
source@cedricsalon
The high ponytail is a timeless hairstyle that instantly adds elegance and confidence to your look. Whether you want a sleek and polished finish or a voluminous, tousled style, this hairstyle is perfect for any occasion. For a professional and chic look, smooth your hair back with a boar bristle brush and secure it tightly with a high-quality hair tie. If you’re aiming for a more playful and voluminous ponytail, tease the crown of your head before tying it up, then wrap a small section of hair around the base to hide the hair tie. This style is great for work, workouts, or even a night out. If you’re shopping for a gift, consider a volumizing ponytail clip-in extension or a pack of damage-free elastic hair ties to make styling effortless.
2. Messy Bun
source@rajnandinisharma27
The messy bun is the ultimate go-to for lazy days, quick errands, or even an effortless chic look. Unlike a sleek ballerina bun, the messy bun embraces a relaxed, slightly undone aesthetic that still looks stylish. To achieve this look, simply gather your hair into a loose ponytail, twist it around itself, and secure it with a few bobby pins or a scrunchie. You can gently pull out some face-framing strands for a softer effect. If you want extra volume, consider using a texturizing spray or dry shampoo before styling. A great gift idea for someone who loves this hairstyle is a set of high-quality spiral hair ties, which hold buns securely without causing breakage.
3. Half-Up Half-Down Twist
source@houseofbellaroselocs
The half-up half-down hairstyle is a classic, but adding a twist to it gives it a fresh and romantic feel. This look is ideal for those who want to keep their hair out of their face while still showcasing their long locks. To create this style, take two small sections of hair from the front, twist them backward, and secure them with a decorative clip or hairpin at the back of your head. It’s a perfect everyday hairstyle that also works well for special occasions. If you’re looking for a thoughtful gift, consider a set of stylish claw clips or pearl-encrusted hairpins that elevate this hairstyle effortlessly.
4. Low Sleek Bun
source@messybun_nz
For a sophisticated and polished look, the low sleek bun is an excellent choice. This hairstyle is perfect for professional settings, formal events, or even a minimalistic everyday style. To achieve a sleek bun, apply a small amount of styling gel or serum to smooth down any flyaways, then gather your hair into a low ponytail. Twist the ponytail into a bun and secure it with bobby pins. A fine-tooth comb will help perfect the sleek finish, and a light mist of hairspray will keep everything in place. A great gift for anyone who loves this look is a high-quality styling brush or a strong-hold gel that ensures a smooth, frizz-free finish.
5. Beachy Waves
source@lesteticasalon
Nothing says effortless beauty like beachy waves, and the best part is that they can be achieved in multiple ways. For heat-styled waves, use a curling wand, wrapping sections of hair around the barrel and leaving the ends out for a more relaxed effect. If you prefer a heatless option, braid your damp hair before bed, and when you wake up, you’ll have gorgeous waves with zero damage. Beachy waves are a great everyday hairstyle that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. A thoughtful gift for someone who loves this look is a top-rated curling wand or a set of heatless curling rods.
6. Bubble Braid
source@updos.by.jocelyn
For a fun and trendy twist on a traditional ponytail, try the bubble braid. This style is easy to create and adds a playful element to your hair. Start by tying your hair into a high or low ponytail, then use small elastic bands to create “bubbles” by spacing them a few inches apart along the ponytail. Gently tug each section to add volume and dimension. This hairstyle works well for casual outings and even festival looks. If you’re looking for a great gift idea, a pack of clear elastics or colorful scrunchies would be a perfect addition to any hairstyling collection.
7. Braided Crown
source@alexandralee1016
The braided crown is a stunning yet simple hairstyle that gives off a romantic, fairy-tale vibe. Perfect for weddings, date nights, or casual boho-inspired looks, this style involves creating two small braids on either side of your head and securing them at the back like a crown. This hairstyle works beautifully with soft curls or waves. To elevate this look, accessorize with floral clips or pearl-studded hairpins. A great gift option for someone who adores this hairstyle is a decorative hair accessory set that includes elegant hairpins, clips, and floral combs.
8. The Fishtail Braid
source@alexgaboury
If you love the look of intricate braids but want something easy to create, the fishtail braid is the perfect option. This style looks complex but is actually quite simple once you get the technique down. Instead of dividing your hair into three sections like a regular braid, split it into two and take small pieces from each side, alternating them as you braid down. The result is a beautifully woven effect that works for casual days or formal events. A wonderful gift for someone who loves braiding is a boar bristle brush that smooths hair and prevents frizz, making braiding even easier.
9. Twisted Halo
source@salongillharlem
The twisted halo hairstyle is a dreamy and elegant look that’s perfect for both casual and formal occasions. This style involves taking two small sections of hair from each side of your face, twisting them back, and pinning them together at the back of your head. The result is a soft, angelic look that keeps hair out of your face while still allowing your long locks to flow. You can wear this style with straight, wavy, or curly hair. To enhance the look, use pearl or floral hairpins for a romantic touch. A great gift idea for someone who loves this hairstyle is a set of high-quality bobby pins or a decorative hair comb that adds a delicate, feminine touch.
10. Side Swept Curls
source@thebundleb
For a glamorous yet simple hairstyle, side-swept curls are an excellent choice. This look is easy to achieve and works for special occasions like weddings, parties, or date nights. Start by curling your hair with a large-barrel curling iron, then sweep all the curls to one side and secure with bobby pins. Adding a sparkly hair clip can elevate the style even more. If you’re looking for a thoughtful gift, a heat protectant spray or a professional curling iron would be a great addition to any hairstyling toolkit.
11. Braided Ponytail
source@ghanaianhairstyles
A braided ponytail combines the practicality of a ponytail with the intricate beauty of a braid. This style is perfect for days when you want to keep your hair off your face while still looking stylish. Start by gathering your hair into a high or low ponytail, then braid the length of the ponytail and secure it with a small elastic. You can choose from different braid styles like a classic three-strand, fishtail, or Dutch braid for a unique twist. If you’re shopping for a gift, a pack of clear elastic bands or a set of stylish ponytail holders would be a perfect pick.
12. Rope Braid
source@brownhairedbliss
The rope braid is a chic and easy alternative to traditional braids. It’s perfect for days when you’re in a rush but still want a polished look. Simply divide your ponytail into two sections, twist each section separately, and then twist them together in the opposite direction to create a rope-like effect. This hairstyle stays secure throughout the day and looks effortlessly stylish. A thoughtful gift for someone who loves this look is a set of strong-hold hair ties that prevent breakage.
13. Dutch Braid Pigtails
source@braidingbeautyb
For a playful yet practical hairstyle, Dutch braid pigtails are a great option. Unlike regular pigtails, Dutch braids create a raised, three-dimensional effect that adds texture and volume. This style works well for active days, workouts, or even a fun festival look. To create it, divide your hair down the middle and braid each section using the Dutch braiding technique. A great gift idea for this style is a detangling spray or a set of colorful hair ties that add a fun element to the look.
14. Waterfall Braid
source@wb_upstyles
The waterfall braid is a romantic and delicate hairstyle that looks intricate but is actually quite easy to create. This braid involves letting sections of hair cascade down as you weave the braid along the side of your head, creating a soft, flowing effect. It’s perfect for weddings, brunch dates, or just adding a touch of elegance to your everyday look. A thoughtful gift for someone who loves this hairstyle is a high-quality braiding comb or a set of pearl hairpins that enhance the style’s beauty.
15. Space Buns
source@dazzlinghaven
For a trendy and youthful hairstyle, space buns are a fantastic choice. This style involves splitting your hair into two sections and twisting each section into a high bun on either side of your head. Space buns can be sleek or messy, depending on the vibe you’re going for. You can also add glitter or hair accessories for a fun, festival-ready look. A great gift for someone who loves experimenting with hair trends is a set of decorative hair clips or scrunchies to personalize their space buns.
16. Sleek Straight Hair with Middle Part
source@slayologyco
Sometimes, simplicity is key. A sleek, straight hairstyle with a middle part exudes confidence and elegance. This style works best with a good-quality flat iron and a shine-enhancing serum to achieve a smooth, polished finish. If you want to elevate the look, tuck your hair behind your ears and add statement earrings. A wonderful gift for someone who loves this style is a high-end flat iron or a smoothing hair serum that controls frizz and adds shine.
17. Voluminous Blowout
source@glossedbyjillian
A salon-worthy blowout is one of the best ways to make long hair look bouncy, shiny, and full of life. You can achieve this look at home with a round brush and a blow dryer with a concentrator nozzle. The key is to blow-dry hair in sections, lifting at the roots for maximum volume. This style is perfect for a polished, put-together appearance. A fantastic gift idea is a professional blow-dry brush or a volumizing mousse that adds body to the hair.
18. Low Ponytail with a Twist
source@yesherstudio
A low ponytail may sound basic, but adding a simple twist can transform it into an elegant, sophisticated hairstyle. To achieve this look, tie your hair into a low ponytail, split the hair above the hair tie, and loop the ponytail through the gap for an effortlessly chic effect. This style is ideal for work, weddings, or casual outings. A great gift for someone who loves sleek styles is a satin scrunchie set that minimizes hair breakage while keeping ponytails secure.
19. French Twist
source@lizzglam_beauties
The French twist is a timeless and elegant updo that never goes out of style. This look is perfect for formal events, professional settings, or even a date night. To achieve it, gather your hair to one side, twist it upward, and secure it with bobby pins. It’s a sophisticated hairstyle that takes only minutes to create but looks incredibly polished. If you’re looking for the perfect gift, consider a set of high-quality hairpins or a strong-hold hairspray to keep the style in place all day.
20. Headband Braid
source@braidersteph
A headband braid is an easy way to add a touch of boho-chic elegance to your look. This style involves braiding a section of hair along your hairline and pinning it behind your ear, creating a headband effect. It’s a great way to keep hair off your face while still letting your long hair shine. This hairstyle works well with both straight and curly hair. A thoughtful gift idea is a stylish fabric headband or a set of decorative bobby pins that add a little extra charm.
