15 Easy Hairstyles for Long Hair (5-Minute Styles for 2025)
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By Sophia Williams
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Long hair is beautiful, but styling it can sometimes feel like a chore, especially on busy mornings. The good news? You don't need to be a professional stylist or spend hours in front of the mirror to create gorgeous looks. In this guide, we'll show you 15 easy hairstyles for long hair that take just 5 minutes or less to create. These quick styles work for all hair types and are perfect for everything from casual days to special occasions.
Whether you're rushing to work, heading to a special event, or just want to switch up your look, these easy hairstyles for long hair will save you time while keeping you looking stylish. We've included options for every skill level, from beginner-friendly styles to slightly more advanced techniques that still qualify as quick and easy.
Table of Contents
- Quick Tips for Styling Long Hair
- 1. The Perfect Messy Bun
- 2. Half-Up Half-Down Twist
- 3. Side Braid with Volume
- 4. Sleek High Ponytail
- 5. Elegant Low Bun
- 6. Bubble Ponytail
- 7. Twisted Crown Braid
- 8. Space Buns
- 9. Twisted Ponytail
- 10. Sleek Topknot
- 11. Easy Fishtail Braid
- 12. Twisted Headband Updo
- 13. Side-Swept Waves
- 14. Knotted Half-Up Style
- 15. Styling with Hair Accessories
- Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Tips for Styling Long Hair
Before we dive into specific easy hairstyles for long hair, here are some essential tips that will make styling much easier:
- Prep your hair: Many easy hairstyles work best with day-old hair that has some texture. If your hair is freshly washed, add some dry shampoo or texturizing spray.
- Keep essential tools handy: Bobby pins, hair ties, a teasing comb, and hairspray are must-haves for quick styling.
- Master the basics: If you can do a simple braid, ponytail, and twist, you can create countless variations.
- Embrace imperfection: Many of these styles look better with a bit of messiness and texture.
Pro Tip
Keep a small emergency styling kit in your bag with mini hairspray, bobby pins, and a small brush for quick touch-ups throughout the day.
Now let's explore our collection of easy hairstyles for long hair, starting with the versatile messy bun that works for any occasion.
1. The Perfect Messy Bun
The messy bun is a classic for a reason—it's incredibly versatile and takes just minutes to create. It works for casual days, workouts, or even dressed up for special occasions.
The Perfect Messy Bun
This effortless-looking style is perfect for casual days or when you're in a hurry. The key is to embrace the messiness!
How to Style:
- Gather your hair into a high ponytail, but don't pull the hair all the way through on the last wrap of the hair tie.
- This creates a loop of hair. Spread the loop around the hair tie to create the bun shape.
- Take the tail that's hanging and wrap it around the base of the bun, securing with bobby pins.
- Gently tug on sections of the bun to create volume and that perfect "messy" look.
- Pull out a few face-framing pieces for a softer appearance.
- Finish with a light mist of hairspray to hold everything in place.
Styling Tip
The best easy hairstyles for long hair often involve simple techniques like twisting, braiding, or pinning. These basic methods can be combined in countless ways to create styles that look complex but are actually quite simple.
2. Half-Up Half-Down Twist
This style gives you the best of both worlds—your hair is partially up and out of your face, but you still get to show off your length. It's perfect for work, school, or casual outings.
Half-Up Half-Down Twist
This elegant yet simple style keeps hair out of your face while showcasing your length. It works for any occasion!
How to Style:
- Take two sections of hair from each side of your face.
- Twist each section away from your face.
- Bring the twisted sections to the back of your head and secure with a small clear elastic or bobby pins.
- For extra volume, gently tug on the twisted sections to loosen them slightly.
- Optional: Add a decorative clip or small flowers where the twists meet.
3. Side Braid with Volume
A side braid is a timeless style that works for any occasion. This version adds volume for a more modern, romantic look that's perfect for date nights or casual outings.
Side Braid with Volume
This romantic style looks complicated but is actually quite simple. The key is creating volume before braiding.
How to Style:
- Add texture to your hair with dry shampoo or texturizing spray.
- Gently tease the crown area for volume.
- Sweep all your hair to one side and divide into three sections.
- Create a standard three-strand braid, keeping it loose as you go.
- Secure with a small elastic that matches your hair color.
- Gently pull on the edges of the braid to create more volume and width.
4. Sleek High Ponytail
Never underestimate the power of a good ponytail. This elevated version looks polished and put-together, perfect for work or when you want to look more professional.
Sleek High Ponytail
This classic style is perfect for a polished, professional look or for keeping hair off your neck on hot days.
How to Style:
- Brush your hair thoroughly to remove any tangles.
- Flip your head upside down and gather your hair at the crown of your head.
- Secure with a strong elastic, making sure it's tight.
- Take a small section of hair from the ponytail and wrap it around the elastic to hide it.
- Secure the wrapped section with a bobby pin underneath the ponytail.
- Apply a small amount of hair serum to the ponytail for extra shine.
5. Elegant Low Bun
A low bun exudes sophistication and elegance. It's perfect for formal events, work meetings, or anytime you want to look put-together with minimal effort.
Elegant Low Bun
This sophisticated style works for both formal occasions and professional settings. It looks complex but comes together quickly.
How to Style:
- Brush your hair and gather it at the nape of your neck.
- Twist the hair around itself to form a bun shape.
- Secure with bobby pins, inserting them in different directions for better hold.
- For a more polished look, use a fine-tooth comb to smooth any flyaways.
- Finish with hairspray for all-day hold.
Styling Tip
For most of these styles, slightly dirty hair works better than freshly washed hair. If your hair is clean, add some dry shampoo or texturizing spray to give it more grip.
6. Bubble Ponytail
The bubble ponytail is a fun, trendy style that looks much more complicated than it actually is. It's perfect for festivals, parties, or anytime you want to add some playfulness to your look.
Bubble Ponytail
This playful style creates a series of "bubbles" along your ponytail for a fun, festival-ready look that stands out.
How to Style:
- Create a high ponytail and secure with an elastic.
- Add another elastic about 2 inches down from the first one.
- Gently pull at the hair between the two elastics to create a "bubble" effect.
- Continue adding elastics and creating bubbles down the length of your ponytail.
- For extra flair, pull a few strands loose around your face.
7. Twisted Crown Braid
This bohemian-inspired style looks intricate but is actually just a series of simple twists. It's perfect for special occasions or when you want to feel a bit more dressed up.
Twisted Crown Braid
This bohemian-inspired style creates a beautiful crown effect around your head without requiring actual braiding skills.
How to Style:
- Part your hair down the middle.
- Take a section of hair from just above your ear on one side.
- Twist this section away from your face, gradually adding more hair as you go (similar to a French braid but twisting instead).
- Continue twisting around the back of your head.
- Repeat on the other side, then secure both twisted sections together with bobby pins.
8. Space Buns
Space buns are playful, fun, and perfect for festivals, concerts, or casual weekends. This 90s-inspired style has made a huge comeback and is surprisingly easy to create.
Space Buns
This playful, festival-ready style is perfect for showing off your personality while keeping hair off your neck.
How to Style:
- Part your hair down the middle from forehead to nape.
- Create a high ponytail on each side of your head.
- Twist each ponytail and wrap it around its base to form a bun.
- Secure each bun with bobby pins or a small elastic.
- Gently tug on the buns to add volume and create a messier look.
- Optional: Pull out a few face-framing strands for a softer appearance.
9. Twisted Ponytail
This elevated take on the classic ponytail adds visual interest and elegance with minimal effort. It's perfect for work, dates, or anytime you want to look put-together quickly.
Twisted Ponytail
This elegant upgrade to a basic ponytail looks sophisticated but takes just minutes to create.
How to Style:
- Divide your hair into two equal sections horizontally (top and bottom).
- Secure the top section with a clip to keep it out of the way temporarily.
- Create a ponytail with the bottom section at the middle of your head.
- Release the top section and divide it into two parts.
- Twist each part away from your face and bring them around the ponytail.
- Secure the twisted sections with bobby pins underneath the ponytail.
10. Sleek Topknot
The topknot is a chic, modern style that works for everything from workouts to formal events. This version is sleek and polished, perfect for when you need to look put-together in a hurry.
Sleek Topknot
This polished style works for both casual and formal occasions. The high placement creates an elegant, face-lifting effect.
How to Style:
- Apply a small amount of hair gel or serum to tame flyaways.
- Brush your hair into a high ponytail at the crown of your head.
- Secure with an elastic, making sure it's tight and smooth.
- Twist the ponytail around its base to form a bun.
- Secure with bobby pins, tucking in any loose ends.
- Finish with hairspray for a sleek, polished look.
11. Easy Fishtail Braid
The fishtail braid looks intricate but is actually quite simple once you learn the technique. It's perfect for casual days, beach outings, or adding a bohemian touch to any outfit.
Easy Fishtail Braid
This intricate-looking braid is actually simpler than it appears and creates a beautiful bohemian style.
How to Style:
- Gather your hair to one side and divide it into two equal sections.
- Take a small strand from the outside of the left section and cross it over to join the right section.
- Then take a small strand from the outside of the right section and cross it over to join the left section.
- Continue this pattern all the way down, keeping the braid tight as you go.
- Secure with a small elastic at the end.
- Gently tug on the edges of the braid to create more volume and texture.
12. Twisted Headband Updo
This elegant style uses your own hair to create a beautiful headband effect. It's perfect for special occasions or when you want to add a touch of sophistication to your look.
Twisted Headband Updo
This romantic style creates a natural headband with your own hair while keeping the rest of your locks elegantly secured.
How to Style:
- Take a 2-inch section of hair from behind one ear.
- Twist this section away from your face and bring it across the front of your head like a headband.
- Secure with bobby pins behind the opposite ear.
- Gather the remaining hair (including the end of the twist) into a low bun or ponytail.
- Secure with an elastic and bobby pins as needed.
- Gently tug on the twisted section to add volume and softness.
13. Side-Swept Waves
This glamorous yet effortless style is perfect for date nights, parties, or anytime you want to channel old Hollywood vibes without spending hours on your hair.
Side-Swept Waves
This glamorous style works best with hair that already has some wave or texture to it. The side-swept look creates instant elegance.
How to Style:
- Create a deep side part using a comb.
- Apply texturizing spray or dry shampoo for grip and volume.
- Gently tease the crown area for height.
- Sweep all your hair to one side, over your shoulder.
- Secure with a decorative clip or bobby pins on the opposite side if needed.
- Finish with a light mist of hairspray to hold the style in place.
14. Knotted Half-Up Style
This modern take on the half-up style uses simple knots instead of braids or twists. It's perfect for adding visual interest to your look with minimal effort.
Knotted Half-Up Style
This modern style uses simple knots instead of braids for a unique half-up look that stands out from the crowd.
How to Style:
- Take a small section of hair from each temple.
- Tie these two sections into a simple knot at the back of your head.
- Tie a second knot with the same sections for security.
- Secure with a small clear elastic or bobby pins.
- Gently tug on the knot to loosen it slightly for a more relaxed look.
- Optional: Add a small decorative clip or pins for extra flair.
15. Styling with Hair Accessories
Hair accessories can add a touch of elegance and personality to your hairstyles. Here are some tips for using them effectively:
- Clip-ins: Clip-ins can be a quick and easy way to add volume or change the style of your hair.
- Barrettes: Use barrettes to secure loose strands or to add a pop of color.
- Headbands: Headbands can add a polished touch to your look and keep hair off your face.
- Scrunchies: Scrunchies can be used to create a messy bun or to hold a topknot in place.
- Bows: Bows can add a feminine touch to your hairstyles and can be used as a decorative accessory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the easiest hairstyles to do with long hair?
The easiest hairstyles for long hair include the messy bun, high ponytail, half-up half-down twist, and simple side braid. These styles require minimal skill and can be completed in under 5 minutes, making them perfect for beginners or busy mornings.
How can I make my easy hairstyles for long hair last all day?
To make your easy hairstyles for long hair last longer, start with day-old hair that has some texture, use quality hair ties and bobby pins, and finish with a light mist of hairspray. For styles like braids or twists, adding a bit of texturizing spray before styling can help provide grip and longevity.
What if my hair is too layered for some of these styles?
Layered hair can actually add beautiful dimension to many of these styles! If shorter layers fall out, simply secure them with extra bobby pins or embrace the soft, face-framing pieces. Texturizing spray can also help give shorter layers more grip.
How can I add more volume to these hairstyles?
For more volume, try teasing the hair at the crown before styling, using volumizing products at the roots, or gently "pancaking" braids and twists by carefully pulling at the edges to widen them.
These 15 easy hairstyles for long hair demonstrate that you don't need complicated techniques or expensive tools to look polished and put-together. With just a few minutes and some basic hair accessories, you can transform your long locks into stunning styles for any occasion.
Ready to Try These Easy Hairstyles for Long Hair?
Having long hair doesn't mean you're stuck with limited styling options or complicated routines. These 15 quick and easy hairstyles prove that you can have beautiful, varied looks without spending hours in front of the mirror.
Remember, practice makes perfect! The more you try these styles, the quicker and easier they'll become. Don't be afraid to add your own personal touch to make each style uniquely yours.
What's your go-to quick hairstyle for long hair? Share your favorites and styling tips in the comments below!
Check out this link to try on various hairstyles virtually: AI Hairstyle Generator
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