There’s a lot to love about long hair: it’s pretty, it’s attention-grabbing, and it lends itself well to a plethora of hairstyles. On the other hand, the longer your strands, the more time it can take to nail those intricate hairstyles (plus, as anyone with super-long hair knows, pulling a lengthy mane into an updo requires some serious arm strength).
Thankfully, there are plenty of easy hairstyles for long hair that won’t leave you feeling like arm day came early. If you need inspiration on that front, we’ve got it. We’re showcasing 38 of our favorite simple hairstyles for long hair, from simple five-minute updos to more detailed (but still achievable) braided looks and more. Find them all—plus a peek at our favorite products to keep your mermaid mane looking and feeling its best—ahead.
Good hair day by @cynthiaglam.
Messy Half-Up Ponytail
Show off your length and keep your hair off your face with a classic half-up hairstyle. Start by gathering your strands into a half ponytail at the crown of your head. Loosen the ponytail slightly to create a lived-in look, then pull out a few face-framing strands to complete the effect. Finish by working a leave-in treatment like Biolage Professional All-In-One Multi-Benefit Oil throughout your lengths and ends to fight frizz and give your five-minute ‘do a shiny finish.
Good hair day by @belladiva_clothing.
Ballerina Bun
Ballet buns are a simple hairstyle for long hair that look way more involved than they actually are. With the right tools on hand—namely, a boar-bristle brush, some hair ties, and a bit of hairspray—you can execute this chic style in under five minutes. If you need help getting there, we share a full tutorial on this elegant updo here.
Good hair day by @blushandmane.
Messy Low Bun
For those who love the ease of a bun but prefer a more laid-back look, there’s the messy low bun. To create this understated look, pull your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck, then twist the pony around itself to form a loose bun. Secure the bun with an elastic or bobby pins—just be sure to leave your ends out to nail that low-key, lived-in vibe.
Good hair day by @torielynnbliss.
Double Braided Updo
Give your go-to half-up style a twist (pun intended) by trading the ponytail for two chunky braids. Start by gathering the top layer of your hair and dividing it into two sections. Secure one section with a hair tie, then pick up the other section. Thread it through the first section, just above the hair tie, and weave the lengths into a classic three-strand braid. Then, remove the hair tie from the first section and create another three-strand braid. You should be left with a twisted half-up style that falls into two side-by-side braids. Add bows to the ends for the perfect finishing touch.
Good hair day by @sunniebrook.
Bubble Braid
When we think of cute hairstyles for long hair, the bubble braid always comes to mind. This playful take on a classic ponytail takes only minutes to achieve and gives any look a whimsical flair. Create it by gathering your hair into a high ponytail, then adding elastics at one- or two-inch intervals down the length of the ponytail to create a “bubble” effect. You can leave the look as-is or tie ribbons around each elastic for a girlier vibe.
Good hair day by @biolage.
Bombshell Waves
Long hair lends itself especially well to glam looks, and nothing is more glam than bombshell waves. Volume is the key to this vintage-inspired look, so we recommend prepping your strands with a volumizing treatment before styling. Try Biolage Professional Volume Bloom Styling Mousse, which adds body and bounce without weighing the hair down.
Good hair day by @shannonjjwilliams.
Down With a Headband
Washing long hair takes time, and sometimes, a full wash/dry/style just isn’t in the cards. Thankfully, you can hide oily roots easily with an elastic headband. Simply pull the headband to the front of your hairline and let your lengths fall naturally. The headband will mask your roots, keep your hair off your face, and give your look a sporty flair—all in less time than it’d take to dig out your dry shampoo.
Good hair day by @jasmincervellohmu.
Donut Bun
If you’re looking for a chic hairstyle that can easily transition from the office to dinner and drinks, consider the donut bun. This classic look is similar to the ballerina bun but with a bit more volume. Start by creating a ponytail at the back of your head and securing it with an elastic. Loosely twist the lengths around themselves to create a thick rope (the looser you twist, the thicker the rope), then wrap the rope around the base of your pony. Tuck the ends into the base of your first elastic and secure the donut with a second elastic to complete the look. Alternatively, you could just use a donut bun—these oversized foam elastics make nailing this chic look super simple.
Good hair day by @veronicainness.
Half-Up Bun
Give your classic topknot a boho vibe by leaving the bottom half of your hair out. This half-up bun is equal parts convenient (no hair in your face!) and cool, and takes just seconds to create. All you need is a brush and a hair tie—and depending on your hair type, even the brush may be optional.
Good hair day by @alexabeauty.touch.
Boxer Braid Pigtails
Refresh second (or third….or fourth) day hair by twisting your strands back into two side-by-side boxer braids. You can go the classic route, or secure your braids at the nape of your neck, then add elastics down the remaining length of your strands to create a bubble braid look.
Good hair day by @liplocd.
Locs Ponytail
Locs are among the most sought-after protective hairstyles because you can style them any number of ways. We’d be hard-pressed to pick a favorite, but if we had to, this high, bouncy ponytail would definitely make the list. To keep your updo free from frizz, make sure to smooth down your edges with gel (we recommend Mizani Artful Edges Edge Tamer for flake-free, long-lasting hold).
Good hair day by @lvickymhair.
Twisted Chignon
Chignons look complex, but in reality, they’re no more difficult to create than a messy bun or topknot. This is a particularly great hairstyle for long, thin hair, as your finer strands will prevent the chignon from becoming too bulky. Find a step-by-step tutorial for creating this elegant look here.
Good hair day by @glamjessxo.
Claw Clip Updo
We always keep a claw clip stashed in our bags—this versatile hair tool makes easy work out of creating an updo while on the go. Keep in mind, however, that the longer (and thicker) your hair, the bigger the clip will have to be to hold it all up.
Good hair day by @hairbyvalerien.
Silky Waves
Show off your length and lean into your glam side with sleek, bouncy waves. The only tool you’ll need to create this classic hairstyle is a large-barrel curling iron—just wrap two-inch sections of hair around the iron to create soft, touchable waves. Keep in mind that heat tools can cause damage, so we recommend prepping your hair with a heat protectant before styling. Try Kérastase Genesis Defense Thermique Heat Protectant Spray, which helps protect against heat damage and leaves hair silky, shiny, and smooth.
Good hair day by @allisonmariahair.
Twisted Half Updo
For a boho spin on a classic half-up style, skip the hair elastic—and ponytail. Instead, gather one-inch sections of hair from around your temples and twist them around themselves. Then, gather each twist at the back of your head to create a pseudo half updo and secure them with an oversized barrette.
Good hair day by @hannahhairuk.
French Waterfall Braid
We know we said that this was a roundup of easy hairstyles for long hair, and for the most part, it is. But we’d be remiss if we didn’t include this elegant braided look on the list. It features a sideways French braid that gently cascades into a loose three-strand twist with gentle waves throughout. If you’re not a braid pro, recruit a friend for this one—we promise the effort is worth it (especially for a special occasion).
Good hair day by @diamondsare4ever.
Two-Strand Twists
Lean into length and protect your natural hair with two-strand twists. Like locs, this chic protective style can be arranged in any number of hairstyles, but we love how it looks with a deep side part. If you find your scalp feeling tight or dry, reach for Mizani Scalp Care Soothing Scalp Lotion. The silicone-free formula contains eucalyptus, avocado oil, and aloe vera and provides relief from dryness and itching.
Good hair day by @denisesuzanne_.
Pin-Straight Strands
Sometimes, the simplest hairstyles are also the most impactful. Create this sleek, straight hair look by flat ironing your mane, then finger-combing a serum throughout to keep frizz at bay. Try Redken Frizz Dismiss Instant Deflate Oil-in-Serum—it offers up to 24 hours of frizz control for smooth, glossy strands.
Good hair day by @hairbyvilatourrr.
Pinned-Back Bangs
If you have 30 seconds and an oversized barette, you can create this classy look. Simply part your hair in the middle, then grab a one-inch section of hair from the temple on one side of your head. Pull it back to just under the crown of your head and loosely pin it in place with your barrette.
Good hair day by @this.afrothing.
Sleek Side Pony
While side ponies can work on lots of different hair lengths, we’d say they’re undoubtedly best for those with lengthy locks. To get the look, gather your hair into a ponytail at the nape of your neck just below your ear. Secure it with a hair tie, and if needed, use bobby pins to tuck away any strands that fall free from the elastic. You can wear this style no matter your texture, but it’s one of our favorite hairstyles for long curly hair because it allows you to show off your coils and ringlets in an unexpected way.
Good hair day by @yourmanegirl.jess.
Looped Fishtail Braid
ishtail braids look intricate, but in reality, they’re no more difficult to create than a French braid or even a three-strand braid (seriously—check out our tutorial). You can create a fishtail braid down the length of your hair, but we think ending it at the nape of your neck and looping the rest of your hair into a low bun puts an elegant spin on the otherwise bohemian style.
Good hair day by @tonyastylist.
Twisted Low Pony
Low ponytails are often considered low-effort hairstyles, but a chic, chignon-inspired twist detail lends the look an ultra-sophisticated vibe. Because this date night-ready updo requires a sleek finish, we recommend prepping your strands with a frizz-fighting leave-in like Pureology Smooth Perfection Smoothing Lotion before twisting your lengths into shape.
Good hair day by @_iconsalon.
Bouncy High Pony
There’s a trick to creating the perfect bouncy pony (and no, it’s not teasing your hair). Start by separating your hair horizontally into two roughly equal sections. Clip up the top section (we’ll come back to it later), then gather the bottom section into a high ponytail. You’ll want to secure it just below where you want your ponytail to actually lay. Then, unclip the top section and create another ponytail directly on top of the first. The underlying ponytail will “bump” up the top one, making it look as though your hair is way fuller and thicker than it actually is.
Good hair day by @shannonsarabridalhair.
French Roll
If you’re in need of an elegant updo fit for a special occasion, try the French roll (a slightly more relaxed take on the classic French twist). We’ll admit that this look isn’t quite as effortless as some of the others on our list, but it’s still a simple hairstyle for long hair that even beginners can achieve. Learn how here.
Good hair day by @hairbynoellelucy.
Boho Braids
There is no shortage of braid hairstyles for long hair, but beachy, windswept boho braids are definitely among our favorites. Replicate this laid-back look by parting your hair down the middle and weaving each section into a loose fishtail braid. There’s no need to be overly neat here—this look shines most when it’s a bit undone.
Good hair day by @lenadonchenko_hairstylist.
High Wrapped Ponytail
Wrapping your tired hair elastic with hair puts a sophisticated spin on an otherwise casual style. Amp up the chic factor by using Matrix Controller Gel to smooth down the front and keep flyaways at bay.
Good hair day by @mr_alexandrycosta.
Low Wrapped Pony
If high ponytails aren’t your thing, a low wrapped pony offers just as much elegance (and it’s just as easy to create). Simply part your hair in the middle, gather your strands into a ponytail at the nape of your neck, secure it with a hair tie, and wrap.
Good hair day by @ambi.lyn.
Bouncy Blowout
Bouncy blowouts and long hair are a match made in (hair) heaven. After washing and conditioning your hair as usual, generously mist your mane with Biolage Professional Hydra Source Blow Dry Shaping Lotion to help protect against heat damage and lock in moisture. Then, follow the tutorial shown above for a fresh-from-the-salon blowout minus the hit to your wallet.
Good hair day by @beyoutifulccc.
Springy Curls
Make your natural texture the star of the show by parting your hair down the middle and letting your coils run free (so to speak). If you’re prone to frizz or your ringlets have trouble keeping their shape, work Mizani True Textures Curl Enhancing Cream throughout your damp strands before blow drying with a diffuser. The moisturizing formula defines waves, curls, and coils without a crunchy or stiff feel.
Good hair day by @mizani.
Box Braid Pigtails
Locs aren’t the only protective style we’re head-over-heels for: box braids also have a place in our hearts. There are plenty of ways to style box braids, but right now, we’re loving this ‘90s-inspired look, which features two high pigtails placed on either side of the head, an inch or two above the ears.
Good hair day by @mr_alexandrycosta.
Faux Lob
If you’re considering a shorter cut but aren’t quite sure if you’re ready to take the plunge, test-drive the look with a faux lob. Start by gathering your hair into a very loose low bun, with the elastic placed towards the end of your hair (rather than flush against the scalp). Then, tuck the bun under itself so the knot lays against the nape of your neck. Secure the bun in place with bobby pins and pull out any shorter layers you have to create a lob-like shape, no scissors required.
Good hair day by @hairbyvilatourrr.
Criss-Cross Half Updo
Last but definitely not least, we have this minimalist look, which we’re calling the criss-cross half updo (if you can think of a better name, we’re all ears). This easy hairstyle for long hair is the epitome of high-impact, low-effort—all you need to get it done is the hair clip of your choosing. Start by taking a one to two-inch section of hair from just above each temple and bring both to meet at the back of your head. Cross one of the sections over the other to create an “x” shape, then secure it in place with your hair clip. That’s all there is to it.
Good hair day by @meganrosecolors.
Peekaboo Pastel Balayage
A unique style isn’t the only way to make your long hair stand out—you can also experiment with different colors and cuts (more on those shortly). If you’re not sure about coloring all of your hair, try peekaboo balayage. This technique allows the colored portion of your hair to be hidden when you’re wearing your strands down. We love how the lavender contrasts against the deep brunette here, but feel free to play around with any color that speaks to you.
Good hair day by @raphaelbarbosahair.
Voluminous Butterfly Cut
Long hair is gorgeous, but sometimes those luscious lengths can be heavy and fall flat. Lighten things up—without losing your length—by opting for a butterfly cut. This airy cut features soft, razor-cut layers that add body, movement, and bounce, and it’s a great way to get rid of excess weight without committing to a big chop.
Good hair day by @taylorjeanaehair.
Long With Air Bangs
Bangs are among the quickest (and easiest) ways to transform your look. If full-on fringe isn’t in the cards, try Korean air bangs. These lighter-than-air bangs frame your face beautifully but require minimal effort to style.
Good hair day by @jayne_edosalon.
Long Shag
While the shag cut is typically associated with shorter hair, the artfully undone look can easily be adapted for longer lengths, too. To nail this look, ask your stylist for long tapered fringe and choppy layers throughout your mid-lengths.
Good hair day by @_chelseatakespictures.
Layered with Curtain Bangs
If you find yourself wanting to switch up your go-to look but aren’t ready to part ways with several years of growth, consider asking your stylist for long layers and curtain bangs. You’ll get plenty of movement and the excitement of a totally new look, without having to sacrifice your length.
Good hair day by @matrixl.
Loose Layered Afro
You don’t have to keep your hair short to rock an afro. Instead, let your coils grow out, then have your hairstylist cut layers throughout. The layers will help add shape and movement to your style and remove unnecessary weight from your ends (it’s a win-win). We’re particularly fond of how a long layered afro looks when paired with a curly fringe, as pictured here.
Next Up: How To Try the Kitty Cut, the Viral ‘It-Girl’ Bob of the Year
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Header photo credit: @hannahhairuk
