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7 easy hairstyles for long hair, from the formal updo to wispy curtain bangs

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There’s a misconception that women with long hair need to spend hours agonizing over how to style their hair. But in reality, you can turn to numerous styles that take just minutes to put together without compromising on the way you look and feel when you walk out into public.

With this in mind, we asked our stylists to introduce 7 easy hairstyles for long hair, and they recommend the following seven styles that are disarmingly simple yet effortlessly stylish:

1. Easy formal updo

Are you looking for an easy updo hairstyle for long hair? Work your hair into a loose braid that runs to the center of your back. Then, tie it into a super simple knot that sits just above the neck.

This might be one of the simplest ways to wear your long hair in a knot, but it’s also elegant and sophisticated. As such it’s one of our favourite easy hairstyles for long hair for a wedding and is the perfect look when you need to be at your brilliant best.

Easy formal updo

Step-by-step guide:

Step 1. Brush hair back and braid loosely to mid-back.

Step 2. Tie braid into a soft knot above the neck.

Step 3. Tuck ends under and secure with pins.

Step 4. Loosen sections gently for volume and softness.

Step 5. Smooth flyaways with gel or light hairspray.

Step 6. Add elegant pins.

2. Low double buns

Hairstyles for long hair that are easy don’t come much simpler than low double buns. This is a bohemian look that is ideal for sophisticated women who need a formal hairdo with minimal hassle.

The low buns should be symmetrical, and you can tie them together in a minimalist band. If you’re attending a wedding, finish the buns with some shiny accessories to elevate the look.

Low double buns

Step-by-step guide:

Step 1. Part your hair down the middle evenly.

Step 2. Create two low ponytails near the nape.

Step 3. Twist each ponytail into a small bun.

Step 4. Secure each bun with pins or elastics.

Step 5. Adjust buns for symmetry and volume.

Step 6. Add accessories for a wedding look.

3. Fishtail braid

We love the fishtail braid and recommend it as one of our favorite cute and easy hairstyles for long hair. To achieve this look, brush your wet hair to one side and start braiding. Create two sections and crisscross the hair. Make sure the braids are tight, which is the signature look of fishtail braids, and apply some hairspray to finish, which will hold the fishtail braid in place. Again, if you’re attending a wedding, you can add hair accessories for added glam.

Step-by-step guide:

Fishtail braid

Step 1. Brush hair to one side and smooth out.

Step 2. Split hair into two equal sections.

Step 3. Take a small piece from one section.

Step 4. Cross it over and add to the other section.

Step 5. Repeat crossing until you reach the end.

Step 6. Tie, spray, and accessorize.

4. Messy bun

For a carefree and cute easy hairstyle for long hair, look no further than the messy bun. Pile your hair on the top of your head and arrange it in a casual, messy bun for one of the easiest hairstyles. A great way to wear this look is to slick it back at the front, leaving a few tendrils loose to drop down to your eyeline. Note that the messy bun works for medium-long hair.

Messy bun

Step-by-step guide:

Step 1. Gather hair into a high ponytail.

Step 2. Twist the ponytail loosely into a bun.

Step 3. Secure bun with pins or a hair tie.

Step 4. Pull out a few face-framing tendrils.

Step 5. Tug bun for volume and messiness.

Step 6. Slick back front with gel for contrast.

5. Simple knotted pony

We couldn’t possibly introduce quick and easy hairstyles for long hair without throwing the ponytail into the mix. Adding one or two additional knots to your pony is a brilliant way to style a classic pony with something a little different, as it’s such an easy look.

Depending on the length of your hair, you can go for two or three simple knots beneath the pony for a sophisticated look that is as stylish as it is simple.

Simple knotted pony

Step-by-step guide:

Step 1. Tie hair into a low or mid ponytail.

Step 2. Split the ponytail into two even sections.

Step 3. Tie a loose knot with the two sections.

Step 4. Add a second knot if hair length allows.

Step 5. Secure the ends with a clear elastic band.

Step 6. Tug knots to add volume and softness.

6. Curtain bangs

Easy and cool hairstyles for long hair are perfectly exemplified by timeless curtain bangs. When done correctly, curtain bangs frame your face, bringing out your best features.

We love them because they’re super low-maintenance and help you show off your fringe. For the best results, find your hair’s natural parting and work the curtain bangs to either side. You can wear this look down to or even beyond your shoulders, depending on your length.

Curtain bangs

Step-by-step guide:

Step 1. Find your natural center or off-center part.

Step 2. Dampen bangs slightly for easy shaping.

Step 3. Blow-dry bangs using a round brush outward.

Step 4. Curve each side away from your face.

Step 5. Use fingers to separate and style.

Step 6. Set with light hairspray.

7. Low side bun

Journey back to the Jazz Age with easy 1920s hairstyles for long hair. Our favorite look of an era that gave us the Great Gatsby is the low, side bun, which will help you look like a 1920s movie star.

Granted, this isn’t a look that will suit women with super long hair, but it’s a medium-length style that is super sophisticated and sleek. Finish it off with a shimmering accessory to keep the side bun in place for a movie star look.

Low side bun

Step-by-step guide:

Step 1. Part hair to the side and smooth it.

Step 2. Gather hair into a low side ponytail.

Step 3. Twist the ponytail into a loose bun.

Step 4. Secure bun with bobby pins all around.

Step 5. Smooth flyaways with or hairspray.

Step 6. Add a sparkly clip.

Simple styling tips for easy long hair

So, how do you look after your long hair to ensure it’s effortlessly chic and sophisticated? Here are some simple styling tips to bear in mind:

  • Always keep a scrunchie on hand to pin your hair into a pony. If you’re having a bad hair day or want to achieve a simple style at any time, work your hair into a pony for an easy and stylish look that requires very little thought.

  • Frizz is the enemy of long hair, so you need to be mindful of how you dry it. Using an ionic hair dryer like the Laifen Swift Special eliminates frizz and helps you achieve sleek, polished hair that you can work into any of the styles introduced above. Read up to how to blow out long hair properly.

Laifen Swift reduces hair styling to half the time!!

  • Don’t let your long hair dry out, and make sure you’re using hydrating products. Avoid harmful chemicals like sulfates in your chosen shampoo, and invest in a leave-in conditioner to keep your hair hydrated.

  • Before going to bed at night, wrap your hair in a bandana to protect it from friction. Even better, switch to satin pillow cases to prevent breakage as you sleep at night.

Final words

There are so many ways to wear your long hair, and you don’t need to spend hours in front of the mirror to achieve an effortless look. From a simple pony to a messy bun, there are numerous ways to wear your long hair to show off your style.

Be sure to consider our simple styling tips regardless of the look that you go for, so you can keep your beautiful long hair hydrated and fizz-free before you fashion it into a style you can be proud of.

FAQs

Q1: What are easy 1920s hairstyles for long hair?

Try a low side bun, faux bob, or finger waves with a sparkly headband for instant 1920s glam.

Q2: What are easy 1930s hairstyles for long hair?

Soft waves, side-swept styles, and low chignons with vintage clips give a classy 1930s look.

Q3: What are easy 1940s hairstyles for long hair?

Victory rolls paired with a low bun or soft curls create a bold, retro 1940s vibe.

Q4: What are easy 1950s hairstyles for long hair?

Go for curled ponytails, side-swept waves, or a half-up beehive with a bow.

Q5: How to make easy hairstyles at home?

Use basic tools to create buns, braids, and ponytails, then accessorize for style.

Kaedryn Thornvale
Kaedryn’s journey started behind the salon chair and evolved into a keyboard. With firsthand experience in styling and product testing, she brings a real-world edge to everything she writes. Her content is practical, personal, and always on-point.
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