Do you enjoy doing things yourself and need a hairstyle that fits your hands-on lifestyle? You’ve come to the right article! We will cover 30 practical hairstyles for women who enjoy DIY work. We will help keep your hair out of your face and off your neck while creating functional updos, and inspirational hairstyles. You will be able to relax your hair for some of these looser hairstyles that will fit your different projects.
Every so often in my chair, I’ll have a client say something like, ‘I just need it out of my way,’ and then ask me to make it look nice. I’ve always thought, what’s the rationale behind those ideas being so different? I’ve seen some of the most gorgeous hair mid-project, paint on their hands, sawdust in the air, and not thinking about their hair because it was doing what it needed to do.
I remember a few years back I had a client whose hobby was restoring old furniture. One time she came in with an incredible self made updo that utilized two pencils and a hair tie. The updo was way more impressive than the ones I’ve seen in magazines and stuck with me. I’ve figured out that the updos that are most impressive are the ones that look the simplest because they allow for movement instead of being stiff. That’s exactly what this collection is for. Thirty different hairstyles that are all secure and comfortable, and still leave you with something that you’ll want to look in the mirror for when you walk past one.
#1: Low Wrapped Ponytail with S-Shaped Waves and Face-Framing Tendril
This look is polished without being too over-the-top. The kind of polished that makes people think you spent hours preparing when it really only took a few minutes. This ponytail hits right at the nape and the section wrapped around the hair tie is a great touch. A hair tie just can’t cut it. My favorite part is the face framing tendril. It really balances everything out in the middle of the face and don’t worry, it helps keep everything polished and not fussy. If you have naturally wavy hair, that is great. If not, use a 1 inch curling iron to achieve those S-bends. The wrapped piece should be pinned diagonally so it doesn’t come undone in the middle of the day.
#2: Tapered Face-Framing Tendrils With High Textured Bun
The more I think about this hairstyle, the more I appreciate how much the tendrils do. They are point-cut and tapered so they integrate into the style instead of feeling like an afterthought that fell out of a bun. The bun has the crown area that looks “undone” and “voluminous” and that just gives off such an effortless vibe. Well, I guess it’s still some effort because the volume has to be built on purpose. If your hair is on the thick side, you will most probably be able to create this style easily. If your hair is finer, then I would suggest using a bit of volumizing powder at the roots before pulling your hair up. It will help to create more body in your bun.
#3: High Twisted Rope Bun with Sleek Laid Edges and Burgundy Tint
Neatly laid edges give that impression that every single hair strand was intentionally placed. For protective styles, high rope buns are great because you won’t have to worry about your hair until you take it down at night. The subtle burgundy at the hairline adds just the right amount of warmth to reflect light. The wrap is designed to sit close to the rest of the style without being bulky because it is made from flat cornrows or a secure base pony. The only thing I would say is to be truthful about the tension. If it is tight when you are putting it on, then it is tight and it’s worth asking for a softer hand especially around the edges where you will want the edge control to do more work, not the pulling.
#4: Clean Center Part Dutch Boxer Braids with Bronde Ends
I usually think hair looks better at the end of the day when it has settled into place, and that goes for boxer braids too. The braids look really neat, the middle part is even, and the Dutch technique adds a nice 3D effect that lays really well against the head. The blended bronzed color at the ends also helps to show the individual braids better instead of the color all blending into one. The look is really secured so you can do anything active, which is the whole point.
#5: Sleek High Rolled Knot With Deep Chestnut Accent
The chestnut color wrapping around the knot adds elegance to the bun and makes it stand out. It also hides the hairpins and creates a nice swirl in the center which adds movement to the bun. For this bun to stand out, ideally you’ll want mid-back length hair. A good pomade and a boar-bristle brush are needed to achieve the sleek look. The gloss will soften on humid days, but under the right conditions this style will give a polished look with very little effort.
#6: Sleek Center-Part Feed-In Braids with Laid Baby Hairs
Feed-in braids are my favorite because they have a seamless start. It makes it look like the braid is growing out of the scalp. These braids are a mid-chest length and have a glossy low-bulk finish, which is due to the meticulous hand-tied extension blending and micro-parting at the crown. These braids are ideal for people who want to have their hair fully out of their face for several days. The only thing to mention to whoever is doing the installation is perimeter tension. It is better to have looser spacing around the hairline for some long-term protective styles, so it is definitely a good idea to ask for that.
#7: Loose Twisted Side Rope Braid with Knotted Nape
This style just seems like you threw your hair to the side without giving it a second thought, but there’s a bit more to it. The messy nape of the neck conceals the elastic and makes it a bit more polished, which is the detail that makes it more than a basic ponytail. The lights and balayage in the twist will reflect the light, and if your hair is on the finer side, a little texturizing spray will be a boost.
#8: Brushed Blonde Half-Up Loop with Face-Framing Money Piece
The money piece and bright face-framing strands against the darker underlayer provide the gentle contrast that the half-up style really highlights. A loop as opposed to a tight bun is such a good option! It keeps the hair off the face without going for a full updo and sits at the back nicely without any tightness. The balayage grows out at a low maintenance level so you won’t be chasing root touch ups every couple of weeks! For the waves you will need a 1-inch curling iron and some texturizing spray, but once set the waves will hold their shape all day with very little fuss!
#9: Sleek Side-Part Low Ponytail with Sculpted S-Waves
A low ponytail has a touch of elegance and this one captures this perfectly. Definition is brought with the side part and the smoothing of the side sections. The wrap-banded base adds that polished touch rather than thrown together. I find the nape’s micro layering so interesting! Most people probably wouldn’t even notice this detail, but it is what allows the wrap to sit fully flat against the head without any bulk. For someone who documents their work, it is crucial that the S-waves are looking good in the photos. The waves are also set with a heating tool, which is why they look this good.
#10: Half-Up Rosette Knot with Balayage S-Waves
The rosette may look difficult but all it is, is a twist that has been pinned at the right spot. This one is a little bit off center, and the S-waves coming out of it help keep it a little more relaxed and less formal. The balayage is beautiful, and the waves help showcase it in a way that flat hair just doesn’t. It is all working here with the color and the styling. This is ideal for straight to wavy hair that is fine to medium density. A lightweight hairspray will keep the rosette from coming undone too much, and will really help keep everything in order.
#11: Soft Twisted Low Chignon With Subtle Lowlights
For some reason, a low chignon worn at the nape of the neck looks the best, as if that is the natural resting place for the hair when it is in a pensive mood. This style has a little backcombing at the crown for extra lift, as well as diagonal pin tucks that provide shape without being overly structured. The internal lowlights woven into the twist may not be immediately obvious, but they provide the style with all of its dimension. The twist without the lowlights could be considered flat, but with them, the architectural design of the twist is revealed. The face framing tendrils do need a small barrel iron to give them their shape, but that is the only effort this style asks from you.
#12: Sleek Rolled Donut Topknot with Glitter Bow
I’m loving all the purposeful funness in this look! A donut topknot is classic! The high pony is done with a donut insert to create that perfectly round shape, and the glitter bow just seals the deal. I think it’s super flattering to have the clean tuck at the nape creating a faux bob under the bun! You’re going to need some actual length to fill out the donut shape properly, and to achieve a smooth look (without crunch at the bun) some light hold gel is a must. Just keep an eye on scalp tension; it’s a naturally tight style so be sure to take breaks in between.
#13: Sleek High Topknot with Wrapped Highlighted Strand
The lighter section of the hair which is wound around the base of the topknot is a small detail, but completely changes the style. It hides the elastic, but most importantly adds a pop of color that makes the bun more aesthetically pleasing rather than just functional. The higher placement is more flattering for longer face shapes as it adds some vertical interest and draws attention to the cheekbone area. The style is simple, but with good gel and some long-stem pins you can keep it looking good. If you plan on wearing it often, make sure you give your hairline a break.
#14: Sleek Low French Twist With Pastel Butterfly Claw
The French Twist hairstyle is my favorite, and in my opinion, it is the most underrated everyday hairstyle. The common misconception is that the style is only meant for more formal events, but luxury hairstyles are also some of the fastest styles to create! With the right clip, they stay in place without the use of any pins or hair accessories. This pastel butterfly clip gives you the luxury of not having to use a pin to hold the roll in place, and makes it possible to do this style in the car before you walk into your destination! Luxury hairstyles work best on straight or slightly wavy hair that is medium to long, and the only hair type that may have issues is very thick or highly textured layered hair, as those may not hold the roll as well. However, if you use the right hair type, this style is the ideal style for you! This hairstyle looks like it takes 5 minutes to create, but the best part is that is literally only takes 2 minutes!
#15: Wrapped Low Ponytail With Ribboned Ash-Beige Highlights
I noticed the ponytail that has ribbon and highlight accents coming through the ponytail. I think it’s really cool how the highlights wave through the bends of the ponytail and make each dip feel like a separate moment. I would say that the low ponytail that wraps around mid-back is pretty standard, but of course, the color work is less ordinary and shows creativity. For someone who prefers building to sitting in a salon for hours, the root-melt ash-beige is the best choice as it’s low maintenance and forgiving with regrowth. The soft, framing face tendrils are just loose enough to keep the style from looking too severe.
#16: Twisted Bouffant Into Textured Low Curly Ponytail
This ponytail stands out because the added height at the crown. Without this detail, it would simply be a nice curly ponytail, but this creates a shape that is intentional and classy. The added crown volume helps to balance out oval and heart shapes faces. The neat tucks and wrapped elastic are polished, and the textured ends with balayage create movement that straight ends would lack. If you have naturally wavy or curly hair, you’ll want to use a diffuser rather than a traditional styling tool for this look. Simply guide your hair and let the texture do its thing.
#17: Diagonal Feed-In Cornrows Converging Into High Ponytail
The design features very much shine on this style! The way detailed sections finish into the ponytail really shows off the artistry of this style beyond a braid. On active days when you’re using your hands and moving around a lot, this sporty protective style is just what you need to keep everything locked in. The elevated ponytail adds nice drama to the look! Just a note, feed-in cornrows can only be as good as the tension they’re installed with, so be sure your braider knows how to keep them tight without hurting you, and keep your scalp moisturized between wears with light oil.
#18: Glossy Chestnut Multi-Bubble Ponytail with Seamless Sectioning
Bubble ponytails have a nostalgic vibe and an uplifting energy that I feel people overlook, which is probably why I started with one. The key here is in the teasing, and so it’s best to do each section separately. You want just enough teasing inside each section to make it puffy, and then keep the elastics at a low tension with each section so that you can wear this comfortably all day. The amount of volume this style creates is really impressive considering it uses no heat at all.
#19: Textured Platinum Crown Braid Into Low Voluminous Pony
Crown braids are great for framing your face and combining that look with a Dutch braid that crosses over the crown and then feeds into a low voluminous pony gives an excellent mixed look. The root shadow showing through the platinum gives a depth that makes the pattern of the braid standout, and the hair wrapped elastic at the base is a nice detail. When it is fresh with waves set, platinum maintenance has a subtle dramatic effect and the periodic toning is just part of the look.
#20: Voluminous Pull-Through Loop Braid on Long Dark Brown Hair
When I look at this braid, I notice the scale first, and the uniform tubing bubble that runs all the way down to the waist is a product of a lot of horizontal pancaking and spaced out invisible elastics. That sort of pull-through technique gives the volume one would associate with extensions, but all of that is her natural density. Because this is a pull-through technique, it means that this isn’t actually a braid, but rather sections that have been looped and pulled over each other, and with really thick hair it stays very well with minimal product. While this may be more challenging with fine hair since it can be a more slippery, it is also the type of hair that helps make this one of the most secure styles, and when it finally does come out, it will result in beautiful waves.
#21: Brushed-Back Twisted Low Ponytail with Long Layered Ends
The look is not overdone and still looks good. The twist with the elastic at th top adds a lift, the longer pieces look nice and modern, and beige blonde is a lovely contemporary color. This is a ponytail you could wear out for dinner with friends, or do a weekend project at home, and it suits both. The only thing it asks of you is the structure. A small internal cinch or hidden elastic above the main one is going to stop the whole thing from slowly sliding down all day.
#22: Chunky Sectioned Bubble Ponytail with Caramel Balayage
The caramel balayage is very pretty with the bubble ponytail hairstyle. The way each bubble captures a different color concentration makes the warm tones shift as the bubbles go down. I also like the medium offset stacking; it is more organic than perfectly aligned bubbles. It is also a lot more wearable than costume-y. I’d say it works best on medium to high density hair, but if yours is finer, a little backcombing inside each section will help it read as fuller.
#23: Soft Twisted Half-Up on a Curled Lob
Lobs can feel sort of in-between: not short enough to be fun and free, but not long enough to do anything substantial. This soft twisted half up however, proves that isn’t the case, as the body is made from the barrel curled ends and natural waves. The twists take enough hair off the face to open everything up, while still leaving that movement that makes a lob feel fun. If you have a crown cowlick, this style actually works in your favor since it adds volume exactly where you would want it.
#24: Polished Half-Up Wrapped Knot with Ash Blonde Balayage
It is nice to keep the knot looking small and neat. It keeps the piece from being too bridal and firmly in everyday wear. The slight coverage of the elastic is an excellent finishing detail that, although it may take an extra 30 seconds, really changes the entire look. The ashy beige balayage, combined with the lowlights, is really stunning in this half-up style because it is so multi-dimensional. It allows you to see the surface color and the depth all at once. It is a style I’d recommend to someone who wants to look polished without spending an entire morning at the mirror.
#25: Sleek Low Wrapped Bun with Caramel Face-Framing Balayage
I especially love the handmade barrette because it adds personalization to a low bun. The bun is simple and neat, and the caramel pieces that frame the face fall forward to soften the complexion. It’s easy to do, which is important, and the balayage placement is just right so that it shows up the color most when the rest of the hair is up. If you like DIY accessories, this is a style that really becomes a canvas for whatever you’ve made, and the bun holds it all together.
#26 Textured Copper Shag with Curtain Bangs and Top Knot
I always love when I see a person with copper hair, a warm skin tone, and freckles! Something about warm tones and copper hair is such a cool combo! The shag cut has been layered with a razor technique to make it more light and airy. The curtain bangs are just enough to be a distraction, but not too much! The top knot is functional because it gets the hair out of the way so the bangs can take the focus. The real tea about copper is it will fade way faster than most tones, so in-between services, it is imperative to use a color-depositing mask! You’re gonna have to style the bangs every morning, but once you get into the groove of it, it will be second nature!
#27: Pancaked Dutch Braid with Ash Blonde Shadow Root
Achieving a perfectly pancaked Dutch braid might look easy, but it requires some technique and some control. Finding that perfect balance is key so that the braid does not look broken and isn’t just a basic braid. Luckily, this braid got that balance spot on. The braid also goes from shadow root to ash-blonde which gives the braid a lot of depth at the scalp and with the lighter ends, the brush weave pattern will stand out even more. Starting the Dutch braid at the crown gives the most structural support and combined with the shatter pancaking braid, it looks like it spans even wider. A light spritz of a texturizing spray at the end leaves the braid loops flexible rather than stiff which is just enough to keep them perfect. It’s a style that improves with some wear.
#28. Warm Copper Half-Up Knot With Soft S-Waves
 Instagram: bre_does_beauty
I love the use of warm light along the part. It adds the right amount of luminous dimension under the knot. The warm copper balayage with the root shadow balances the look out, and the S-waves that go through the ends are relaxed and give an effortless vibe. The half-up knot is an instant crown lift and keeps the hair off your face. The face framing tendril that falls forward is a soft nice touch and I think that it looks great overall. For the loop, you will need enough length which takes more hair than you would think to make it, but once pinned the look holds beautifully throughout the day.
#29: Voluminous Bubble Braid With Face-Framing Tendrils
The bubble braid is designed to showcase voluminous sections that pop and front tendrils that feel intentional rather than an afterthought. This style is completed with hidden elastics from the crown and downwards. There is a nice roll at the nape which gives a more polished look than just tapering off. The hair is very long and thick and this style is very sturdy unlike softer braids that tend to move and loosen. Once the braid is removed it creates beautiful waves from the sections. The look does require time and patience as well as backcombing, but the result is worth the time and effort.
#30: Inside-Out Dutch Braided Crown Into Braided Low Bun
What stands out about this style is how the Dutch braid wraps around the crown then tucks into that low nape bun. Everything is so neatly put together! The softness of those exposed baby hairs is more relaxed than the style with them slicked back. The root shadow is a nice touch—just enough of a color contrast so the hair doesn’t look flat. There’s also something to be said for how practical this look is. It cleanly tucks everything away while still framing the face, jawline, and ears. This leaves open a spot for some nice statement earrings or piercings. This style does take a lot of precise sectioning, so if your hair is slippery, use a texturizing spray for grip.
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