When you see a well-done hairstyle, you can just imagine the effort it took. Just like a well-planned outfit or a good breakfast, you get the feeling that it set the tone for the whole day. Everyone assumes it took a lot of time, and while that’s probably true, I’m sure nice hairstyles are fun to have because the end result comes from just a few minutes. The best part is that not only do they look good, they also show that someone had to put in effort to pull it off. What I love about people is that they show the time and effort to create an end result that looks good.
I had a teacher client that told me she thought pulling her hair back made her look more powerful. When we did a photoshoot and I suggested she try a low bun, she was blown away by how much she liked it. I can almost guarantee that she wore that style in various iterations after that. A slick hairstyle always seems to have a positive impact. These are a few of my favorites and they’re all different, which is exactly why I think you should do each style at least once.
#1: A Textured Ponytail That Feels Effortless
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this look. The waves throughout the length give just enough movement to the look so that it’s not stiff (like a lot of people fear when they have a pony). Plus, the smoothness at the top and waves throughout give a very polished and sophisticated look. This style is perfect for Sunday brunch! You can set it and forget it, and it will still look good for evening plans.
#2: A Low Chignon That Catches the Light
I love how it looks very expensive and reflects light. It definitely takes some good smoothing and a steady hand, and the finish really is the star of the show. For the finish, a strong hold gel is a must. I would also recommend a shine spray to finish and seal everything. The amount of effort for this style is really low, but the result is amazing, and that is what I love about it.
#3: A Twisted Bun with Some Quiet Drama
It is the twist that makes this double take worthy. nnThere is an element of craft, or care, shown in the shape and not just in the holding. An updo like this one could be achieved with either, but for an even cleaner look with a closer feel, I’d recommend going for pomade over gel. nnA lot can be said for an updo that works just as well with a long dress as it does with a white t-shirt.
#4: Half Up, Half Down, All Polish
I get excited doing this for clients that want to keep some length but still want an elegant look. Adding a smotth section at the top creates more purpose and those waves over soften the whole look. My approach would be to use a flat iron in the crown area and then a curling wand from the mid lengths down. The two different textures really enhance that transition from smooth to soft.
#5 A Crop That Knows What It’s Doing
It isn’t easy to be able to replicate this kind of confidence with longer hairstyles. The side clean and top volume looks very intentional. The side fade is super modern and aggressive and it definitely stands out. If you have been contemplating going short and talking yourself out of it, this is the one. It completely reshapes the perception people have of your face.
#6: A High Ponytail with Just Enough Softness
The soft waves at the end add something nice here. They make the entire thing feel less rigid which is a danger with a high pony that is quite neatly slicked back. The mix of dark and light tones throughout creates a nice depth without looking too obviously highlighted. The look is playful and polished and I really don’t think enough styles achieve that.
#7: The Classic High Pony, Done Right
We’ve all had those days when we just want to take it easy and keep things uncomplicated, and this is the style for that! The shine on this look is gorgeous, but it will take some maintenance. A ponytail this tight and sleek can give you some major tension headaches if you do it often, so I would save it for when you’re really going all out! Plus, a smoothing serum will give you that super reflective look without having to use a ton of product.
#8: Silver and Understated
Your presentation of the silver color is quite appealing to me. The highlights appear warm and inviting rather than cold and flat. The low bun looks great and is exactly what was needed here—pretty and simple. The tone really lifts the entire look, and this shows that you can achieve sophistication just by having your hair off your face without any trouble and allowing the color do the talking.
#9: A Pixie with Quiet Edge
I love pixie cuts that have fun little twists like undercuts. An undercut is unexpected so I like the idea of it being more hidden. I appreciate that the rest of the cut is really clean and shaped well. I like that it hugs the nape and gives some lift through the crown. It will need trims every 4-5 weeks to maintain that structure, but that is offset by the day-to-day styling being almost none. You can literally just towel dry it, run your fingers through your hair, and go.
#10: A Low Bun Warmed Up with Caramel
What a great placement for the highlights! Having them sit around the frame of the face, helps with pulled back styles, providing warmth around the temples and forehead area. I can tell you put a lot of planning into this at the color appointment. Not a lot of people notice that kind of detail, and that is what separates a good colorist from a great one. The bun is understated, which I think makes the whole thing even more modern.
#11 Long Layers That Move on Their Own
Every layer guarantees a clean finish that is sure to get copied. The wave detailing is most likely due to the way her hair dries. If your hair doesn’t do this, a light serum and some scrunching with damp hair will get you pretty close. This style usually prompts the question, “Have you done something different?” when in reality the answer is not obvious!
#12 A Twisted Bun Softened at the Edges
The strands at the front soften the look. Without those strands, the classy updo could be a bit too polished or a too formal. The updo is really nice and also looks really easy. I would recommend this style to someone wanting to look organized without looking too stiff, and the little bit of texture in the twist is nice because a totally smooth bun would lose some of that added interest.
#13 Short and Glossy, Nothing Extra
The shine on this cut immediately catches my attention, and it certainly lingers. I think the subtle layering around the crown really gives shape to the style. There is certainly more than enough lift to prevent it from laying flat against the head. I think what elevates it so much is the fact it doesn’t feel like it’s trying to be anything more than a great short cut. That kind of restraint is a style all on its own.
#14 A Chignon That Doesn’t Overthink It
I would suggest this to someone trying to look sharp without looking too dressed up. The highlights are pretty good at showing some depth to the style. The cut is low enough to be casual. I suggest having a flyaway stick for those flyaways. The beauty of this style is in the neat look, and a few random hairs can change the style quickly.
#15 A Bob That Speaks Quietly
The finish, the cut, and the length are spot on. It is one of those cuts that gives a higher status to everything you have in your wardrobe. And if you wanted, a deep side part would create some volume, but the appeal here is in the simplicity.
#16 A High Bun with Warmth Woven Through
I included the caramel pieces in this bun so the bun looks multidimensional even with all the hair bundled up. This is more significant than it might seem. A single color bun can appear somewhat flat, but these contrasts allow the shape to grab attention. Also, it is a high bun which opens the neck and jaw area neatly. I enjoy that this is practical and lovely – it is the combination most of my customers are looking for!
#17 A Ponytail That Keeps Its Texture
I really like how this ponytail works with the hair’s natural texture. The ends are slightly wavy which adds body to the style and prevents it from looking limp. The height of the ponytail gives the style a fresh, youthful look. It’s the type of style that has low effort in the best way possible. It demonstrates how to use the natural texture of the hair.
#18 A Low Bun with a Little Tenderness
With this bun, the loose pieces of hair framing the face make a big impact. It alters the style from looking like, “I’m getting ready to give a presentation” to “I’m getting ready to go out for a nice evening.” Everything else about the style is quite understated. There is a lovely low knot bun and the hair is polished, smooth, and sleek. The loose pieces of hair also soften the look and help tone down the seriousness. For thick hair, I would recommend using a smoothing serum to help keep the bun from getting too puffy, but leave the pieces framing the face as they are.
#19 Low and Dimensional
Although the hairstyle may be simple, the highlights woven into the bun give it some personality! Good color placement is one of the small miracles that allows an updo to feel alive, even when it appears really stiff. This style is perfect for more active days. It requires almost no effort to accomplish (even without a video guide), and it still looks really put together. For those who have finer hair that tends to fall limp in an updo, don’t forget to apply a root booster volumizing product right before you secure the pony. This will give you the necessary volume to maintain the shape.
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