13 Easy Hairstyles for Long Hair That Look Like You Tried

Looking for easy hairstyles for long hair that won't take up your entire morning routine? You're in the right place!

If you're anything like me, you've got about 3.5 minutes to do your hair before someone needs a snack, a diaper change, or suddenly wants their second breakfast RIGHT NOW. 

Long hair is beautiful. I love having long hair, and honestly, I’m pretty low maintenance when it comes to my hair, but there are certainly those times when it can feel a little demanding.

I've tested lots of "quick" hairstyles that supposedly take 5 minutes (but they don't), and I'm sharing only the ones that actually work when you're rushed and racing against the clock.

What You'll Need Before We Start

Before diving into these styles, grab these essentials (I keep mine in a basket in my bathroom drawer):

• Clear elastic hair ties (these ones from Amazon don't snag or break)
• Bobby pins that match your hair color (this one has different color options)
• A good texturizing spray (one of my favorites under $25)
• Wide-tooth comb
• One good hair clip (these claw clips are life-changing)

1. The Twisted Low Bun

This is my go-to for when I need to look put together from the front but haven't washed my hair in... maybe a few days.

How to do it:

1. Gather hair into a low ponytail
2. Twist the ponytail until it starts to coil
3. Wrap around the base
4. Secure with bobby pins
5. Pull out a few face-framing pieces

Time: 90 seconds

Best for: Work meetings, church, date night

2. The Half-Up Bubble Braid

I see this one everywhere, and it's super cute. It looks intricate, but it takes literally 2 minutes.

How to do it:

1. Take the top half of your hair and secure it with an elastic
2. Add another elastic 3 inches down
3. Gently pull the section between elastics to create a "bubble"
4. Repeat 2-3 more times

Time: 2 minutes

Best for: School drop-off, casual Friday, weekend errands

3. The Messy Side Braid

I love braids! This tutorial adds a few extra steps, but SO cute! Perfect for those "Ooops, I woke up late" days.

How to do it:

1. Sweep all hair to one side
2. Start a loose three-strand braid at the nape
3. Braid down, keeping it loose
4. Secure with elastic
5. Gently tug at the braid to make it fuller

Time: 2 minutes

Best for: Gym, playground, grocery runs

4. The Classic Sock Bun (But Make It Quick)

Same technique as the classic sock bun - this mom shows it perfectly! And honestly, if you can do this on a wiggling 5-year-old, you can definitely do it on yourself in 90 seconds.

How to do it:

1. High ponytail
2. Twist hair around the base (add another hair tie if needed)
3. Pin as you go
4. Don't aim for perfection – messy is trendy

Time: 90 seconds

Best for: Dance class, cleaning day, when you need hair completely out of the way

5. The Rope Braid Ponytail

This one looks like you spent 10 minutes on it. But you didn't.

How to do it:

1. Put hair in a ponytail
2. Split ponytail into two sections
3. Twist each section in the same direction
4. Wrap them around each other in the opposite direction
5. Secure at the bottom

Time: 2 minutes

Best for: Sports practice, lunch dates, school events

6. The Low Twisted Ponytail

Elevates a basic ponytail in 30 extra seconds.

How to do it:

1. Make a low ponytail, but don't pull hair all the way through on the last wrap
2. Create a small hole above the elastic
3. Flip the ponytail up and through the hole
4. Tighten

Time: 1 minute

Best for: Work, church, anywhere you need subtle polish

7. The Headband Tuck

Ok, so apparently the headband tuck peaked in 2012, and nobody's made a video since. I searched Pinterest for 20 minutes and couldn't find a single decent headband tuck tutorial. But trust me, it still works! Just grab any stretchy headband and follow the written steps below - it's actually easier without a video anyway.

How to do it:

1. Place a stretchy headband over your hair
2. Starting at one ear, tuck sections of hair up and over the band
3. Continue around your head
4. Tuck the ends under

Time: 3 minutes

Best for: Weddings, date night, when you need an updo but can't even

8. The Quick French Twist

Looks fancy, doesn't.

How to do it:

1. Gather hair at the nape like a low ponytail
2. Twist upward
3. Tuck the ends under
4. Pin along the twist
5. Spray if you have time

Time: 2 minutes

Best for: Office, presentations, parent-teacher conferences

9. The Braided Headband

Uses your own hair as an accessory – genius.

How to do it:

1. Take a 2-inch section from behind one ear
2. Braid it
3. Drape across your head like a headband
4. Pin behind the opposite ear
5. Let the rest hang loose

Time: 2 minutes

Best for: Brunch, shopping, casual Fridays

10. The Space Buns

Is this professional? Maybe not. But fun? Absolutely!

How to do it:

1. Part hair down the middle
2. Make two pigtails (Optional: braid and tie with an elastic)
3. Twist each into a bun
4. Pin in place
5. Pull out some wispy pieces

Time: 3 minutes

Best for: Weekends, festivals, playing with kids

11. The Sleek Low Pony

When you need to look like you have your life together.

How to do it:

1. Brush hair back smoothly (use water if needed)
2. Secure at the nape with elastic
3. Take a small section from the ponytail
4. Wrap around the elastic
5. Pin underneath

Time: 2 minutes

Best for: Job interviews, important meetings, photos

12. The Claw Clip Twist

This is one of my favorites and the one I go to the most!

How to do it:

1. Gather hair like you're making a ponytail
2. Wrap it around your hand
3. Twist upward
4. Clip at the crown
5. Let some front pieces fall out
6. Adjust for volume

Time: 30 seconds

Best for: Zoom calls, cooking, quick errands

13. The Double Dutch Braids

Probably my favorite! Yes, you can do these on your own. Yes, they get easier with practice.

How to do it:

1. Part hair down the middle
2. Start Dutch braiding at the hairline (braid under, not over)
3. Continue down one side
4. Repeat on the other side
5. Pancake the braids for fullness

Time: 5 minutes (worth it)

Best for: Workouts, pool days, when you need hair to STAY PUT

Pro Tips That Actually Save Time

The night before matters: Loosely braid your hair before bed. You'll wake up with soft waves that make every style easier.

Dry shampoo is your friend: Use it BEFORE your hair gets greasy and apply it at night so it has time to work (this one is my absolute favorite).

Keep Bobby Pins everywhere: I have them in my purse, coat pockets, and bathroom drawers.

Practice during naptime: It's easier to master one new style when you're not feeling rushed.

Texture spray > hairspray: Gives some grip without the crunch (I really like this one was well).

Which Of These Hairstyles Should You Try First?

If you're overwhelmed, start with #1 (Twisted Low Bun) or #6 (Low Twisted Ponytail). They're the most forgiving and work on day 2 (or 3... or 4) hair.

Remember: "easy" doesn't mean "boring." These hairstyles have gotten me through the newborn stage, early morning preschool drop-offs, video calls, and those days when the dry shampoo just isn't cutting it anymore.

Your Turn

Which easy hairstyles for long hair are you trying first? Drop a comment below – I'd love to hear what works for your hair type. 

And if you've got a secret weapon hairstyle that takes less than 5 minutes, please share it. We're all in this together!

Pin this post for those mornings when you need hair inspiration FAST!

Want more quick beauty tips for busy women? Check out my Natural Makeup Tutorial for Beginners – it pairs perfectly with these easy hairstyles!

This blog post is all about easy hairstyles for long hair that actually work for real life, because your time matters, and you deserve to look amazing without the extra hassle.