Having long hair is often seen as a beauty goal, but maintaining and styling it isn’t always as easy as it looks. While some are naturally gifted with flowing locks, others work hard to grow and care for their hair. Yet, the challenge remains—how do you manage long hair without spending hours in front of the mirror?
That’s why so many people turn to the internet searching for the best styling ideas and easiest hairstyles for long hair. In fact, the struggle to find quick and manageable styles can leave some wishing their hair was shorter and easier to handle.
1. Waterfall Braid
Looking to change up your everyday hairstyle with something elegant yet effortless? The waterfall braid is a beautiful way to showcase long hair without too much work. Its flowing design looks lovely for special occasions or even casual days when you want to try something new. Paired with soft curls, this style creates a graceful and eye-catching look
What You’ll Need
- Heat protectant
- 1-inch curling iron
- Hair brush
- Hair elastic
- Holding spray
How to Style
- Apply a heat protectant evenly throughout your hair
- Use a curling iron to curl the sections from your ears down to the ends
- Gently brush out the curls for a more relaxed texture
- Create a center part, then take a small section from above the right ear and divide it into three parts
- Cross the top section (nearest to your face) over the middle, then let it fall
- Take a new section of hair to replace the dropped piece and repeat the process
- Continue this waterfall technique until you reach the back of your head and secure with an elastic
- Repeat the same process on the left side
- Bring both braids together at the back, twist the ends, and tie with a hair elastic
- Set the style in place with a light mist of holding spray
2. Self-Bow Ponytail
Long hair offers endless styling options, and this self-bow ponytail is a fun and charming way to stand out. It’s simple enough to master with a little practice and gives your everyday ponytail a playful twist
What You’ll Need
- Hair brush
- Hair elastics
- Bobby pins
How to Style
- Detangle your hair thoroughly, and straighten if needed for a smoother finish
- Tie your hair into a low ponytail on the side you prefer
- Take a small section from underneath the ponytail and loop it once through a hair elastic
- Split the loop in half to form two bow loops
- Use your fingers to shape each loop evenly
- Secure the bow with bobby pins underneath
- Wrap the remaining tail around the center and pin it in place to complete the look
3. Romantic Side Braid
For a soft, dreamy look, a romantic side braid is the perfect choice. It works well for weddings, garden parties, or any moment you want to feel extra feminine. Add a few floral accessories to elevate the charm
What You’ll Need
- Hair brush
- Hair elastics
- Bobby pins
- Curling iron
- Small decorative flowers
How to Style
- Brush and detangle your hair
- Create a deep side part
- Begin a Dutch braid by crossing outer strands under the middle and adding hair with each stitch
- Braid loosely toward one side and secure with an elastic
- Gently pull the braid apart to add volume
- Use a curling iron to frame your face with a few loose curls
- Add small flowers near the top of the braid using bobby pins
4. Braid-Wrapped Ponytail
If your go-to ponytail needs a quick upgrade, adding a braid can give it a fresh, trendy twist. This style is sleek and stylish, perfect for both casual and dressy settings
What You’ll Need
- Hair brush
- Hair tie
- Hair elastics
- Bobby pins
How to Style
- Brush your hair thoroughly and tie it into a ponytail
- Take a small section from the ponytail and wrap it around the base to hide the hair tie, then secure with a pin
- Choose another section and divide it into three pieces to begin braiding
- Cross the top strand over the middle and let it fall
- Cross the bottom strand over the new center and leave it hanging as well
- Repeat the pattern around the ponytail, continuing the waterfall braid
- Finish by securing the braid with an elastic once you reach the end
5. Ballet Bun
Want to look effortlessly elegant without spending too much time styling your hair? The ballet bun is a classic choice that gives a sleek, polished look. It’s perfect for formal events or any time you want a chic, pulled-together vibe. For a softer touch, leave a few wispy strands around your face
What You’ll Need
- Hair brush
- Bobby pins
- Hair tie
- Hair elastics
- Hairspray
How to Style
- Comb and detangle your hair, then tie it into a high ponytail at the crown of your head
- Divide the ponytail into two sections, one slightly thicker than the other
- Wrap the thicker section into a bun and secure it with bobby pins
- Braid the thinner section, gently pull the braid apart for volume, and secure it with a small elastic
- Wrap the braid around the base of the bun and pin it in place
- Finish with a spritz of hairspray to smooth any flyaways
6. Side-Parted Curly Hair
Curly hair can be truly stunning with the right care and styling approach. Whether you’re going for soft beachy waves or defined, voluminous curls, knowing how to enhance your natural texture is the key. This simple side-parted style helps bring out the best in your curls
What You’ll Need
- Leave-in conditioner
- Hair gel
- Hair serum
- Wide-toothed comb
- Curly hair diffuser
- Hair spray
How to Style
- Wash and condition your hair as usual
- Apply leave-in conditioner to damp hair after showering
- Use a wide-toothed comb to detangle and distribute product
- Apply hair gel to define curls and minimize frizz
- Dry your hair using a diffuser for best results
- Part your hair deeply to one side
- Apply a light layer of hairspray to set the style
7. Three Twists
If you’re ready to try something new and fun, this three-twist hairstyle offers a quick upgrade from your usual look. It’s perfect for long hair and requires minimal effort but gives a cool, textured appearance
What You’ll Need
- Hair brush
- Hair elastics
How to Style
- Brush and detangle your hair
- Create three ponytails—top, middle, and bottom—and secure each with a hair elastic
- Take the top ponytail and create a gap above the elastic
- Flip the ponytail through the gap to create a twist
- Repeat the twisting process for the middle and bottom ponytails
- Adjust the tightness of each twist to suit your desired look
8. The Crown Braid
For a graceful and romantic look, the crown braid is a favorite. It’s an ideal choice for weddings, festivals, or just a day when you want to wear your hair up in style. Best of all, it’s easier to create than it looks
What You’ll Need
- Hair brush
- Bobby pins
- Hair elastics
- Hairspray
How to Style
- Detangle your hair and part it evenly down the center
- Take a section (around 3 inches) from the left and start French braiding it toward the back of your head
- Once you reach behind the ear, finish the braid normally and secure with an elastic
- Repeat the same steps on the right side
- Wrap both braids around your head to form a crown and tuck the ends underneath each other
- Pin the braids in place with bobby pins
- Pull a few face-framing pieces loose for a soft finish
- Mist your hair with hairspray to hold everything in place
This elegant updo checks all the boxes for a standout look—it’s stylish, comfortable, and works for both casual and dressy occasions
9. Bumped-Up Ponytail
If your everyday ponytail feels a bit flat, this style is a quick way to add volume and elevate your look. With just a few tools, you can achieve a fuller, more stylish ponytail that’s perfect for any casual day or evening out
What You’ll Need
- Hair brush
- Hair bumpit
- Hair elastic
- Bobby pins
- Hairspray
How to Style
- Brush your hair thoroughly and insert a bumpit at the crown of your head
- Smooth a layer of hair over the bumpit and secure it with bobby pins so it stays hidden
- Tie your hair into a medium-high ponytail
- Gently tease the top section of the ponytail to add volume and a slightly tousled texture
- Smooth the surface of the ponytail with a brush or your fingers to finish the look
10. Floral Half Updo
This romantic half updo is perfect for prom, weddings, or any special event. With soft curls and floral accents, this look gives off a dreamy and feminine vibe that pairs beautifully with flowy dresses
What You’ll Need
- Heat protectant
- 1-inch curling iron
- Bobby pins
- Fresh or artificial flowers
- Light hold hairspray
How to Style
- Apply heat protectant throughout your hair
- Curl your hair in small 2-inch sections, working from root to end
- Part your hair down the middle
- On the left side, take a 3 to 4-inch front section and twist it to the ends
- Pin this twisted section toward the back, just slightly to the right
- Repeat the same on the right side and pin it toward the back on the left
- Add floral pieces just beneath the twisted sections
- Use light hairspray to hold the style and keep curls intact
11. Wrapped Ponytail
Add a modern spin to a classic ponytail with this wrapped look. It’s polished, sleek, and great for when you want a more structured style without much fuss
What You’ll Need
- Smoothening serum
- Small bumpit
- Hair elastic
- Bobby pins
How to Style
- Apply smoothening serum to prep your hair and reduce frizz
- Part your hair on one side
- Place a bumpit underneath the crown section for added height
- Tie the rest of your hair into a low or mid-height ponytail, leaving out front sections on both sides
- Take the left section, sweep it across in a U shape, wrap the end around the ponytail, and secure it
- Repeat on the right side to complete the wrapped effect
12. Headband Braid
For a soft retro vibe with a charming twist, try this headband braid. It’s perfect for casual outings and gives off a cute, vintage-inspired feel with the addition of a cloth headband
What You’ll Need
- Hair brush
- Hair elastic
- Cloth headband or scarf
How to Style
- Brush your hair thoroughly to remove any tangles
- If you have bangs, let them fall naturally at the front
- Divide the rest of your hair into three sections and braid it to the ends
- Tie the braid with an elastic
- Place your cloth headband or scarf behind the bangs to complete the look
13. Loose Half French Braid
This relaxed French braid style is ideal when you want something pretty without needing perfect braiding skills. It’s a great boho-inspired look for everyday wear
What You’ll Need
- Heat protectant
- 2-inch curling iron
- Hair brush
- Hair elastic
How to Style
- Apply heat protectant to your hair
- Curl the lower half in large 2-inch sections for loose waves
- Gently brush through the curls to soften them
- Pick up a top section of hair and divide it into three pieces
- Begin French braiding loosely, adding hair into each section as you go
- Once the braid passes your ears, finish with a simple braid and secure it with an elastic
14. Beachy Waves
No hairstyle list is complete without this timeless favorite. Beachy waves are casual, effortless, and always in style. Just a little heat and texturizing spray can transform your hair into a wavy masterpiece
What You’ll Need
- Heat protectant
- 1.5-inch curling iron
- Sea salt spray
- Hair brush
How to Style
- Start with dry, clean hair and apply heat protectant
- Curl large 2-inch sections of your hair using a wide-barrel curling iron
- Spray sea salt spray generously throughout the curls
- Gently brush through to break up the curls and create soft, natural waves