Looks That Feel Easy
Hair that goes past the shoulders brings plenty of styling options and just as many small annoyances. It tangles easily, falls into your food, and sticks to any hint of lip gloss. Still, there’s no shortage of ways to work with it. Let’s break down easy styles made specifically for long hair; no over-complication or special tools are required.
1. Low Ponytail
Low ponytails have stuck around for a reason. They’re clean and work just as well for errands as they do under a blazer. Pulling hair at the nape keeps tension off your scalp and minimizes breakage. For long hair, this is one of the most reliable go-tos.
10 BEGINNER FRIENDLY PONYTAIL HAIRSTYLES MEDIUM & LONG HAIRSTYLES by Awesome Hairstyles
2. French Braid
The French braid keeps your strands neatly gathered without pulling too tightly. It distributes tension evenly and protects ends throughout the day. Once muscle memory kicks in, it becomes automatic. Great for travel, windy days, or any time long hair needs taming fast.
3. High Bun
A high bun handles busy days like a pro. For a tight, lasting hold, start with damp, brushed hair. Smooth the base with gel and a toothbrush to nix frizz. Bonus: your neck and shoulders stay cool and hair-free.
Quick, High Bun Tutorial | Long Hair by Flutterby Nessa
4. Twisted Half-Up Style
When you want both freedom and function, go half-up with a twist. Ideal for long hair, it secures with tension alone, with no pins required. From weddings to dinner dates, dress it up with accessories or leave it simple and soft.
EASY half up half down hairstyle | quick twisted half up half down hair tutorial by Hair Angels
5. Beach Waves
Beach waves give your hair body without needing perfect curls. You can braid damp hair at night or use a curling wand and finger-comb after. Long hair helps create that relaxed ripple effect. It’s one of the most wearable textures across any age group.
HOW TO: BEACH WAVES With Flat Iron Hair Tutorial by Alex Gaboury
6. Braided Crown Look
This one turns heads, and it’s easier than it looks. Just part your hair and braid both sides, then pin it across the top. Long strands provide enough length to wrap fully. This hairstyle suits outdoor events or even classroom days when you want to look put-together.
Dutch Crown Braid for Beginners | Missy Sue by Melissa
7. Double Dutch Braids
Sitting higher off the scalp, Dutch braids create more dimension than French ones. They’re long-lasting and workout-friendly. Mid-to-long strands tend to maintain the braid’s form better throughout the day. They’re also a practical pick when you’ll be wearing a hat or helmet.
Double Dutch Braids Updo | Missy Sue by Melissa
8. Messy Bun
Here’s the catch: messy doesn’t mean sloppy. A quick, messy bun works when time’s tight, but you still want to look intentional. Pull it high or low, and let a few strands fall naturally. Thicker or textured hair fills out the bun’s shape without needing padding or teasing for volume.
THIS MESSY BUN TUTORIAL WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE by Make Up&Hair School
9. Chignon Roll
Traditionally reserved for formal occasions, the chignon is making a comeback in everyday style. It’s easier to form with longer hair since you have the length to twist and tuck cleanly. This rolled bun works well for offices or any event where structure meets subtlety.
Easy chignon hairstyle - quick low chignon by Hair Angels
10. Loose Side Braid
When long hair feels heavy, shifting everything to one shoulder can make a difference. A loose side braid takes less time than a centered style and reduces neck tension. It stays neat enough for daily wear and looks effortless, especially when a few face-framing strands are left undone.
Side French Braid Hair Tutorial | For Beginners Long Medium Hair by Melissa
11. Scarf-Wrapped Ponytail
Wrapping a scarf around your ponytail base hides the tie and adds softness. A thicker or fuller ponytail helps anchor the scarf so it won’t slide as easily. It’s lightweight and gives your usual ponytail a playful edge with minimal effort.
PONY WITH HAIR SCARF / EASY HAIRSTYLE by Cornelia Myrberg
12. Clipped Back Volume
Nothing beats a claw clip when you need to secure thick, long hair in seconds. It is ideal for casual routines. Push your hair upward from the middle back, twist lightly, and clip. It gives volume to the crown and lets the ends spill freely.
HOW TO: EASY & QUICK CLAW CLIP HAIRSTYLES! Short, Medium, and Long Hairstyles by Lainey Ostrom
13. Bubble Braid Ponytail
Bubble braids are the cool-girl answer to complicated styles. Just stack elastics down a ponytail and fluff each section. They’re quick, fuss-free, and super photogenic. This look flatters all ages, and long hair gives those bubbles extra flair and movement.
Sleek Bubble Ponytail by Effortless Beauty
14. Soft Curled Ends
You don’t need full curls to make an impact. Curling just the ends of long hair adds bounce and polish. It’s faster and healthier, too, since you’re using less heat overall. The technique works with any part or cut and adds lift.
Hair Video | Soft Curled Ends by Ichi Pestano
15. Low Twisted Bun
Start with a low ponytail, twist it inward, and secure it flat against your neck. Hair with extra length gives the twist a full, elegant look without pins sticking out. The style is structured and ideal for formal settings or when you need your hair to stay put.
Low twisted bun hairstyle - easy hair tutorial by Hair Angels
16. Waterfall Braid Style
This delicate hairstyle lets strands flow while keeping the front sections tidy. It’s easier than a full braid and doesn’t need tension or tight pulling. Long layers drape beautifully through the gaps that give the style texture and movement.
Waterfall Braid by SweetHearts Hair by SweetHearts Hair
17. Low Side Twist
When you're short on time, a simple side part with a twist can frame your face fast. No need for elastics or brushing—just pin it in place. It’s low-effort, subtle, and works with anything from cozy hoodies to dressy collars.
4 60 SECOND HAIRSTYLES! Yes, I Timed Them! Short, Medium & Long Hairstyles by Lainey Ostrom
18. Tucked-In Roll
Change things up with a soft inward roll. Secure your hair in a loose ponytail near the nape, part the section above the elastic, and tuck the ponytail into the gap. Then, tuck the ends inside for a polished, vintage finish that works for both casual and dressy looks.
EASY Gibson Tuck hairstyle - vintage hair tutorial by Hair Angels
19. Rope Twist
Instead of three strands, try two. A rope twist uses two sections of hair twisted in one direction and wrapped in the other. Long hair makes the twist more dramatic and stable. It’s fast to learn, easy to maintain, and also ideal for casual days.
ROPE TWIST BRAID HAIR TUTORIAL by Laura Bradshaw
20. Headband Tuck-In
Slide on a soft headband, then tuck the loose hair into it from the bottom up. It holds surprisingly well and looks intentional, even if you only have five minutes. The length of hair helps the roll become smoother and more secure.
