40 Cute and Easy Hairstyles for Every Occasion
Ready in 10 minutes or less, guaranteed!
As much as we all love a full-on styling sesh complete with a wash, scalp massage, condition, deep conditioner, and styling, it's just not practical. Sometimes plans pop up out of the clear blue sky, and you need to be dressed to impress in literal minutes. There are so many cute hairstyles that anyone can slay in no time. For besties with short hair, there are textured comb overs and updos. Then there are curl creams that help define curly and thick tresses. Not to mention, you can revamp long hair and protective styles braids when you're in a hurry too.
There's no telling when you'll get that "I'm on my way. Be ready in 10 minutes" text from your bestie, so you need to have tons of options on deck. These cute hairstyles for girls are super easy to do, and you can dress them down for a quick party or a look that's equal parts simple and sophisticated for an unexpected date night. Along with looks from your favorite entertainers and influencers, Seventeen even tried a few of these styles and shared step-by-step demos and instructions on our YouTube page. It's never been easier to get glam. Get ready to switch up your look in no time with these cute and easy hairstyles for every occasion.
Wrapped Pigtails
This playful yet chic look is super simple to achieve but cute enough to have everyone stopping and asking you where you got your hair done.
- Make a straight part down the middle of your head and pull out two strands for light bangs.
- Brush each individual section into a low ponytail and secure it with a ponytail holder.
- Braid the remaining hair until you reach the end.
- Wrap each braid around itself until you reach the top of your ponytail and secure it with a hair tie.
What you need: Elastic hair tie, $2.99, Amazon
Beachy waves
Beachy waves are an adorable style to slay year-round. When you can't head to the beach and allow the salty air to blow through your tresses, try a beach spray to add texture and body. Even better? You can achieve this look on wet or dry hair.
- Apply a generous amount of sea salt spray to the hair.
- Comb and shape your hair.
- Allow to air dry.
What you need: Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray $6.99, Not Your Mother
Long Ponytail with Swooped Edges
Sometimes all you need is a little length to upgrade your 'do. A clip-in ponytail is a fun way to add a little pizazz without committing to getting extensions.
- Make two parts on the side of your hair.
- Brush the remaining hair in the center toward the back of your head.
- Gather all of your hair and brush it into a ponytail.
- Apply the clip-in extension.
- Use an edge control to style your edges/baby hairs.
What you need: Clip In Ponytail Straight Human Hair Extensions, $80, Unice
Middle Part High Bun
The last thing most of us want to do when we're jet-setting or on a tropical vacation is deal with our hair, especially after a long day in the pool or on the beach. A middle-part high bun is the perfect way to manage your hair but still look polished. Just ask Alix Earle.
- Use a parting comb to create a precise middle part.
- Brush hair into a bun and secure.
What you need: Grace Eleyae Edge Tamer Brush, $9.00, Sephora
Wavy Top Knot and Twirls
A simple yet chic look is the perfect style to slay when you're headed for a glam night on the town.
- Separate two strands on both sides of the face.
- Apply curl cream to hair to define curls and brush it into a top knot.
- Apply curl cream to both strands and twirl it around your hand.
What you need: Featherlight Touch-Up Gel Cream, $20, Ouidad
Bun with Side Swept Bangs
Social media queen Monet McMichael delivered a sophisticated look that can be recreated in a few simple steps.
- Separate your hair into four separate areas, one for bangs, two on each side of the hair, and then one section that you'll throw into a bun.
- Secure the ponytail and wrap it into a bun.
- Brush the bangs into a side swoop and secure with a hairpin.
- Lightly curl the remaining two sections
What you need: U Shaped Hair Pins, 5.99, Amazon
Spiky Low Bun
Serve major pop-punk princess vibes with this three-step 'do.
1. Part hair on an angle
2. Brush into a low bun and twist the hair around so that the ends are facing upwards
3. Secure with a claw clip
What you need: Mega Lucky Clip, $30, on Bon Whims
Birkin Bangs With a Headband
This super cute style for banged or bobbed hair is fun and can transition from day to night in no time.
1. Section bangs and lightly curl the ends with a flat iron.
2. Curl the remaining hair.
3. Apply headband.
What you need: Trudy Satin Pearl Top Knot Headband, $12, Francesca's
Bubble Bangs
If you're dying to try out a Y2K-inspired look, this one's for you.
1.Part a thin section of hair right at the hairline down the middle.
2. Grab each side to create a center-parted bang.
3. Secure elastic bands from the roots to the end with space in between each.
4. Where the gaps are, gently tug on the hair to achieve the bubbles.
What you need: Goody Ouchless Mini Elastics, $2.48, Walmart
Bun With Zig-Zag Part and Two Strand Bangs
If there is any doubt, you can most certainly serve glam and Y2K vibes at the same time.
1. Use a parting comb to create a zigzag line
2. Separate hair for bangs
3. Put the parted hair into a bun and secure it with a claw clip.
4. Use a heat tool to curl the loose ends of the hair
What you need: BaByliss Pro Nano Titanium 1" Digital Straightener, $99, Amazon
Slicked Back Bun
Let your face and 'fit do all the talking with this quick yet effortless style.
1. Part hair down the middle
2. Brush hair back into a low bun, but leave out some hair around the perimeter of your hairline for a messy coil near your ears.
What you need: Garnier Fructis Curl Scrunch Controlling Hair Gel- Curl Definition, $4.29, Garnier USA
3. Apply a dime-sized amount of product to the hair you left out. Wrap it around your index finger to make a loose coil in front of your ears.
High Ponytail
Serve vintage mod vibes with this high ponytail.
1. Use an edge brush to style your baby hairs.
2. Slick remaining hair into a high ponytail and secure with a ponytail holder.
3. Apply clip-in ponytail.
What you need: Irresistible Me Clip-In Ponytail Extension, $49-$300, Irresistible Me
4. Grab a hair extension that matches your hair texture and wrap it around the ponytail holder.
4. Use a curling iron to lightly bump the ends of the clip-in ponytail.
Two Bangs Low Bun
If you want to dress up a classic hairstyle, a low bun with two bangs is your best bet.
1. Part your hair down the middle and pull out two small strands for your bangs.
2. Brush the remaining hair into a ponytail and wrap the ends to make a bun.
3. Use a wand to lightly curl your bangs.
What you need: BaBylissPro Nano Titanium Curling Wand, $69.99, Ulta
Braided Bun
This look serves simplicity and sophistication all in one.
1. Apply gel and brush hair into a high ponytail.
What you need: Camille Rose Aloe Whipped Butter Gel, $15.99, Ulta
2. Braid your ponytail.
3. Wrap your braid into a bun and secure it with a hairpin.
Extra Long Braided Ponytail
Whew! This show-stopping look is perfect for when you want to go full glam, but you're in a rush.
1. Apply styling cream and brush hair into a ponytail.
2. Take braiding hair, wrap it around a hair tie/rubber band to make a ponytail, and wrap the ponytail around your hair.
What you need: Sensationnel African Collection Synthetic 3x Jumbo Braiding Hair, $12.99, Babs Hair
3. Split your hair and the braiding hair into three sections and begin braiding downward.
4. Once you've reached the end of the braid, add more braiding hair to achieve your desired length.
Twisted Half-Up Half-Down
This hairstyle looks so sophisticated, but it's also super easy to do. It will become your go-to party look in no time!
1. Part your hair at a diagonal. This will help distribute your hair evenly on both sides.
2. Take the front portion of your hair on both sides and twist them backwards, pinning them in the back.
3. Spray your hair with heat protection spray.
What you need: TRESemmé Expert Selection Heat Protection Spray, $4, Amazon
4. Curl the rest of your hair away from your face.
5. Spray with hairspray and brush through the curls to make them look more natural!
Watch the full tutorial here.
Braided Twist
This twist is so easy to do and the results are super regal.
1. First, lay your edges. Use gel and a toothbrush to get your baby hairs under control and then wrap a scarf around your hairline to let the gel set.
What you need: Eco Styler Olive Oil Styling Gel, $8, Amazon
2. Flip the rest of your hair forward and then, starting from the back, braid your hair forward into one large braid until you reach the end.
3. Sweep your hair around to the right side of your head and find a secure spot to tuck the ends in. That's literally it! You're done!
Watch the full tutorial here.
Braided Top Knot
Give a unique spin to a classic style in less than 10 minutes.
- Part your hair down the middle and section two parts to frame the front of your face.
- Braid each section.
- Put the rest of your hair in a high ponytail and twist it into a bun. Secure the style with a hair tie.
- Bobby pin each braid around your top knot.
Watch the full tutorial here.
Side Braid
Once you master the side braid, you'll be unstoppable. Seriously, any time your hair just isn't laying the way you want it to, just swipe it over in a braid and you'll be out the door in no time.
1. Part your hair to one side and bring the rest of it over your shoulder, opposite the side of your hair part.
2. Comb the hair that frames your face into a curved swoop and bobby pin the section to the side near your ear. Repeat on the other side.
3. Spray hairspray onto the bottom half of your hair.
4. Braid the hair hanging over your shoulder, smoothing out each section as you go.
5. Tie it with a clear elastic.
Watch the full tutorial here.
Side Pony with Box Braids
Keep your hair out of your face all day with this adorable look courtesy of Seventeen graphic designer, Sade Adeyina.
1.First, lay your edges.
2. Put your hair into a high ponytail and use an elastic band to secure it into place. Make sure there are no loose braids!
3. Get a scarf and wrap it around the band and tie it in the back and you're good to go!
Watch the full tutorial here.
Sam is an assistant news editor at Cosmo, covering all things pop culture, entertainment, and celebrity news. She previously covered those same topics along with health, lifestyle, and beauty at Seventeen. When she isn't draping her cheeks in blush, you can probably find her live-tweeting awards shows or making SwiftToks.
Jasmine Washington is an Assistant Editor at Seventeen, where she covers celebrity news, beauty, lifestyle, and more. For the past decade, she has worked for media outlets, including BET, MadameNoire, VH1, and many others, where she used her voice to tell stories across various verticals. Follow her on Instagram.
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