How to Do Simple, Quick Hairstyles for Long Hair

Find your perfect ‘do—from ponytails to pinned-back waves

Having long hair is something to be desired, but the daily maintenance can sometimes seem daunting. For many people, it is hard to dedicate a lot of time in the morning to styling those lovely locks, so their hair is left neglected. Instead of leaving your hair without a style when you are on the go, opt for a simple and quick hairdo that will help you look fabulous.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Making a Doughnut Bun

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1
Create a doughnut bun for a sleek look. This requires very little time, and it looks very pretty. All you need is two hair-ties, a brush, and a doughnut form accessory. If you do not have a doughnut form accessory, you can use a sock.
- Make your own doughnut bun with a large, stretchy tube sock. Cut off one inch at the end of the sock, and roll it up. Then, roll the sock down toward the bottom edge so that it forms a doughnut shape. It should be rolled tight and be even all the way around.
- You can find doughnut forms in the hair accessories section of most drugstores. They are sold in blonde, brown, and black colors so you can find one that best matches your hair.
2
Tie your hair into a ponytail. Doughnut buns look good high or low, so the height of your ponytail is up to you. Be sure to smooth out the hair on your head, and make the ponytail tight.
- Use a fine tooth comb to help smooth out your hair into the elastic. If you prefer a looser, messier look, then do not pull your hair back as tight.
- Consider spraying your hair with some hair spray to help hold your hair in place, and smooth it down.
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Start by pulling your ponytail through the form or sock hole. Bring it all the way down to your hair tie, and make sure all of the hair from your pony tail is pulled through. Brush your hair out again if needed.^{[1]XResearch source}
4
Bring your hair down around the doughnut form. Start by pulling your ponytail up, and letting it fall evenly around the form. You should not be able to see the form peaking out through any hair gaps. Once you have fully covered the form, wrap the ends of your hair around the form, twisting all of your hair in the same direction. The ends of your hair will create a hair ring around the base of your bun.^{[2]XResearch source}
- If you find it hard to completely cover the form or sock, try using a smaller doughnut accessory that your hair will more easily cover.^{[3]XResearch source}
As your hair is in place over the form, completely covering it, carefully place another elastic over the bun, and let it sit around the base. This is meant to hold your hair neatly over the bun accessory.
The ends of your hair that are left sticking out need to be wrapped around the bun. Start by dividing it into two parts. Twirl each part around the base of your bun going in opposite directions. The goal is to create an even hair ring around the bun.
Once you have the ends of your hair placed neatly around your bun, pin them in place. You will need about three to five bobby pins depending on your hair type. Push the pins into either the doughnut form, or just beneath the sock. Be sure that the bun is tightly secured with pins before you finish.^{[4]XResearch source}
This look should have no problem making it through the day. For extra hold, add hairspray, and bring extra bobby pins with you in case you need them later.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Creating a Pinned-Back Look

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1
Go for a sailor look. Pinning the front sections of your hair back is adorable and keeps the hair from the front of your face. Here are a few items you need to create this look:^{[5]XResearch source}
- 1-inch curling iron
- Bobby pins
- Hairspray
- Brush
You can part your hair on the left or right, the decision is yours. After your make the part, grab the bigger side, starting from above your ear over to the part, and brush it out. You want to remove any bumps or knots.^{[6]XResearch source}
Take the section, and twist it inwards several times. While twisting, bring it up toward your part.^{[7]XResearch source}
Cris-cross two bobby pins through the tail of your twist to keep it in place. The tail should be pinned down right above your ear. You can play around with the section, but it should be puffed up a bit. To create a poof, simply push the hair forward.^{[8]XResearch source}
Gather the smaller hair section, and twist it around several times. Pin back the tail so it is just above your ear. How far back you pin it is up to you, but it shouldn't go too far behind your ear.^{[9]XResearch source}
Once your hair is in place, take 1" sections, and curl them using the curling iron. Hold the barrel vertically for five-seconds, and then release your hair. You should be left with a spiral look.^{[10]XResearch source}
After you are done curling your hair, spray with hairspray. Instead of using a brush, use your finger tips to loosen, and fix your hair. A brush may straighten out your curls, or pull the pins out.^{[11]XResearch source}

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Creating Heat-Less Waves

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1
Wake up with braids for a beach look. Hair waves may look like a lot of work, but there is a trick to getting them with almost no work at all. Here are the materials you will need:^{[12]XResearch source}
- Mousse
- Brush
- Comb
- Several hair clips
2
Wash your hair, and let it partially dry. Once your hair is about 80% dry, add in a bit of hair mousse or another volume stabilizing product of your choice.
- Carefully spray about a quarter size of mousse into one of your palms. Mousse expands quite a bit once it is out of the can, so try not to spray too much.
- Rub the mousse between your palms, and then spread both hands through your hair. Start at the root, and bring your fingers down through your hair to the ends. Be sure to evenly cover all of you hair.
Take each section, and begin twisting at the roots all the way down to the ends. You want to make the twists tight, but not so tight that it hurts your head.^{[13]XResearch source}
4
Twist all of your hair. Make sure that you twist the hair on the inside of the twists. You can do this by coming your fingers through your hair as you twist. Simply twist the section of hair around, pulling your fingers through as you do, and then remove your twisting hand, and hold the hair section with the opposite hand in place. Then, repeat the twisting process until you have twisted all the way to the ends of your hair.
- You will twist each section separately, but in the same direction. So both sides either need to be twisted away from your face or towards your face.
After you are done twisting, clip each section securely in place at the crown of your head. You can use bobby pins to help keep each section in place.
The trick to this style is letting your hair dry overnight in the twists so that in the morning, you can remove the clips, and reveal the waves.
After you have removed the clips, gently brush your hair, or use your fingers to comb through the waves in your hair. Add hairspray if you desire. The waves should last all day, but it depends on your hair type, climate, and styling products used.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Wearing a Perfect Ponytail

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Ponytails will never go out of style and can be worn for formal or casual events. They are also functional as they will keep your hair away from your face, and stay in all day long. All you need is a brush, hair-tie, and a few minutes.^{[14]XResearch source}
You want your ponytail to be smooth and free of any knots or bumps. Always brush your hair from tip to root to prevent damage.
3
Decide on the height. You can wear your ponytail high, low, or right in the middle. The decision is based on your preference.^{[15]XResearch source}
- Make a low to mid level ponytail by brushing all of your hair straight back and holding it in one hand. A fine tooth comb works great for smoothing out your hair once you already have it brushed back.^{[16]XExpert SourceShun Pittman
  Master Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & AuthorExpert Interview. 16 June 2021.}
- Make a high ponytail by flipping your head upside down, and gathering your hair in your hands. Use a brush to smooth your hair out on your head, and flatten any bumps. When you have it at the right height, pick your head back up, and check it for bumps. If you do have uneven hair, use a comb to smooth it out.^{[17]XResearch source}
4
Tie it into place. Flip your hair through the hair-tie, and tie it around your hair two to three times. The amount you wrap the tie around will depend on your hair type as well as the thickness of the elastic tie. Just be sure that your ponytail is tightly secured.^{[18]XExpert SourceShun Pittman
Master Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & AuthorExpert Interview. 16 June 2021.}
- Use hairspray to help hold your hair in place, and prevent any split ends from sticking up.
- Try using an elastic hair tie that advertises as being damage-free. This will help protect your hair from breakage.
Once your ponytail is tight and secure, add a few curls to the end. Simply divide your hair into three to four sections, and create big curls with a 3" curling iron barrel. Finish with hairspray.^{[19]XResearch source}
6
Add a braid to your pony. Braiding your ponytail is simple and can make your hair look extra stylish. All you need is a brush, some hair-ties, and the know-how.^{[20]XResearch source}
- Section your ponytail into three even sections. Wrap your left piece down and under the middle piece, and then wrap the right piece down and under the middle piece. The exchange of pieces from left to right will create a braid. Once you reach the bottom, tie it off.^{[21]XExpert SourceShun Pittman
  Master Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & AuthorExpert Interview. 16 June 2021.}

Expert Q&A

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Question
What hairstyle is best for long hair?
Shun Pittman
Master Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & Author
Shun Pittman is a Master Cosmetologist, Author, Owner, and Founder of Corps d’Elite Salon and Corps d’Elite Beauty. With over 25 years of international experience, she is dedicated to and specializes in providing luxury salon services to all hair types and textures and every skin tone and shade. Her services include hair conditioning treatments, cutting, coloring, styling, extensions, and makeup application. Shun has experience working with, coaching, training, and mentoring beauty professionals from multiple companies including L'Oréal, Wella, Matrix, Paul Mitchell, Redken, Big Sexy Hair, and Toni & Guy. She is also a host for national and local media outlets and her work has been featured in The Washingtonian, The Cheddar Network, and WJLA Good Morning Washington's Beauty and Fashion Police segments. Shun is the author of “50 Things Your Hairdresser Wants YOU to Know (and a few things we don’t...)".
Shun Pittman
Master Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & Author
Expert Answer
A low ponytail is beautiful, classy look you can try when you're in a rush. Ponytails keep everything polished, gorgeous, and elegant.
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Question
What quick hairstyle should I do for dancing?
Community Answer
Two donut buns might look nice for dancing, but if you need something cute and easy you could go for a ponytail or bunches.
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Question
How should I do my hair for a wedding ceremony?
Community Answer
High ponytails are good for a casual look. If you are the bride, you could do a side bun or a braid crown for an elegant look.
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