Hair is often the first thing to suffer when life gets busy. Washing takes time, styling takes more, and some mornings you only have a hair tie and a prayer. The good news is that there are plenty of easy hairstyles that look intentional, stay out of your face and take very little time.
This guide is organised as hairstyle cards. Each card gives you a style, the time it takes, the tools you need and the situation it suits. Hairstyles are personal and the possibilities are huge, and there is a general overview of the history and range of hairstyles on Wikipedia. Here we stick to simple styles that work for most hair types and lengths.
Quick reference: the styles at a glance
| Style | Time | Tools | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low bun | 1 minute | Hair tie, a few pins | Work, school run, videos |
| Claw clip twist | 30 seconds | Claw clip | Hot days, home, errands |
| High ponytail | 1 minute | Hair tie | Workouts, playground |
| Half-up half-down | 1 minute | Clip or elastic | Lunch dates, school events |
| Side braid | 3 minutes | 2 hair ties | Weekends, long hair |
| Messy top knot | 30 seconds | Hair tie | Mornings with no time |
| Headband and loose waves | 1 minute | Wide headband | Bad hair days, dry shampoo days |
| Scarf or bandana | 1 minute | Scarf | Unwashed hair, windy days |
Card 1: The low bun
Time: about one minute. Tools: hair tie and a few pins.
Brush your hair back, gather it low at the nape of your neck and twist. Wrap it around the hair tie and pin any loose bits. It looks neat, keeps hair out of your face and suits almost every outfit. For more outfit ideas to wear with it, see business casual outfits for moms.
Card 2: The claw clip twist
Time: 30 seconds. Tools: a claw clip.
Gather your hair, twist it once or twice, fold the ends up and clip it. This is the fastest tidy style, and it works on wet or dry hair. Choose a clip that fits the amount of hair you have, and one that is comfortable if you lean back against a chair.
Card 3: The high ponytail
Time: one minute. Tools: a hair tie.
Flip your head forward, gather your hair at the crown and tie it. To make it look more polished, wrap a small section of hair around the tie and pin it. A smooth ponytail suits workouts, playground days and casual outfits, such as those in athleisure outfits for moms.
Card 4: Half-up, half-down
Time: one minute. Tools: a clip, a pin or a small elastic.
Take a section from each side at the front, pull it back and secure it. This keeps hair out of your face while leaving the rest loose, and it suits lunch dates, school events and videos.
Card 5: The side braid
Time: three minutes. Tools: two hair ties.
Gather your hair over one shoulder, divide it into three sections and braid to the end. Secure with a hair tie. Pull the braid slightly looser for a relaxed, softer look. If your hair is short, try a small braid at the front instead.
Card 6: The messy top knot
Time: 30 seconds. Tools: a hair tie.
Lean forward, gather your hair at the top of your head and twist it into a knot. Do not worry about loose pieces. It is a forgiving style, and it looks good on second-day hair.
Card 7: Headband and loose waves
Time: one minute. Tools: a wide headband.
Run your fingers through your hair, put on a headband and tuck any flyaways. A little dry shampoo at the roots freshens hair between washes. It is a good option when you want to leave your hair down but need it off your face.
Card 8: The scarf or bandana
Time: one minute. Tools: a scarf.
Fold a scarf into a triangle or a band and tie it over your hair or around a ponytail or bun. It covers unwashed hair, protects from wind and adds colour. It also pairs well with simple outfits.
Tips for faster hair mornings
- Wash at night or every other day. Choose the schedule that suits your hair.
- Use dry shampoo at the roots to freshen hair between washes.
- Brush before you style. Smooth hair looks neater in any style.
- Keep ties and clips in several places: the bathroom, the car, your bag and your wrist.
- Choose soft hair ties that do not pull or break hair.
- Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase, if you like it, to reduce tangles.
Which style for which situation?
| Situation | Try |
|---|---|
| School run | Claw clip twist, low bun or a side braid |
| Work or video call | Low bun, sleek ponytail or half-up |
| Playground | High ponytail or braid |
| Rainy or windy day | Low bun with a scarf or a braid |
| Unwashed hair | Top knot, headband or scarf |
| Evening out | Half-up with a nice clip or a smooth low bun |
Match your style to your outfit
The simplest way to look polished is to keep your hair and outfit in the same mood. A sleek bun looks good with trousers and a blazer. A claw clip and a loose braid suit relaxed knits and jeans. If you want ideas to build around your hair, see what to wear to school drop-off.
Care basics that make styling easier
- Use a conditioner that suits your hair type.
- Detangle gently from the ends upward.
- Let hair air-dry sometimes to reduce heat damage.
- Trim split ends regularly.
- If you use heat tools, use a lower setting and a protectant.
- If you notice sudden changes in your hair or scalp, speak to a doctor or a trained hairdresser.
Mistakes to avoid
- Pulling hair too tight. It can cause headaches and breakage.
- Using rough hair ties. Metal or tight elastic can snag hair.
- Skipping brushing. Tangles show.
- Overusing dry shampoo. It can build up on the scalp.
- Trying a complicated style on a rushed morning. Save it for the weekend.
FAQ
What is the easiest hairstyle for busy moms?
A claw clip twist or a low bun. Both take under a minute and look tidy.
How can I hide greasy hair?
Use dry shampoo at the roots, then style it in a bun, a braid or a ponytail. A scarf or headband also helps.
Which hairstyles are good for short hair?
Try a headband, a small half-up, a tucked-behind-the-ears look or a bandana. A little texture spray adds body.
How do I keep hair out of my face at work?
A low bun, a sleek ponytail or a half-up style are neat and comfortable for most workdays.
Final thought
A simple hairstyle can change how an outfit looks and how you feel. Keep a few cards in mind, keep clips and ties within reach, and choose the style that fits your morning.
