When it comes to quick, easy hairstyles, I have a pretty extensive repertoire. Although I love my long curls, I lose patience with convoluted, time-consuming styles that leave me running late. Furthermore, I often start by wearing my hair loose, only to find myself frustrated as the day progresses because of flyaways, strands falling in front of my eyes, and the sheer warmth my hair generates on a hot, humid day. But when I pull my hair up into an easy hairstyle that takes seconds to create, I need to be sure that it also looks good—a unique challenge if one is deprived of time, a mirror, and a shelf of styling tools.
Now, I have years of experience tying my unruly hair up in public, using styles that both take a millisecond and make me feel confident. Ahead, the easiest, chicest hairstyles I return to again and again, along with the products—including scrunchies, clips, and leave-in conditioners—that I keep in my purse in case of a hair emergency. I also asked professional hairstylist Bailey Englert to weigh in on how best to tame and style when you're short on time.
The Claw Chignon
This has been my most longstanding go-to style: It's quick and simple, and because it employs a claw clip instead of a scrunchie, it doesn't tug uncomfortably at my scalp. Englert recommends creating a crisp part to start, taming flyaways and sealing ends with a finishing cream or hair serum. Then, she says, "collect the hair at the nape of the neck and twist while bringing the middle of the ponytail length up towards the crown. This creates a twist at the nape that looks like half of a bow." Finally, she recommends securing the style with a claw clip, ribbon, bow, or barrette.
The Scrunchie-Less Low Bun
Too often, I've found myself without a scrunchie or clip when I'm dying to tie my hair back. That's why I was elated to discover this easy, accessory-less style that looks effortlessly chic to boot. For best results, ensure maximum hair flexibility by applying a hydrating leave-in conditioner. Then, when you're ready for styling, twist your hair into a shell shape (just like you would with the previous style), continuing to twist and wrap the hair around itself until you've reached the end. Then, tuck that end into the tight coil you've created. This style is quick, comfortable, and surprisingly durable—I've gone all day without it budging. And if you have a styling cream on hand, you can smooth away any baby hairs poking out of the top of your head. Englert says a cream also "helps give the hair control and hold while adding texture," so you can guarantee the longevity of your bun.
The Tall Topknot
Nine times out of ten, I'm wearing this sky-high topknot. It's perfect for summer because it keeps my hair from touching any part of my skin, including my neck, shoulders, and back. It's also ideal for frizzy or curly hair because it hides issues like flyaways, flattened curls, and an uneven curl pattern. Englert says that if you're struggling with frizz or if you simply have textured or curly hair, be sure to apply copious amounts of leave-in conditioner throughout your hair, taking care to do so evenly.
First, I gather my hair at the top of my head and wrap a thin scrunchie around the hair as though I'm creating a ponytail. Instead of pulling the hair all the way through the scrunchie, however, I pull it only halfway through, securing it in a pile on top of my head. To keep the hairstyle in place, I warp the scrunchie around the knot a second time. For best results, opt for a silk scrunchie, which is easier to remove and prevents breakage and hair indentations.
Half-Up in a Claw Clip
This hairstyle may take mere seconds to create, but it never fails to look sophisticated. It's also an excellent alternative to pulling one's hair up with a scrunchie because, yet again, it doesn't pull on the scalp. Utilizing a clip is also far quicker than having to section and wrap hair with a tie. Simply separte the top half of your hair from the bottom half, pull it back, and secure the top half to the back of your head with a large- to medium-sized clip. Go with simple black or gold for a timeless look that matches with everything, or opt for a patterned accessory for a bit or added flair.
The Twisted Ponytail
My mom taught me this hairstyle when I was in elementary school, explaining that it was a simple way of creating a style that looks far more elaborate than it really is. To start, tie your hair in a low ponytail at the base of your neck, smoothing down any flyaways at the top of your head (if you can, use some medium-hold gel for this). Gently pull the scrunchie down about an inch and create a hole in your hair just above where the tie sits. Finally, flip the ponytail into the hole you created, inserting the hair from the outside and pushing in through towards your neck. The result is an intricate, twisted style that elevates the classic tomboy look of the low ponytail.
The Loose Braid
Ah, the braid: A classic, simple look that never goes out of style. I'm a huge fan of the French braid and braided pigtails, but when I'm short on time, I create a simple plait down my back that starts at the nape of my neck. If you need a braiding refresher: Separate your hair into three relatively equal sections, then cross each side over the middle section alternatively. If your arms get tired, bring the braid to the front of your body to finish, taking care not to pull from the scalp so that your braid doesn't look lopsided. Pro tip: If your hair is going through a dry spell, apply your favorite hair oil before braiding your hair. While you’re going about your day, you’ll also be enjoying a deeply hydrating treatment without looking greasy.
Half-Up, Half-Down
Anyone who knows me can attest that this style is my signature. It’s the easiest way to look elevated, it hides grease if you’ve gone a day or two without washing your hair, and it looks flattering son all hair types and curl patterns. Simply split the bottom half of your hair from the top half, taking care to create as straight a part as possible. Then, as with the aforementioned half-up style, secure the top section—only this time, use a scrunchie instead of a clip. In my experience, the higher the half-pony sits, the more put-together the style looks.
A rat tail comb would be ideal to separate the top and bottom sections of your hair, so you may want to keep this hair tool in your go-bag. Englert agrees that "distinct parting and clean edges, whether pulling hair back or keeping it down," are key to making a quick hairstyle look chic. He explains, "The sharper lines of a part and clean hairlines elevate any style when we're in a rush." However, your fingertip will do fine when you're in a rush. For a fun, retro look, use a large statement scrunchie rather than a thin one.
