Beauty
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

How Do I Choose the Best Quick Hairstyles for Long Hair?

Tara Barnett
Tara Barnett

The best quick hairstyles for long hair depend on the occasion and the qualities of a person's hair. Many people with long, thick hair fare best putting the hair in braids or a ponytail, whereas people with thin hair may be better off using a volumizer and leaving the hair down. If you need to look professional, tight and controlled hairstyles are typically best, but for casual encounters the hair can be left loose and flowing. For occasions like swimming or athletic activities, a practical bun or braid can be more appropriate.

One of the easiest quick hairstyles for long hair involves leaving the hair down and adding a headband or clip. Many people are impressed by the ability to grow long hair, and minimal styling is required for these hairstyles. This style is often considered particularly attractive with bangs, as this makes the style look more composed.

A woman with a French braid, which can look good on those with long hair.
A woman with a French braid, which can look good on those with long hair.

For minimal styling, one of the best quick hairstyles for long hair is a messy bun. A bun of this type requires only a hair band and, in some cases, bobby pins. The hair is wound around itself until it is all on top of the head. Then the hair band is wrapped around the bun several times. A hair band alone may hold the bun in place, or the style may require pins, but either way many people find that hairspray helps keep the look composed. It is possible to divide the hair into sections and make multiple buns, which can be attractive, though they require more time.

Many dancers use buns to keep their hair out of the way during a performance.
Many dancers use buns to keep their hair out of the way during a performance.

Braids are one of the most popular quick hairstyles for long hair, and these can take many forms. Simple three-strand braids, fishtail braids, and French braids can all be accomplished quickly with some practice. Braids can also be incorporated into other quick hairstyles for long hair to create more complicated designs. The number of braids created will increase the time it takes to finish the style, but most people can finish this look in only a few minutes.

Long hair has the benefit of looking complicated with a relatively small number of steps, making up-dos very simple for long hair. Hair that is loosely pinned at the back of the head and layered in such a way that it looks complex can still be very quick to finish. For these styles, it is important to make sure that the hair is the appropriate texture before the styling is executed. Sometimes using styling products can take much of the work out of giving long hair texture in these styles.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • A woman with a French braid, which can look good on those with long hair.
      By: Madeleine Openshaw
      A woman with a French braid, which can look good on those with long hair.
    • Many dancers use buns to keep their hair out of the way during a performance.
      By: Yurok Aleksandrovich
      Many dancers use buns to keep their hair out of the way during a performance.