Long hair gets heavy by mid-afternoon, especially on a humid day, and most mornings there’s only five minutes and a few bobby pins to work with. These simple hairstyles for long hair lean on what you already own, like a claw clip, clear elastics, or a 1.25-inch iron, and plenty hold up on second-day hair with dry shampoo.
1. Low Twisted Bun
A low twisted bun is one of the simple hairstyles for long hair I show clients who need a work style in five minutes. Twist the length at the nape, coil it flat and pin with four U-pins. Long internal layers in the cut keep the bun from looking bulky. It suits medium to thick hair of any texture. Pull out two face-framing pieces and finish with a light hold spray.
2. Sleek Low Bun
A sleek low bun works on long straight or relaxed hair. Brush the hair back with a smoothing gel, secure a low ponytail with a strong elastic, then wrap and pin. A blunt perimeter makes the bun look fuller, so I avoid heavy layering for clients who wear this daily. It suits oval and heart faces. Use a toothbrush with gel to flatten the hairline. It takes about seven minutes.
3. Messy Top Knot
A messy top knot is the fastest of the easy hairstyles for long hair. Flip the head over, gather the hair at the crown, twist and wrap it around the base, then secure with an elastic. Pull the knot wider with your fingers. Long layers make it look fuller. It suits medium to thick hair and works on second-day hair with dry shampoo. Leave the nape pieces loose.
4. Claw Clip French Twist
A claw clip French twist holds long hair up with one clip. Gather the hair at the nape, twist it upward along the back of the head, fold the ends under and close a large claw clip over the twist. It suits thick and very long hair best. It is one of the simple hairstyles for long hair I recommend for hot weather. Choose a clip at least four inches wide.
5. Half-Up Claw Clip
A half-up claw clip keeps the front sections off the face and leaves the length down. Section from the temples to the crown, twist once and close a medium claw clip over it. Curl the ends with a 1.25-inch iron for a finished look. It suits all densities, and face-framing layers sit well around it. It works on day two or three with a little dry shampoo at the roots.
6. Half-Up Top Knot
A half-up top knot gathers the top section into a small knot at the crown and leaves the rest of the long hair down. It adds height for round faces and keeps hair out of your eyes. Section from the temples back, twist into a knot and secure with an elastic. It suits medium to thick hair. Leave the length straight or waved. It takes three minutes.
7. Half-Up Twisted Crown
A half-up twisted crown twists a section from each temple toward the back and pins them together at the crown. It keeps long hair off the face without an elastic. It suits fine to thick hair and oval or heart faces. Use small bobby pins in a matching color. It is one of the simple hairstyles for long hair that looks good with loose curls or straight hair.
8. Sleek High Ponytail
A sleek high ponytail on long hair needs a good base. Blow-dry straight, brush the hair to the crown with a smoothing cream and secure with a spiral elastic. Wrap a small section around the base and pin it. It suits straight and relaxed hair of medium to thick density. Flat iron the length for a glossy finish. Trim every 8 weeks so the ends stay full.
9. Low Ponytail With a Wrapped Base
A low ponytail with a wrapped base is one of the easy hairstyles for long hair that looks polished for work. Brush the hair back, secure at the nape and wrap a small section around the elastic. Pin it underneath. Smooth flyaways with a light gel. It suits straight or wavy hair of any density. A center part works well for oval faces, a side part for round faces.
10. Bubble Ponytail
A bubble ponytail uses small clear elastics every two to three inches down a ponytail, with each section pulled out into a bubble. On long hair, you get five or six bubbles. It suits medium to thick hair. Start with a high or low ponytail and loosen each section with your fingers. It holds through a workout and works on second-day hair.
11. Scarf Ponytail
A scarf ponytail ties a thin silk scarf around the elastic of a low or mid ponytail and lets the ends hang. It hides the elastic and adds color. It suits any hair type and density. Curl the ponytail with a 1.25-inch iron for movement. It is one of the simple hairstyles for long hair that works for work and weekends. Choose a scarf about 30 inches long.
12. Braided Ponytail
A braided ponytail starts as a mid or high ponytail and finishes with a three-strand braid down the length. Secure the braid with a clear elastic and pull the edges out for width. It suits medium to thick hair. It holds all day and keeps long hair from tangling at the ends. Wrap a small section around the base to hide the first elastic.
13. Side Ponytail
A low side ponytail moves long hair over one shoulder and shows off long layers. Gather the hair below one ear and secure with an elastic. Wrap a section around the base. Curl the length loosely with a 1.25-inch iron. It suits round and square faces, since the asymmetry breaks up width. It suits medium to thick hair and takes about five minutes.
14. Single French Braid
A single French braid down the back keeps long hair secure all day. Start at the crown and braid overhand down the back, adding hair from each side, then finish with a three-strand braid. Long layers can poke out, so use a light gel on the sections. It suits medium to thick hair. Pancake the edges for a fuller look. It takes about seven minutes.
15. Two Dutch Braids
Two Dutch braids are one of the simple hairstyles for long hair I suggest for the gym. Part down the middle and braid underhand from the hairline to the ends, adding hair as you go. Secure with small elastics. It suits medium to thick hair. Smooth flyaways with a light gel. Sleep in them for heatless waves the next morning.
16. Fishtail Braid
A fishtail braid splits the hair into two sections and crosses small pieces from the outside of each. On long hair, it reaches the chest. It suits medium to thick hair of any texture. Braid over one shoulder, secure, and loosen the edges. It takes about ten minutes and holds all day. It is one of the easy hairstyles for long hair that looks more complex than it is.
17. Side Braid
A loose side braid moves long hair over one shoulder. Gather the hair to one side, braid loosely, and pull the edges out. Leave a few face-framing pieces down. It suits medium to thick hair. Second-day waves give the braid more grip. Secure with a small clear elastic. It flatters oval and heart faces. It is one of the simple hairstyles for long hair for busy mornings and takes about three minutes.
18. Waterfall Braid
A waterfall braid runs horizontally from one temple to the back of the head and drops a strand at each crossing. It leaves the length down. It suits straight and wavy hair of medium density. Curl the length with a 1-inch iron after braiding. Pin the end behind the opposite ear. It takes practice but holds well with a light hairspray.
19. Crown Braid
A crown braid wraps a single braid around the head like a headband. Braid two side sections, cross them over the top of the head and pin each end under the other. It suits thick, very long hair. It is one of the simple hairstyles for long hair that holds through a long day. Pancake the braids for width. Use U-pins in a matching color.
20. Dutch Braid Into Ponytail
A Dutch braid into ponytail braids underhand from the hairline to the crown, then gathers into a high ponytail. It suits medium to thick hair and keeps the top sections tight for workouts. Use a light gel on the braid section. Curl the ponytail for a softer finish. Leave a few baby hairs out at the temples. It takes about eight minutes and holds all day.
21. Pull-Through Braid
A pull-through braid looks like a large braid but uses only small elastics. Make a ponytail, divide it, then pull sections through each other and secure every few inches. Pancake each section wide. It suits fine to medium hair, since it adds width. It is one of the easy hairstyles for long hair that needs no braiding skill. Use clear elastics.
22. Half-Up Braids
Half-up braids take a small section from each temple, braid it, and tie both braids together at the back. It keeps the face clear and leaves the length down. It suits fine to thick hair and any face shape. Curl the ends loosely. It is one of the simple hairstyles for long hair that works well on clients growing out bangs. It takes about five minutes.
23. Heatless Braid Waves
Heatless braid waves come from braiding damp hair at night and taking the braids out in the morning. Two braids give a looser wave, four give tighter. It suits straight to wavy hair of fine to medium density. Apply a light mousse before braiding. Shake out with your fingers, not a brush. Finish with a drop of oil on the ends. It avoids heat damage between trims.
24. Beach Waves
Beach waves are one of the most requested easy hairstyles for long hair. Wrap two-inch sections around a 1-inch flat iron, leave the last inch straight, and finish with a texture spray. Long layers cut with point cutting help the waves separate. It suits fine to thick straight or wavy hair. Waves hold two to three days with dry shampoo.
25. Sleek Middle-Part Blowout
A sleek middle-part blowout keeps long hair straight and smooth. Blow-dry with a paddle brush, then flat iron in small sections. Finish with a shine serum. It suits oval and heart faces and straight or relaxed hair. A blunt perimeter makes this cut look denser. It is one of the simple hairstyles for long hair that lasts three days. Trim every 8 weeks.
26. Bouncy Round-Brush Blowout
A bouncy round-brush blowout adds volume at the roots and a bend at the ends. Blow-dry each section with a large round brush and set in Velcro rollers for 10 minutes. Long layers starting at the chin help the bounce. It suits medium to thick hair and oval or square faces. It lasts three days with a dry shampoo refresh.
27. Ribbon Bow Half-Up
A ribbon bow half-up ties a satin ribbon over a small half-up ponytail. Section the top from the temples back, secure with a clear elastic, and tie the ribbon over it. It suits fine to thick hair of any texture. Curl the length for a softer look. It is one of the simple hairstyles for long hair that takes under three minutes.
28. Headband With Loose Waves
A padded or thin headband with loose waves keeps long hair off the face without any pinning. Push the headband back about two inches from the hairline and leave the length down. It suits oval and oblong faces, since it adds height without width. Use it to cover second-day roots. Curl the length with a 1.25-inch iron. It takes under a minute once the waves are set.
29. Side-Pinned With Barrettes
Side-pinned hair tucks one side behind the ear and holds it with two barrettes. It shows off face-framing layers on the other side. It suits straight and wavy hair of fine to medium density. Use a deep side part. It is one of the easy hairstyles for long hair for clients who want something quick for work. It takes one minute.
30. Twisted Side Pin-Back
A twisted side pin-back twists a front section from the part back along the side of the head and pins it behind the ear. It keeps hair off one side of the face. It suits any density and works well on clients growing out bangs. Use two crossed bobby pins for hold. Curl the length loosely. It takes two minutes.
31. Topsy Tail Low Ponytail
A topsy tail low ponytail flips the ponytail through a gap above the elastic, which creates twisted sides. Make a low ponytail, loosen the elastic slightly, split the hair above it and pull the tail through. It suits fine to medium hair. It is one of the simple hairstyles for long hair that looks finished with no tools. Tighten the elastic after flipping.
32. Low Chignon
A low chignon rolls the hair into a neat bun at the nape. Make a low ponytail, twist the length, coil it around the base and pin. It suits thick, long hair best, since it needs volume. It works for weddings and work. Use a light texture spray for grip. It takes about ten minutes. A blunt perimeter keeps the chignon smooth.
33. Space Buns
Space buns are two high buns, one on each side of the part. Part down the middle, make two high ponytails, twist each into a bun and secure with an elastic. It suits medium to thick hair. Pull out face-framing pieces for a softer look. It is one of the easy hairstyles for long hair for festivals and weekends. Use a light hold spray to tame flyaways.
34. Braided Bun
A braided bun braids the ponytail first, then wraps the braid into a bun. Make a low or mid ponytail, braid it, pancake the edges and coil it around the base. Pin with U-pins. It suits medium to thick hair. It is one of the simple hairstyles for long hair that keeps its shape all day. It takes about eight minutes.
35. Gibson Tuck
A Gibson tuck rolls the hair into an elastic headband at the nape. Put the headband on, then tuck small sections of hair over and under it until the length is hidden. It suits fine to medium hair of shoulder-blade length. Pin any loose ends. It is one of the easy hairstyles for long hair for hot days and wedding guests.
36. Hair Stick Bun
A hair stick bun twists long hair into a coil and holds it with a single hair stick. Twist the hair into a rope, wrap it into a bun, and push the stick through the base. It suits thick, very long hair. It holds best on second-day hair. It takes about two minutes, and there are no elastics to snap or crease the hair.
37. Rope Twist Ponytail
A rope twist ponytail splits a high ponytail into two sections, twists each to the right, then wraps them around each other to the left. Secure with a clear elastic. It suits medium to thick hair. It is one of the simple hairstyles for long hair that looks like a braid without braiding. It holds better with a light gel on each section.
38. Air-Dried Natural Waves
Air-dried natural waves rely on the cut, so I add long layers with point cutting to help the wave pattern show. Scrunch in a light mousse on damp hair and leave it alone until dry. It suits 2A to 2C wavy hair of any density. Avoid heavy conditioners at the roots. Trim every 10 weeks to keep the ends from frizzing.
39. Wash-and-Go Curls
A wash-and-go is one of the easy hairstyles for long hair with natural curl. Apply a leave-in and a gel to soaking-wet hair, rake through and diffuse or air-dry. I cut curly hair dry, curl by curl, so layers sit right. It suits 3A to 4A curls. Refresh with water and a little gel on day two. Trim every 12 weeks.
40. Twist-Out on Long Natural Hair
A twist-out sets two-strand twists on damp, moisturized hair and unravels them when dry. Separate gently with oiled fingers. It suits 4A to 4C hair of medium to thick density. It lasts four to five days with a satin bonnet at night. Refresh with a light oil on day three. I trim long natural hair every 12 weeks to keep the ends defined.
41. Silk Press
A silk press straightens natural hair with a blow-dry and a flat iron, without chemicals. It suits 3C to 4C hair of medium to thick density. Use a heat protectant before the iron. It is one of the simple hairstyles for long hair with movement that lasts up to two weeks. Wrap the hair at night and avoid humidity. Trim every 12 weeks.
42. Wet-Look Slicked-Back Hair
Wet-look slicked-back hair combs gel through the roots and mid-lengths and leaves the ends loose. Apply a strong-hold gel to damp hair, comb it straight back and let it dry. It suits oval and heart faces and straight to wavy hair. It is one of the easy hairstyles for long hair for evening events. Use a wide-tooth comb to keep the lines clean. Wash out at night.
43. Half-Up Bubble Ponytail
A half-up bubble ponytail sections the top half into a small ponytail and adds clear elastics every two inches. Pull each section out into a bubble. It suits fine to medium hair and keeps the face clear. Leave the length down with loose waves. It is one of the simple hairstyles for long hair that works for school and weekends.
44. Curtain Bangs Worn Down
Curtain bangs worn down are one of the easiest hairstyles for long hair, since the bangs do the framing. I cut the bangs longest at the outer edges and blend them into long layers. It suits oval and oblong faces. Blow-dry the bangs with a small round brush and leave the length air-dried. Trim the bangs every 4 weeks and the length every 10.
45. Bandana Headscarf
A bandana headscarf ties a folded square scarf over the hair at the nape. Fold the bandana into a triangle, place it on the head and knot it under the length. It suits any hair type and covers second-day roots. Wear the length down or in a low ponytail. Cotton bandanas grip better than silk. It is one of the simple hairstyles for long hair for the beach and hot days.
46. Mini Claw Clips Twisted Back
Mini claw clips twisted back pin two small front sections away from the face. Twist each section once and close a mini claw clip at the back of the head. It suits fine to medium hair and clients with face-framing layers. Use clips that match your hair color for a softer look. It takes under two minutes and leaves the length down.
47. Hair Bow Bun
A hair bow bun loops the hair into a bow at the crown. Make a high ponytail, pull it halfway through the elastic, split the loop in two, and wrap the ends over the center. Pin underneath. It suits thick, long hair. Use a light hairspray to hold the loops. It is one of the simple hairstyles for long hair for parties and takes about ten minutes.
48. Sock Bun
A sock bun uses a bun donut or a rolled sock to make a large, round bun. Make a high ponytail, push it through the donut and wrap the hair around it until hidden. Pin the ends. It suits fine to medium hair, since the donut adds volume. It is one of the easy hairstyles for long hair for dance and formal events. Smooth with a light gel.
Long hair gets heavy by mid-afternoon, which is why I steer people toward a low ponytail with the base wrapped or a loose braid that eats the extra length. For easy hairstyles for long hair, a single bobby pin crossed under the elastic stops the slippage that ruins most five-minute versions. Dry shampoo at the roots buys another day between washes. oval face haircuts stay the most requested shape in my chair, and the same length rules apply here.