8 Business Casual Hairstyles to Upgrade Your Office Beauty Look

A business casual office environment can be more intimidating than it seems—after all, what exactly is business casual? And while you’ve likely put all your focus on curating the perfect balance between your wardrobe and your daily work makeup look, you may be wondering what professional hairstyles fall into the business casual category. Thankfully for you, we’re here to help! From updos to braids, we’re sharing eight business casual hairstyles to upgrade your office beauty look.

BUSINESS CASUAL HAIRSTYLE #1: SOCK BUN

An updo is the perfect way to disguise less-than-perfect hair. Simply spritz your roots with some dry shampoo, like the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Clay Dry Shampoo, and get to it. Of course, you shouldn’t have to spend a large chunk of time putting your locks into a business casual hairstyle—which is why we’re listing a sock bun as our first option. You’ll have your hair up and into a professional hairstyle in a matter of minutes.

What you’ll need:

Hair elastic

Sock bun

Bobby pins

L’Oréal Paris Elnett Precious Oil Satin Hairspray

Get the look:

Follow our step-by-step tutorial, How to Create a Sock Bun.

BUSINESS CASUAL HAIRSTYLE #2: MESSY PONYTAIL

One of the best things about a business casual environment is that your hair doesn’t need to be perfectly styled. In fact, a carefree, messy ponytail will be perfect if your office isn’t too dressy. Just be sure to pair it with a cute blouse and makeup look to balance out your look. It’s the perfect put-together, but not too put-together, hairstyle.

What you’ll need:

L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle AIR DRY IT Wave Swept Spray or L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Clay Dry Shampoo

L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT Air-Blown Texture Mist

L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Weather Control Hairspray

Get the look:

Head on over to our article, How to Achieve an Effortless Messy Ponytail, for everything you need to know.

BUSINESS CASUAL HAIRSTYLE #3: HALF-UP BRAIDED TOP KNOT

Torn between an updo and wearing your hair down? We feel you! Consider rocking a half-up hairstyle so you don’t have to choose. There are plenty of variations of this style that fit a business casual beauty look, but we’re particularly in love with this half-up braided top knot. It toes the line between fancy and casual, meaning it will be perfect to wear on days you want to look a little nicer (AKA when it’s time for a big meeting or your annual review).

What you’ll need:

Fine-tooth comb

L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Clean Style Gel

L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle AIR DRY IT Wave Swept Spray

Clear elastic

Bobby pins

L’Oréal Paris Elnett Precious Oil Satin Hairspray

Get the look:

Ready for the best of both worlds? Here’s How to Weave a Half-Up Braided Top Knot.

BUSINESS CASUAL HAIRSTYLE #4: SLEEK PONYTAIL

While you can totally get away with a messy pony for your business casual beauty look, sometimes you’ll want to keep things slick. This is where a sleek ponytail hairstyle comes in. The pulled-back ‘do will draw attention to your makeup look and give you total boss-babe vibes!

What you’ll need:

L’Oréal Paris EverPure Frizz-Defy Shampoo

L’Oréal Paris EverPure Frizz-Defy Conditioner

L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle SLEEK IT Frizz Vanisher Cream

Paddle brush

Blow-dryer

Hair elastic

Bobby pins

L’Oréal Paris Elnett Precious Oil Satin Hairspray

Get the look:

Follow the step-by-step tutorial in our article, How to Create a Sleek Ponytail.

BUSINESS CASUAL HAIRSTYLE #5: FRENCH BRAID

In our opinion, braided hairstyles are a staple for just about any occasion—and a business casual office look is no exception. Consider sporting a classic French braid (we love it swept to the side) as your casual, yet professional hairstyle.

What you’ll need:

Hair brush

Hair elastic

Get the look:

Rusty on your braiding skills? Here’s Braiding Basics: How to French Braid Your Hair.

BUSINESS CASUAL HAIRSTYLE #6: BRUN

We’ve mentioned buns and we’ve mentioned braids, but did you know you can combine the two into one fabulous hairstyle? Introducing the brun—part braid and part bun. While this style may come across as super intricate, we promise it’ll take only minutes to perfect. Score!

What you’ll need:

Brush

Clear elastics

Bobby pins

L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Fine Control Hairspray

Get the look:

Read our article, Braid Meets Bun: How to Get a Brun Hairstyle, for an in-depth tutorial.

BUSINESS CASUAL HAIRSTYLE #7: PIGTAILS

Thought you left pigtails behind in elementary school? Think again. Pigtails are coming back in a big way—though not the pigtails you may be imagining. There are a few trendy ways to make pigtails look chic in a way that’s totally fit for a business casual office. Here’s How to Make Pigtails Look Chic.

BUSINESS CASUAL HAIRSTYLE #8: OVERNIGHT WAVES

Of course, there will be times when you don’t want to spend any time on your mane in the morning. Lucky for you, there’s a hairstyle for that! Follow the steps below to create effortless, overnight waves.

Step #1: Wash your hair

Hop in the shower and follow your usual hair care routine!

Step #2: Brush your hair

Use a wet brush to gently comb your hair to remove any knots or tangles.

Step #3: Use a wave spray

Spritz a wave spray throughout your mane.

Step #4: Braid away

Braid your hair into a traditional three-strand braid, then catch some Z’s.

Editor’s tip: Sleep on a silk pillowcase to help prevent frizz from forming throughout your slumber.

Step #5: Remove your braid

When you wake up and your hair is dry, let your hair out of your braid to reveal loose waves that are perfect for the office.

Next, let’s keep the professional beauty theme going! Here are 5 Office-Ready Makeup Looks in 3 Products or Less.