21 Lazy Hairstyles for Days When You're Just Not Having It

Some days there’s just no chance you'll have the time or energy to put lots of effort into your hair. Enter lazy hairstyles. Whatever your reason may be—whether you woke up late (and on the wrong side of the bed), or you’re having a bad hair day—it doesn’t mean you have to rock a boring or poorly put-together hairstyle for the day. All you need is the right no-fuss hairstyle to complete your beauty look and make surviving the morning that much easier. So, before you hide your hair under a hat for one more day, check out our list of 21 lazy hairstyles. Happy styling!

1. FLOWER BRAID

Looking for a super-intricate (but easy) look that can instantly dress up any outfit? Embrace a little #FlowerPower!

Get the look by following these simple steps:

Step 1: Create a half-up ponytail. Using your fingers, gather the hair at your temples and put it into a half-up ponytail. Secure it in place with a clear mini elastic.

Step 2: Braid your pony. Weave your half-up ponytail to the ends.

Step 3: Pancake your braid. Gently tug the sections of your braid apart, starting at the bottom and working your way to the top. The more you tug, the more voluminous your flower braid will bloom. Don’t tug it too much, though, because then your braid will fall apart.

Step 4: Wrap your braid. Starting at the base of your braided pony, spin it around itself to create the appearance of a flower. Once it looks just right, pin it in place, and you’re good to go!

2. DUTCH CROWN

Think you need wicked braiding skills to flaunt a beautifully woven mane? Wrong! A Dutch crown braid is a great way to spice up your look without having to spend too much time in the mirror. Set the stage by creating two Dutch braids on either side of your head, using the underhanded braiding technique that makes Dutch braids what they are. Next, you’ll want to cross each braid over the nape of the neck and secure with pins. Voila!

3. KNOTTED SIDE PONY

If you’re seeking a hairstyle that’s stylish enough to take you from your desk to drinks with ease, look no further than the knotted side pony! An excellent way to spice up your strands when you have limited time, you can’t go wrong with giving this look a try. Start by splitting your hair into two sections that cascade down one shoulder. Next, you want to tie both sections together in a low knot. Double up on your knots, then secure with a clear elastic.

4. VOLUMINOUS DOUBLE PONY

How do some women have such thick, luscious locks? What if we told you that you could, too? Before you start laughing, try our tutorial below for your fullest, bounciest pony yet.

Get the look by following these simple steps:

Step 1: Make a half-up ponytail. Split your hair just above your ears to create a high ponytail.

Step 2: Pop in a bobby pin. To give your ‘do extra lift, insert a bobby pin or two through the underside of your ponytail, placing them so they’re facing down. Sounds silly, but just wait till you see the oomph this gives your pony.

Step 3: Create a second ponytail directly under the first. Using the rest of your hair, tie up another ponytail about an inch from the first.

Step 4: Hide your second pony. To make your hair look naturally voluminous, be sure to fan out your top pony to conceal the bottom one.

5. SIDE BRAIDED PONY

Traditional ponytails just not cutting it for you anymore? A side braided ponytail will instantly have you head over heels. Best of all, you can create this look in three steps. Start by parting your hair far to one side, and on the side of the part with less hair, create a French braid that goes from your hairline to your ends. Pull all of your hair and the braid into a ponytail. Take a teeny section of hair and wrap it around the base of your ponytail to conceal your hair tie.

6. HALF-UP PONYTAIL

Can’t decide between wearing your locks up or down? Consider your dilemma over, thanks to this trendy half-up ponytail. Equal parts stylish and chic, this hairstyle allows you to flaunt your length while getting your hair out of your face. Start by dividing your hair into two sections, then secure the top half into a ponytail. It doesn’t get much easier than that!

7. CLASSY PONYTAIL

Ever wonder how all the girls at your office have the time to create such stylish ponytails? Guess what? It’s a lot easier than you think!

Get the look by following these simple steps:

Step 1: Divide your hair into two sections. Part your hair horizontally across your head to create two even sections: one closer to your hairline and one closer to the nape of your neck.

Step 2: Make a ponytail with the back section. Using the section closest to the nape of your neck, create a ponytail. Be sure to use a clear elastic or a hair tie that matches your hair color so that it’s easily concealable.

Step 3: Split your front section in half. You can either do this with a middle or side part, depending on how you normally part your hair.

Step 4: Wrap the left side. First, take the left half of your front section and pull it back, wrapping the strands around the base of your ponytail.

Step 5: Then, wrap the right side. Follow up by wrapping the right side around your ponytail, too. Make sure that your hair tie is concealed and then use a bobby pin or two to keep everything in place. All done!

8. MESSY BUN

There’s a reason why messy buns are the ultimate lazy hairstyle. Not only does this updo look effortlessly gorgeous, but it also only takes a few minutes to style. In case you need a refresher on how to create the perfect messy bun, here’s what to do: Begin by gathering your strands into a ponytail at the crown of your head. Twist the length of your ponytail from the base to the ends. Then wrap it around itself to form a bun. Place a few bobby pins to hold your hair in place, muss it up a bit, and you’re ready to start your day.

9. SPACE BUNS

What’s better than one bun? We think two! Space buns are the ultimate carefree lazy hairstyle for days when you’re pressed for time. We also dig that this look doesn’t skimp on style. To bring this out-of-this-world hairstyle to life, create a middle part, effectively splitting your hair into two sections. Pull each section into a ponytail, then twist the ponytails into small buns, making sure both sides match. After securing with hair ties, mist your look with a shine hairspray, like the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Precious Oil Hairspray, as a finishing touch.

10. TUCKED HEADBAND UPDO

If looking like you put way more effort into your look than you actually did is right up your alley, then we know the perfect updo for you. With the help of a headband, in just three steps, you can look red carpet-ready.

Get the look by following these simple steps:

Step 1: Put on an elastic headband. Grab your favorite infinity headband and place it around the crown of your head—about an inch back from your hairline and just above your ears.

Step 2: Begin to tuck at your left ear. Starting on your left side, take a small section of hair and wrap it around your headband.

Step 3: Work all the way around to the right. Continue wrapping hair around your headband until you make it all the way over to the right side. Tuck the hair in around the headband so that it’s completely hidden, and that’s it!

11. PRETZEL BUN

A pretzel bun is just as easy as the aforementioned messy bun, but it makes for a more intricate, cleaned-up look. (We love both!) To twist your tresses into a pretzel-like updo, start by gathering your strands into a ponytail. Split the ponytail into two sections, and twist both from the base to the ends. Turn the two twists into one bigger twist by twirling them together, then wrap that twist around the base of the ponytail. Secure with plenty of bobby pins, and you’re all set.

12. CHIGNON

Fancy a classic updo? The chignon may be your perfect match. This French-inspired hairstyle makes for a chic pulled-back look that sits right at the nape of the neck. Head on over to our article, How to Master a Chignon Hairstyle in 5 Easy Steps, to learn exactly how to get the look.

13. SLICK STRANDS WITH PEARL PINS

For those who swear by minimal styling, accessories can really take your look to new heights. Especially pearl-embellished pins, which add a touch of sophistication to any hairstyle. Create a center part, then use hair gel to slick your hair back, pushing your strands behind your ears. Place two pearl pins on either side of your part, and you have a style that’s suitable for any occasion.

14. TOP KNOT

When talking about lazy hairstyles, it’s only right we get the top knot on your radar. A stylish option for days when time is of the essence, this hairstyle blends chic and playful styling into one. To pull together a top knot, start by spraying your strands with the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT High Lift Creation Spray to give them a boost of texture. Pull your hair into a high ponytail, then create a tight twist and coil the ponytail around its base to form a bun. Basically, it’s a higher, less messy messy bun! Secure with a few bobby pins to lock in the look.

15. 20-SECOND UPDO

For some reason, so many people automatically assume that updos are some fancy-schmancy ‘do that requires loads of time. We’re here to prove that isn’t the case once more.

Get the look by following these simple steps:

Step 1: Split your hair into two sections at the nape of your neck. Make them even, and you’re ready for the next step.

Step 2: Twist each side. It doesn’t have to be super-tight or perfect because this hairstyle looks best slightly undone.

Step 3: Tie them into a knot. Take your slightly twisted sections and tie them into a knot.

Step 4: Pin the ends. Grab some bobby pins to help hold your knot in place, securing the ends any way you please.

16. HALF-UP TOP KNOT

Combine your love of half-up hairstyles and top knots into one style. The half-up top knot kicks things up a notch with no added fuss, which is just what you need. Split your hair into two sections, then use the top layer to create a top knot just as you normally would—only with a bit less hair. Leave the bottom layer of hair down and there you have it: another beautiful lazy hairstyle.

17. HALF-UP TWISTED HALO

In the spirit of keeping your strands out of your face, the half-up twisted halo will suit your needs. This two-step hairstyle adds a feminine and sassy twist to your strands for a look that will become your favorite in no time. Begin by taking a small section of hair from the left side of your head, twisting it from roots to ends. Secure with a bobby pin at the back of your head. Repeat on the other side, and you’ll have a super-pretty, almost angelic look.

18. BEACHY WAVES

Who says you can only score beachy waves during the summer? One of our all-time favorite lazy hairstyles, you can easily get ocean-inspired waves overnight. Before you catch some Z’s, you’ll want to French braid your damp hair and secure the ends with hair ties. Cover your mane with a scarf and hit the hay. Once you wake up, unravel your braids, and enjoy a gorgeous set of beach waves.

19. QUICK CURLS

On days when you want to spruce up your ‘do with a little curvy definition, this look is for you. Get excited because we’re here to tell you (and show you) that styling curly hair doesn’t have to be a long process. Check it out!

Get the look by following these simple steps:

Step 1: Make a high ponytail. Using a crease-free hair tie, create a super-loose high ponytail.

Step 2: Split your ponytail in half. You know what to do.

Step 3: Curl one side at a time. Take a curling iron and curl each side of your ponytail.

Step 4: Let it down. Take your hair tie out to reveal your easiest curls yet.

20. NATURAL CURLS

There is no better way to show your natural texture some love than by playing it up and bringing out your curl pattern. Simply add an egg-sized amount of a curl mousse, like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle CURVE IT Elastic Curl Mousse, to your damp strands to amp up your texture. Scrunch your strands, let your hair air dry, and see your curls come to life.

21. PINEAPPLE

Looking for a way to make a stylish statement and keep your curls from getting in your way? A pineapple hairstyle will cover all the necessary bases. This natural hair staple works to pile curls on top of your head for a super cute and practical look. Not to mention, it takes little to no time to do. Simply gather your strands toward the top of your head and secure them into a super high ponytail. Fluff your curls, guiding them to hang forward, and you’re as good as gold.

Next: 10 Step-by-Step Hairstyle Tutorials for Cute, Easy Hairdos