Easy Hairstyles for Long Hair: 16 Step-by-Step Tutorials

We all have our go-to hairstyles, but let’s be real—finding stylish yet easy hairstyles for long hair is often easier said than done. Long, luscious hair is gorgeous, but detangling, styling, and managing it can definitely be time-consuming, which doesn’t bode well for busy mornings. Rest assured, though, there are plenty of hairstyles for long hair that are easy to execute and offer more impact than your basic last-minute ponytail. If you need some inspiration on that front, keep scrolling. Ahead, we’re sharing 16 cute and easy hairstyles for long hair, along with step-by-step instructions to follow to nail the looks. Bookmark this page, and you’ll be well on your way to having a good hair day every day.

1. Messy Bun

As far as easy hairstyles for long hair go, it doesn’t get much simpler than a messy bun. After all, the style is meant to be imperfect, so you don’t have to stress about getting every hair exactly into place. If you aren’t quite sure how to twist your strands into this classic hairstyle, our article How To Create a Messy Bun lays it all out.

2. Half-Up Twisted Heart

If you’re looking to create cute hairstyles for long hair that are a bit more intricate but still easy to recreate, this half-up twisted heart look definitely fits the bill. Here’s how to do it: 

Step 1. Section your hair. First, part your hair in the middle. Then, gather a one-inch section of hair from either side of your part. Bring both sections around your head so that they meet in the middle at the back of your head and secure them together with a clear elastic band.

Step 2. Section more hair. Next, grab two more one-inch sections of hair at the front of your head, right below the first sections you created.

Step 3. Weave your hair. Starting on the right side, take the new section and bring it to the back of your head. Weave the end of this section under and through the ponytail you created earlier, right above the elastic, to form a loop. Repeat on the left side.

Step 4. Create your heart. Combine the three strands of hair you now have hanging from the sections that you created and secure them with a hair elastic about two inches below the first elastic to create a heart shape. If you want to tweak the size of the heart, you can gently tug at the edges of the left and right bottom sections of hair to loosen the loops to your liking.

3. The Hair Tuck

On hurried mornings when you need to style your long hair in a few seconds flat, skip the updo and simply tuck your hair behind your ears. This easy long hairstyle takes just seconds to complete yet feels super intentional and chic. If you’re prone to frizz or flyaways, consider prepping your strands with a frizz-fighting leave-in, like the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Frizz Killer Serum Leave-In, for a smooth end result. 

4. Dutch Braid

Weaving your locks into a Dutch braid is a great way to keep your mane off of your face—and score serious style points. While the inverted braid looks like it’d require a lot of time to perfect, it’s no more difficult than your standard French braid. For a step-by-step tutorial on this cute hairstyle for long hair, check out our article How To Dutch Braid Your Hair.

5. Sleek Bun

A sleek bun is another great hairstyle for keeping your long hair off of your face. The chic, understated look is also perfect for disguising oily roots from second (or third) day hair. Here’s how to get this easy hairstyle for long hair.

Step 1. Apply hair gel. Comb through your hair to remove any tangles or knots. Then, apply a small amount of the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Above It All Invisi Gel - Max Hold to your roots and brush your hair backward. Add more product as needed so that there are no flyaways.

Step 2. Create your bun. Gather your hair at the nape of your neck and twist it into a tight bun. Secure the bun with a hair elastic, using bobby pins to tuck any stray hairs into the bun for a neat, clean finish. 

6. Space Buns

Next time you’re heading to a concert or musical festival, ditch your go-to pony and give trendy space buns a try. This playful style has tons of personality and will keep your mane out of the way while you dance the night away. We break down how to create this fun hairstyle for long hair in a few simple steps in our article How To Do Space Buns.

7. Half-Up Ponytail

If you’re not sure whether you want to wear your hair up or down, try the half ponytail. This easy hairstyle allows you to embrace the best of both worlds, and it takes hardly any effort to execute. To recreate this simple look, follow these instructions: 

Step 1. Part your hair. Part your hair horizontally from ear to ear to create two roughly equal sections of hair. For this look, the bottom section will be worn down, while the top will be pulled into a high, bouncy pony. 

Step 2. Create your ponytail. Working with the top section of hair, gather your strands into a mini ponytail at the crown of your head. Secure the pony with a clear elastic or your hair tie of choice (a satiny bow works beautifully here). 

Step 3. Seal the deal. For some extra staying power, mist the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle Lock It Weather Control Hairspray over your strands before heading out the door.

8. Messy Ponytail

A tousled, textured, messy pony has all of the effortlessness of a classic messy bun while still allowing you to show off your length. This hairstyle for long hair is one of our go-tos for busy mornings since it takes just seconds to achieve and doesn’t require much precision. For a step-by-step tutorial, check out How To Achieve an Effortless Messy Ponytail.

9. Loose Waves

We love a heat-free hairstyle, especially when it’s warm outside. Skipping hot tools is not only a great way to give your strands a break from heat styling, but it can also speed up your styling routine tenfold. Here’s how to get this cute and easy hairstyle for long hair, step-by-step. 

Step 1. Wash your hair. Hop in the shower to shampoo and condition your strands as normal. If your hair tends to fall flat throughout the day, consider using a volumizing duo, like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Volume Sulfate-Free Shampoo and coordinating L’Oréal Paris EverPure Volume Sulfate-Free Conditioner. 

Step 2. Apply hair mousse. After getting out of the shower, gently squeeze your hair with a clean towel to absorb any excess moisture. Then, pump a bit of the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT Volume Inject Mousse into the palm of your hand and distribute it throughout your hair. 

Step 3. Scrunch. As you apply the mousse, scrunch your mane to create a loose, wavy texture. This also helps ensure the mousse is evenly distributed throughout your strands. 

Step 4. Wait it out. Allow your hair to air-dry. Once your hair has dried, you’ll be left with effortless textured waves.

9. French Braid

It’s hard to argue with the chic, timeless appeal of the classic French braid. Like the Dutch braid, it looks intricate but is surprisingly simple to master. For a step-by-step breakdown of the chic style, check out our article How To French Braid Your Hair.

10. Double Dutch Braids

Double Dutch braids aren’t just for the playground—this nostalgic and cute hairstyle for long hair is perfect for adults, too. Plus, if you braid your hair while it’s damp, you can remove the braids the next day for a truly effortless (and heatless) wavy hairstyle. Here’s how to nail the look. 

Step 1. Part your hair. Use a rat-tail comb to part your hair down the middle, taking care to ensure the part is straight and both sides are as even as possible. Clip the left side out of the way for the time being. 

Step 2. Braid your hair. Starting at the very front of your head, begin weaving a Dutch braid into the right section of hair. Continue braiding down your lengths, and secure the braid at the bottom with a clear elastic band. Then, unclip the left section and repeat the process. 

Step 3. Complete the look. To add a bit of personality to your hairstyle, gently tug at the sides of your braids to add volume. Then, pull loose a few strands around your face for a romantic, undone touch. If you’d rather keep it sleek, dispense a small amount of hair gel into your palms and gently smooth the top of each braid to keep frizz and flyaways at bay.

11. Fishtail Braid

If you need an elegant hairstyle for long hair suitable for a special occasion, allow us to introduce you to the fishtail braid. This chic style requires a slightly different technique than your standard three-strand plait but is just as simple to achieve (we promise!). Learn how to nail the look in Check out How To Do a Fishtail Braid for an easy-to-follow tutorial. 

12. Low Bun

Sometimes, you just want your long hair to be tucked out of the way. That’s where a chic low bun hairstyle can come in seriously handy. Here’s how to perfect the chic look.

Step 1. Smooth your hair. Use a brush to work any tangles out of your hair. If needed, mist a bit of the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Moisture 21-In-1 Leave-In Conditioner For Dry Hair throughout your hair to help loosen difficult knots.

Step 2. Bring it back. Gather your hair into a low ponytail at the back of your head. Then, twist the length into a bun at the nape of your neck. Secure the bun with a hair elastic and bobby pins as needed.

Step 3: Finish with hair spray. To help keep your style in place all day long, lightly mist your mane with the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Extra Strong Hold Hairspray - Unscented.

14. Half-Up Bun

If you liked the half-up ponytail hairstyle we mentioned earlier, we have a feeling you’ll be a fan of this half-up bun hairstyle, too. Here’s what to do to get this cute and easy hairstyle.

Step 1. Part your hair. Just like with the half-up ponytail hairstyle, you’ll want to part your hair from ear to ear around the back of your head to create a top and bottom section of hair. The top section should include a little bit less hair than the bottom section.

Step 2. Twist up your strands. Gather the top section of hair into a mini ponytail at the top of your head. Then, twist the length into a bun, making it as messy or as neat as you choose. Secure with bobby pins to hold the style in place.

15. Top Knot

A top knot is another popular updo that’s an easy hairstyle for long hair—especially since it can be as messy as you’d like. Unlike a classic bun, this bun should sit high, right about at the crown of your head. Learn how to nail the look and keep it in place in our article How To Do the Perfect Top Knot.

16. Braided Ponytail

If you want to give a traditional ponytail hairstyle an upgrade, we have just the look, try weaving the lengths into a classic three-strand braid. Here’s how it’s done:

Step 1. Brush your hair. Use a brush to remove any tangles and knots from your mane.

Step 2. Put your hair up. Gather your hair into a high ponytail at the crown of your head and secure it with a clear elastic. 

Step 3. Braid your ponytail. Divide the ponytail into three equal sections, then start weaving your hair into a classic braid. Continue braiding until you reach the ends of your hair, then secure the plait with another clear elastic. You can keep the style as-is for a cleaner look, or lightly tug the sides of the braid for a looser, more laid-back feel. 

Next Up: How To Use Hair Tinsel To Elevate Your Look

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris