11 easy hairstyles for long hair (that yes, you'll actually be able to do)

A hybrid between a topknot and half-up half-down 'do, this style allows you to only half-try without making it glaringly obvious. On any day that your top layers are going rogue (or you're not completely sure which style to commit to) just whisk the upper section back and secure into a dishevelled knot, leaving the remainder (and some face-framing tendrils) flowing free. Don't stress if it looks messy; that's part of the magic.

Image via: @shaymitchell

Want something a bit fancier than a classic down do but don't want to put in more than five seconds of effort? Go for what we affectionately refer to as the 'modern Lauren Conrad', AKA the front section pulled away from the face (and secured with bobby pins), only this time taken sidewards with a 2022-friendly centre part rather than a 2004-style swept back pouf.

Image via: @ash_kholm

Schoolgirl chic never looked so, well, chic. Sleek sides (and the lack of a sweeping side fringe) will leave you looking more high fashion than high school, but hey, we're all for still adding some colour coordinated ribbons (ideally up top and to tie those bad boys off). Loosen your hold on your braid toward the middle of your length, too, for extra 'too cool to care' factor.

Image via: @claytonhawkins

Ah baby braids; not only mentioned by the experts as one of 2022's hottest hairstyles ('90s vibes all around), but also legitimately breezy to pull off (as long as you're able to plait). Style your hair any which way (or leave your texture totally natural) and just add a mini braid either side of your part, plaited straight down and then swept off the face.

Image via: @claytonhawkins

Love the look of baby braids but not confident in your plaiting skills? Swap them out for baby bubble ponies either side of your part instead. All you'll need is a pack of clear mini elastics and the ability to tie them (which we're going to go ahead and guess you've got, you clever thing, you).

Image via: @livmadorma

You may hear about 'high ponies' more than 'high plaits' but TBH we think that's a crime. It's no trickier to style; simply sweep your hair back like you would to create a pony, leave a little piece free to conceal/wrap around the exposed hair tie, then loosely braid the free-falling hair, leaving a few centimetres out at the bottom to ensure your style maintains its pony-esque swishiness.

Image via: @claytonhawkins

Happy with how your hair is looking texture-wise but think your overall aesthetic is falling a tad flat? Up your 'done' factor by adding a headband. Softer fabrics (like this slinky velvet option) are trending, and look extra sophisticated when paired with a coordinated outfit.

Image via: @allanface

What, did you think we weren't going to include an ageless sleek pony? It's a classic for a reason. A comb and a good styling gel is all you'll require to get those sides smooth; just be sure to wrap a section of hair around your elastic and leave pieces falling free around your face to ensure it looks less 'gym time' and more 'genuinely tried'.

Image via: @allanface

Polish a traditional topknot by applying a little leave-in conditioner (to smooth things over), accessorising with a ribbon tie (to jazz things up), and leaving two ever-so-slightly flicked-in tendrils framing your face. Technically you only have to heat-style said pieces; ideal.

Image via: @allanface

If your ends are bouncing and behaving more than your roots, put the former on full display and neaten up the latter by slicking it down. Apply a touch of smoothing styling product, lock your part in, and then secure two pigtails at the very back of your head. The key is to tie them a little higher than you traditionally would, so that from the front you don't see the ties, just the texture.

Image via: @claytonhawkins

The 'crazy easy but looks complicated' bubble effect works a treat on a ponytail, too. We advise securing your pony toward the top of your head, creating multiple bubbles on the way down (to really sell the flashy final product) and then securing it about 10-15cm before your ends. The final step? Getting that final section looking as voluminous as possible for a bit of extra pizazz.

Image via: @claytonhawkins