Easy Hairstyles That Put the Mom Bun to Shame
After a year, it’s time to start safely seeing our friends again. In honor of a well-deserved mom’s night out, we’ve got cute and easy styles that put the mom bun to shame, and if you invest a few extra minutes in one of these hairstyles for moms you won’t be sorry. From pretty ponies to beautiful braids, these easy hair do’s will get you up and at ’em to take on the day. Looking for kid’s styles? Check this out.
High Pony
A high ponytail is a fun style that doesn't take much time at all!
Half-Up Braid Rosette
Sure, you've mastered the half up pony tails, but why not add a twist? This simple style from Lynzy & Co. takes a basic braid and twists it into a bun for a style that is equal parts casual and dressy.
Pineapple Updo
A fun, but easy hairstyle to keep your curly or natural hair up and out of the way is with a Pineapple Updo like the one shown in this easy to follow YouTube tutorial by SimplyBiancaAlexa. All you need is a little moisturizer and a scrunchie, and you’ll have a perfect updo in minutes.
Easy Boho Braid
Great for day two hair, this easy boho braid from Lauren McBride is great for keeping hair out of your face. Great for curly, straight, thick or thin hair, this french braid style starts at the crown of your head and hangs down the style in a super chic style.
Side Swept Updo
Bypass the mom-bun entirely with this lookalike style that packs a bigger punch! This look is created by doing a half pony, then using the remaining hair to sweep around the back. Finish off this look from What's Up Moms by adding an adorable scarf! This look is an easy transition from summer to fall.
Topsy Turvy Braid
We all love a good braid but not everyone has the skills or time to make one happy on a busy morning. We love this topsy turvy braid from Missy Sue even more because it pairs perfectly with a hat! Whether you're prepping for a weekend getaway or rocking the school morning, this easy "braid" adds style in a cinch.
Simple Sleek Ponytail
Ponytails are some of the easiest styles to pull off, but why not turn your everyday 'do into something more stylish? It's as simple as making a low pony, then using a section of your hair to wrap around your ponytail to create this sleek look that couldn't be simpler. Have curly hair? No problem! This style looks equally fab when it's a little messy, too. To see how it's done in person, check out the full tutorial from Alex Gaboury.
French Braided Messy Bun
You had us at "messy bun!" This look takes two of our fave styles and puts them together for the ultimate back to school style. While a traditional French braid can take a bit of skill to master, this version is only done on the top of the head and ends in a bun––the messier the better. It's the perfect combo of quick and easy! You can find all the details over at Ma Nouvelle Mode.
Two Minute Rope Braid
This side rope braid is pulled together in two minutes and great for thick, long hair. While the end result is simply stunning, the steps to achieving this back to school look is really quite simple. Emily from The Freckled Fox shows us how it's done on her YouTube channel and how you can drop the kids off in style.
Twisted Low Pony
When you're tired of your regular ponytail, there's no shame in dressing it up. This one-minute version looks classy and put together, without taking up precious moments of your hectic morning. Sectioned hair is pulled into a pony tail, then the sides are twisted and wrapped around to give a twisted look that's more than fit for school drop-offs (or Zoom calls). See how easy it is by watching this tutorial by Bebexo.
A Headband with Style
Headbands are a go-to on those just-can’t-get-it-together mom mornings, but that doesn’t mean you can’t dress that look up a bit for a cute, compliment-worthy look. We love these easy headband hairstyle ideas from A Beautiful Mess that let you just get up and go without resorting to a baseball cap to hide your hair at school drop off. All you need is a few bobby pins and a colorful wire headband or just a rolled up scarf.
No Fuss Curls
Date nights and summer concerts are all about flowing tresses, but who has time for curlers or a curling iron to get those coveted beachy waves? Enter the genius hair tie by SoCal Curls, which gives you that look in half an hour, and you can even chase the kids while your hair is setting. We tested it out on ourselves, and after setting the hair tie in and then enjoying a few minutes of playtime, we were left with happy kids and perfect curls. A mom win-win. You can buy the SoCal Curls in several adorable colors here.
The Halo
Modeled by CurlGilrMomo on Instagram, this easy hairstyle for natural hair looks like it takes serious effort, but it can, in fact, be done in just a few minutes. Besides giving your hair a beautiful updo, this look is a protective style, perfect for keeping your natural hair safe and healthy while it grows. Check out this fast and easy-to-follow video tutorial on YouTube to see how to get this effortless look.
Half Up
This tried-and-true style is probably one you’ve rocked before, but there are several easy ways you can jazz up the basic half-up hairdo, and make it a little more sophisticated. Something as simple as looping your hair a few times after pulling it back or using a unique clip to hold it in place can take this look to another level. For more half up hairdos, check out our favorite easy looks here.
Twisted Ponytail
Ponytails are always an easy hair solution when you want to sweep your locks away from grabby baby hands. You can make this staple updo a lot more interesting by adding a twist. All you need are a few bobby pins. Simply pull your hair back into a high or low ponytail. Then separate a small section of your hair and wrap it around your hair tie. Secure the ends in place with a bobby pin or two.
Low Side Bun
This is an easy hairstyle that’s meant to look a little messy, so you don’t have to spend a lot of time perfecting those wayward strands if you have hair that’s hard to tame. Create a side part, and gather all your hair to the side in a low ponytail. Wrap your hair tie around and twist it while twisting your hair at the same time, and loop the band around one more time to create a loose messy bun. Use bobby pins to tuck in loose ends and give the bun more shape.
—Shahrzad Warkentin & Karly Wood
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