We’ve all been there: Five minutes before you have to leave for a date or a party and your hair just won’t cooperate. We scoured the internet for the easiest formal hairstyles, no braiding or complicated techniques required.
1. Classic slick-back bun
Best for: Fine to medium thickness, straight to wavy hair, shoulder-length or longer
Pair with: Small hoop earrings, polished makeup look, simple dress
You’ll need: Elastic, bobby pins, spray bottle, hairspray or wax, brush
Dampen hair with a spray bottle full of water. Create a clean part, and brush hair carefully to the back of the head. Gather in a ponytail. Twist the ponytail and wrap clockwise around the elastic, bobby-pinning it in place to create the bun. Spray liberally with hairspray or use wax on the front of the hairdo to prevent fly aways.
2. Fake French braid
Best for: All hair textures and thickness, medium to long hair
Pair with: Dangly earrings, dramatic makeup, bold dress
You’ll need: 5-10 small clear elastics, claw clip, brush
Using a clear elastic, create a small ponytail at the top of head. Tie another ponytail underneath. Clip the second ponytail up, and bring the first ponytail on either side of it. Tie into a third ponytail. Continue the process until end of the hair is reached.
3. Heatless blowout
Best for: All hair thicknesses, straight to wavy hair, shoulder length or longer
Pair with: Dainty stud earrings, red lip, vintage dress
You’ll need: Claw clip, overnight curler or robe belt, two elastics, hairspray.
Starting with slightly damp hair, secure the overnight curler (or robe belt) at the top of the head with a claw clip. Wrap hair tightly around the curler all the way from the crown of the head to the nape of the neck, and wrap extra hair around the rest of the curler. Secure with elastic and repeat on the other side. Leave it in for several hours or overnight. Untie hair and spray with hairspray for perfect voluminous curls.
4. Romantic half-up half-down
Best for: All hair textures, thicknesses, and lengths
Pair with: Dangly earrings, soft dewy makeup, delicate floral dress
You’ll need: One elastic.
Gather top half of hair into a ponytail and pull partway through, creating a bun. Then, make a hole behind the hair elastic and pull bun through.
5. Messy updo
Best for: Wavy or curly hair, all thicknesses, shoulder length or longer
Pair with: Choker necklace, full glam makeup, little black dress
You’ll need: Claw clip, bobby pins, hairspray
Leaving two sections of hair to frame the face, twist hair into a claw clip at the back of the head. Pin remaining hair around the clip to create a loose, “undone on purpose” look. Spray with hairspray.
