Long hair has its benefits. You can wear it up or down, depending on your activities, and it's a lot more versatile than short hair. Styling it, however, can be time consuming, especially when using a curling iron or flat iron. If you normally opt for free-flowing locks, waves or a super sleek look, the following tutorials will give you quick, five-minute options for busy days.
All of these styles keep technique to a minimum. The braids are simple, and you'll rarely need more than a few tools. Hair elastics, bobby pins, headbands and bandanas will help you create a beautiful style without a lot of effort, so watch these tutorials for the "must know" steps.
Advertisement
Milkmaid braid
When you oversleep or don't have time to do your hair, braids are your best friends. The milkmaid braid makes the perfect updo, even if you're still honing your braiding skills. Part your hair down the middle and braid each side in a standard braid, leaving some wisps of hair loose. Wrap the braids up over your head and secure them with bobby pins. Get the tutorial here.
When you oversleep or don't have time to do your hair, braids are your best friends. The milkmaid braid makes the perfect updo, even if you're still honing your braiding skills. Part your hair down the middle and braid each side in a standard braid, leaving some wisps of hair loose. Wrap the braids up over your head and secure them with bobby pins. Get the tutorial here.
Dragon braid
The dragon braid's fluffy, bumpy texture makes it perfect for long-haired lovelies. Traditional braiding skills aren't required for this style. Just grab a handful of hair elastics, and create a sequence of ponytails, one woven into another. Once the braid is complete, fluff up the plaits to give the style added dimension. Get the tutorial here.
The dragon braid's fluffy, bumpy texture makes it perfect for long-haired lovelies. Traditional braiding skills aren't required for this style. Just grab a handful of hair elastics, and create a sequence of ponytails, one woven into another. Once the braid is complete, fluff up the plaits to give the style added dimension. Get the tutorial here.
Crisscross bun
Get your hair off your neck and shoulders by creating a crisscross bun. Secure two skinny braids, one on each side, near the nape of your neck with bobby pins. Combine all the rest of your hair into a low ponytail, and then divide it into two sections. Once these sections are twisted and wrapped into a bun, you'll have a romantic updo without all the fuss. Get the tutorial here.
Get your hair off your neck and shoulders by creating a crisscross bun. Secure two skinny braids, one on each side, near the nape of your neck with bobby pins. Combine all the rest of your hair into a low ponytail, and then divide it into two sections. Once these sections are twisted and wrapped into a bun, you'll have a romantic updo without all the fuss. Get the tutorial here.
Tuck and cover
For one of the fastest updos ever, choose a stretchy headband that matches your outfit. The headband keeps the hair at the crown of your head from moving as you roll the long strands up and tuck them into place. Bobby pins keep the twist secure, so all you need is a spritz of hair spray for long-lasting hold. Get the tutorial here.
For one of the fastest updos ever, choose a stretchy headband that matches your outfit. The headband keeps the hair at the crown of your head from moving as you roll the long strands up and tuck them into place. Bobby pins keep the twist secure, so all you need is a spritz of hair spray for long-lasting hold. Get the tutorial here.
Scarf updo
Bandanas make quick work of bad hair days, but they're also great for accessorizing a simple hairstyle. To recreate this scarf updo, pull your hair into a high ponytail, and then twist the length into a messy bun. Wrap a rolled bandana around the base of the updo, and leave the ends free or tuck them in for a more polished look. Get the tutorial here.
Bandanas make quick work of bad hair days, but they're also great for accessorizing a simple hairstyle. To recreate this scarf updo, pull your hair into a high ponytail, and then twist the length into a messy bun. Wrap a rolled bandana around the base of the updo, and leave the ends free or tuck them in for a more polished look. Get the tutorial here.
Asymmetrical chignon
For a quick version of a classic chignon, grab a hair elastic, a few bobby pins and some hair spray. Most chignons are smooth, polished and time consuming to create. For a quick, casual style, create a low ponytail. Loop the long portion up and over the elastic to give the sides a twisted texture, and then spritz the hair with texturizing spray, and roll it up. Get the tutorial here.
For a quick version of a classic chignon, grab a hair elastic, a few bobby pins and some hair spray. Most chignons are smooth, polished and time consuming to create. For a quick, casual style, create a low ponytail. Loop the long portion up and over the elastic to give the sides a twisted texture, and then spritz the hair with texturizing spray, and roll it up. Get the tutorial here.
Advertisement
Stay pretty!