How to Make Cute Everyday Hairstyles

Co-authored by Danielle Chiz and Amy Bobinger

Last Updated: November 5, 2022 References

It’s easy to get into the habit of wearing your hair the same way every day, but with so many different styles to choose from, there’s no reason why you can’t find a new ’do. Whether your hair is short or long, curly or straight, or anywhere in between, you can find cute, easy hairstyles to change up your look no matter where you’re going!

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Creating Ponytails and Up-Dos

1
Smooth your hair back and secure it with an elastic for a basic ponytail. Ponytails are one of the most versatile hairstyles you can wear, and they’re the starting point for a number of other styles. All but the shortest hair lengths will work in a ponytail.^{[1]
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- Try wearing your ponytail near the base of your neck for a casual, romantic look. You can even consider wearing a low ponytail with a middle or side part.
- Mist your hair with a texturizing spray and pull it back roughly for a modern, messy ponytail. You may also want to tease your hair slightly by combing it backwards for added volume.
- Straighten your hair, then comb it into a sleek ponytail. Use a bit of serum, hair gel, or hairspray to tame any flyaways. Wrap a small section of hair around the elastic and secure it with pins for an elegant look.
- You can potentially add a little bit of product and make a really nice slicked back ponytail, and then sort of straighten out those ends.
2
Try wearing a bun. Create a ponytail, then wrap your hair around the base to make a bun. To make a ballerina bun, comb your hair into a neat ponytail at the top of your head just above the crown. Secure the ponytail with an elastic, then wrap the length of the ponytail in a spiral around the elastic.^{[2]
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- Tuck the ends of your ponytail under the bun, then secure the whole thing with 3-7 bobby pins, depending on the length and thickness of your hair.
- Divide your hair into 2 ponytails to create playful double buns. You can make these on the top of your head or down low near the nape of your neck. Use the teeth or tail of a comb to create a clean part between the buns.^{[3]
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- If you have layered hair, use bobby pins to secure the bun pretty tightly to the ponytail.
- Pile your hair roughly into a bun at the crown of your head or behind one ear to create a trendy messy bun. For a more piecey look, spray your hair with texturizing spray first.^{[4]
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- You can also try a sock bun.
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3
Pull back only the top section of your hair for a half-up half-down look. Wearing your hair half-up is a great way to change up your style while keeping your hair out of your face. Use the end of a rat-tail comb to part your hair horizontally from ear to ear, then gather the top half of your hair and secure it with an elastic.^{[5]
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- This style works on almost any hair length, and it can be worn on straight, wavy, or curly hair.
- Braid small sections of your hair to add more interest to this look. You could braid a few pieces in the top half of your hair before you pull it up, or braid a section behind your ear and leave it down.
- Add a small barrette just above your hair elastic for an extra feminine touch.
- You don't have to do the bun either, a half-ponytail is also fine.
4
Create an up-do to show off curly hair by pinning it back loosely. Pull your hair into a loose ponytail and secure it with an elastic, but leave a few curls free around your face. Twist your hair and pin it to the back of your head with a large clip or several bobby pins, then sweep your remaining curls back over the top of the twist and pin them in place.^{[6]
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- When pinning the top section of your hair, try to leave it as loose as possible so you don't flatten out your curls.
- Finish this look by placing a pretty comb or barrette behind one ear.
- Don't worry if a few tendrils fall out of this up-do. This look works best with a few stray curls.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Braiding Your Hair

1
Gather your hair into a ponytail and braid it for a simple style. Comb your hair back into a ponytail and secure it with an elastic.Divide your hair into 3 sections. Cross the left section (A) over the middle piece (B), then the right section over what was originally the left section (C). Then, cross the new left section (B) over section A in the middle, then cross section C from the right over section B.^{[7]
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- Continue this all the way down the hair, then secure it with an elastic.
- For a sleek, smooth style, add a little hair gel to your hair before you braid it.
- To make a messier braid, gently loosen it with your fingers after securing it with an elastic.
2
Pull your hair to one side and braid it loosely for a romantic look. A messy side braid looks soft and feminine, and it’s the kind of style that looks better as the day goes on and little tendrils come loose. Gather your hair behind one ear, then braid it loosely in a traditional braid and secure it with an elastic.^{[8]
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- Gently tug the individual plaits of your braid outwards to loosen them. This will make your hair look like it has more volume.
3
Braid a small section of hair and gradually add more for a French braid. Section out a small piece of hair at the front of your head near the hairline. Twist this section 2-3 times in a regular braid, then use your index fingers to add additional hair to the braid. Add more hair every time you criss-cross strands. Keep doing this until you’ve added all of your hair to the braid, then secure it with an elastic.
- The trickiest part of French braiding is holding your hair. Try holding a section between your second and third fingers, grasp another section between your first and second fingers, and hold the third section with the palm of your hand.
- Try parting your hair down the center and making 2 French braids to create texture and contrast in your hairstyle.
- You can also try dutch braids or reverse-French braids.
4
Braid just your bangs to add interest to any hairstyle. You can choose to do a classic braid or a sideways French braid with your bangs to keep them out of your face and to add a pretty look to a plain hairstyle. Secure the braid with pins to hold it in place.^{[9]
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- If you don’t have bangs, just braid the section of hair that frames your face.
- This is a great style to choose if you are growing out your bangs.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Styling Short Hair

1
Add gel and slick your hair back for a cool, intense look. You’ll be giving off rebel-without-a-cause vibes with this slicked-back hairstyle, and it takes almost no time to create. When your hair is damp, work a dime-sized drop of gel through your hair. Comb your hair away from your face using a fine-toothed comb or a soft brush, then let it dry!^{[10]
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2
Create a deep part and comb your hair to the side for a polished look. Use the end of a rat-tail comb to create a deep side part starting above one eyebrow and running to the crown of your head. Comb your hair so that it lays to the side, or tuck it behind your ears if it's long enough.^{[11]
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- Depending on the style you want to achieve, you may want to add a little gel to hold your hair in place, or you may want to leave it more tousled if you’re going for a casual look.
3
Curl your hair with a hair straightener if you want waves. Using a curling iron on short hair can create unfortunate-looking ringlets. To create waves with a hair straightener, work with 1 in (2.5 cm) pieces of hair. Close the flat iron over the piece of hair, then twist your wrist back and forth as you run the straightener down the strand. This will create gentle, beachy waves.^{[12]
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4
Spray short hair with texturizing spray and muss it up for a piecey look. Textured styles look great on short hair. When your hair is damp, spritz it all over with a texturizing spray, which will help create definition in your hair style. Ruffle your hair with your fingers to separate out individual pieces, then let your hair air dry.^{[13]
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Adding Hair Accessories

1
Slide a headband about ¹⁄₂ inch (1.3 cm) from your hair line. Headbands are extremely versatile. Depending on their style, they can look athletic, youthful, or glamorous. Most headbands look best if they are worn close to the hairline, and they look great on everything from super-short to very long hair.
- If you have a problem with your headband slipping, try teasing the hair behind your headband to hold it in place. Hold the hair straight up, then comb it backwards with a fine-toothed comb. Gently smooth down your top layer of hair to hide the teased section.^{[14]
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2
Pin the front section of your hair back with a clip or barrette. If you want to wear your hair down but you don't want it getting into your face, you can use a clip or a barrette to secure face-framing pieces behind your ear. Just pull the hair back away from your face, then hold it in place with your clip.
3
Tuck a flower or bow into an updo for a feminine look. Side buns and low or side ponytails in particular look pretty and romantic when you add a flower or a bow to the style. Create the style you want, then nestle the accessory into your hair close to the elastic. If you need to, secure the flower or bow with bobby pins.^{[15]
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Expert Q&A

Question

I want hairstyles that suites my hair. My hair is medium length, black, silky, wavy, and has straight cut with a small side bang. What would work for me?

Ashley Adams
Professional Hair Stylist
Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.

Ashley Adams

Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

Another option for you would be to wear a low bun and leave your bangs out. If there is a style that you want to wear but don't want your bangs out, you can brush your bangs and slick them back using hair gel.
Question

How can I make fake bangs without any extension?

Ashley Adams
Professional Hair Stylist
Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.

Ashley Adams

Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

You can create faux bangs with your hair by parting your hair on whichever side you want your bangs on. Form the bangs to your liking with your fingers or a comb. Take the ends and tuck them behind your ear, secure them with a bobby pin, and you have faux bangs!
Question

Why are pigtails only for young girls and teen girls?

Community Answer

It's simply a hairstyle usually associated with that age group. But, hey, if you like 'em, wear 'em!