Sick of Spending Hours on Your Hair in the Morning? Try These 5 Magic Styles That Take Only Minutes

Morning hair struggles are real. Between not having enough time to properly style your locks or mustering up the energy to do something beyond the basics, getting ready each day can feel like an impossible chore.

A close-up back view of a half-up hairstyle

But you don’t have to spend forever using hot tools and product to look put together. The secret is easy, everyday hairstyles that are simple and fast, but still polished enough for work, school, weekends and everything on your calendar.

Whether you have short or long hair, straight or curly, pin straight or untamable frizz, frustrating cowlicks or tricky texture, there are effortless styles that act as timeless solutions on annoying hair days. These quick and cute hairstyles will become mainstays in your daily routine, letting you cut back routine prep time while still helping you put your best face forward.

When you’re armed with a few go-to easy hairstyles, getting flyaway hairs, unruly strands, limp locks or outright bedhead under control is no sweat. You’ll have a reliable roster of fast fixes that combat bad hair days or lackluster looks in minutes flat.

The Ponytail

A close-up back view of a ponytail hairstyle with hair neatly gathered and tied at the nape of the neck

The ponytail is a no-fuss classic that works for any hair length. For a sleek high pony, brush your hair back smoothly and secure with an elastic band. For a low pony, gather your hair at the nape of your neck. Add volume by teasing your hair at the crown before pulling into a ponytail. Upgrade your pony with a piecey texture spray or accessorize it with a fun scrunchie or ribbon.

The Top Knot Bun

A close-up of a top knot bun hairstyle from the back

When you want your hair off your neck and face, a messy top knot bun does the trick. Simply divide your hair into two sections, then twist each one into a bun shape and secure together at the crown of your head with bobby pins. Pull out face-framing pieces in the front for a relaxed finish. This works great with second-day hair.

The Half Up Style

The half up style is ideal for keeping hair out of your face while allowing the rest to stay down naturally. Create a part and sweep the front section of your hair back. Hold it and twist into a mini bun or ponytail placed somewhere above the occipital bone. Set with a few bobby pins blended with your hair color.

The Braid

Braiding your hair takes little effort but looks like you spent time styling. Do a basic three-strand braid tight to your head or loose and messy. You can braid back all or some of your hair, doing one single braid or two pigtail braids. For short hair, braid a small front section to compliment your cut. Add beads or ties to dress up your braid.

The Headband Style

Headbands are a quick shortcut to polished hair in an instant. Choose a thin headband to smoothly pull back hair from your face or a thick, fabric-wrapped one to conceal hair that hasn’t seen a wash. A headband paired with leaving your hair down in loose waves or straight strands completes the easy look.

For short hair, position it farther back on your head, almost like an Alice band. Complement the headband with small earrings and natural makeup for an effortless chic vibe.

Simple styles don’t have to look boring. Play with different parts, textures, accessories and the height of your ponytail or bun to find what easy daily look works best for you. The key is finding a few minimalist hairstyles that make getting ready a breeze!