11 Cute and Easy Hairstyles for Damaged Hair

When it comes to styling damaged hair, we know the struggle is all too real. The truth is, our hair goes through a lot of manipulation, including daily brushing and combing, hot tools sessions, dyeing and even too-tight hairstyles at times. 

If done too often it can all lead to a path of damaged hair, and styling damaged hair can, in turn, create more damage. Get off of that dangerous cycle and instead try one of these easy-to-do hairstyles for damaged hair while you stop hair breakage and nurse your tresses back to health.

How Can I Hide My Damaged Hair?

Of course throwing on a hat or a headscarf is a foolproof way to conceal dehydrated or heat-singed strands, but covering your head isn’t always an option. When that’s the case, you’ll need to turn to hairstyle solutions that let you rock your tresses without putting an emphasis on your hair damage. Make sure these hairstyles are also low-tension and further support healthy hair habits — the point is to hide your damaged strands while you also care for your hair.

What Hairstyles Are Good for Damaged Hair?

Skip the head coverings and opt for one of these hairstyles for damaged hair instead. You can look chic and polished and never reveal that you’re working through some hair issues.

1. Low Ponytail Unicorn Braid

If you’re a ponytail person, you’re well aware that your favorite hairstyle can get a little basic after a while. So perk up your go-to low pony (low ponytails put less stress on your hair) with a stunning unicorn braid.

Get the look: For the best results, you’ll want to start off with clean hair. Use the L'Oréal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Repairing Shampoo and the L'Oréal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Repairing Conditioner. This pair will work to fix signs of damage thanks to its extra-strength protein formula. Then apply an egg-sized amount of the L'Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle Boost It Volume Inject Mousse for some volume and texture. 

Separate a middle section of hair at the crown of your head and create a Dutch braid or cornrow with that section. Secure the end of your braid with a hair tie and combine the remaining hair into a low ponytail with your braid. 

2. Crown Braid

If you’re looking to style your mane into an intricate updo, this boho-chic hairstyle will work best for you — and it’ll protect your damaged strands at the same time. Keep the braid loose for an ethereal look that won’t pull on your strands.

Get the look: For a step-by-step tutorial, read our article, How to Create a Beautiful Crown Braid.

3. Side-Swept Fishtail Braid

In case you couldn’t tell by now, we’re suckers for braids. But with so many braiding techniques and styles to choose from, it can be tough to decide which look to sport. When in doubt, go with a classic single fishtail braid. 

Get the look: To create a stunning, Instagram-worthy fishtail braid, start by spritzing your hair with dry shampoo. Try the L'Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Tinted Dry Shampoo for Blonde Hair if you’re a blonde or redhead or the L'Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Tinted Dry Shampoo for Brown Hair if you’re a brunette. Spray it onto your roots and lightly throughout the mid-lengths of your hair. This will give the hair volume and texture. 

Then pull all your hair into a low pony over one shoulder and split the pony into two sections. Begin fishtail braiding the low pony and secure it at the end. For a tousled look, gently tug apart your braid, starting at the ends and work your way toward the top. Feel free to pull out a few face-framing tendrils for extra effortless appeal. 

4. Brun

If you enjoy styling your hair with braids and buns, you should definitely try combining the two styles. This braid-meets-bun hairstyle is super easy to recreate and it’s the perfect look to protect weak and damaged hair. 

Get the look: Check out our step-by-step tutorial, Braid Meets Bun: How to Get a Brun Hairstyle for style directions. You can also accessorize this look by wearing a headband. Opt for a soft, cloth headband rather than one that will grip onto your strands. 

5. Accented Beach Waves with Braids 

If we had to name our most frequently recommended hairstyle, it would have to be beach waves. It’s a tried-and-true style whether you have damaged hair or not — and if you want to spice things up even more, try adding a few braids into the mix. 

Get the look: Begin by working the L'Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Tinted Dry Shampoo in your shade through your hair to help add volume to your roots. Then gather all your hair into one large ponytail at the top of your head and create a regular three-strand braid. Feel free to add mousse to give the braid some hold.

Once your hair feels dry, undo the braid, and you'll be left with soft waves. After that, add some accent braids by taking a few small sections of your hair and create an array of baby braids all over your head. Finish off by spraying some L'Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold, Light Hairspray Unscented to help keep the waves from falling throughout the day. 

6. Loose Ballerina Bun

Sweep your strands into a ballerina bun for an instantly put-together look. This is the perfect ‘do for work, class, or running errands. Keeping it loose at the base ensures that you’re no tugging on your roots and adding further damage to your already fragile hair.

Get the look: Brush your hair to remove any tangles or knots then gather it at the crown of your head. Feel free to add in a hair serum like the L'Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron + Plump Moisture Plump Serum to add some moisture and shine to your mane. Using a silk hair tie create a loose ponytail. Then gather the lengths or your hair and wrap them around the base of your pony until you have a bun. If you have some stray hairs at the nape that’s okay — the tousled charm of the look makes it look purposely lived-in.

Editor’s tip: Before you start this style, wash your hair with the L'Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron + Plump Hydrating Shampoo and L'Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron + Plump Hydrating Conditioner, which will plump up and add moisture to dry and dehydrated strands.

7. French Twist

This timeless hairstyle will not only protect your damaged hair, but it’ll also make for a totally chic and classy beauty look.

Get the look: For a step-by-step tutorial, check out our article, How to Create a Classic French Twist. Be sure to enlist the help of the L'Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free 21-in-1 Color Caring Spray, Leave In, which nourishes hair and seals the cuticle, while protecting colored strands — just to name a few of its benefits.

8. Low Twisted Buns

By now you're likely familiar with the space buns hairstyle, but for this look we recommend opting a gentler take — low twisted buns. 

Get the look: Begin by spritzing your hair with the L'Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Frizz Killer Serum Leave-In to keep away any static and frizz. Then part your hair down the middle of your head and create two equally-sized sections. 

Clip one section of hair to keep it out of the way while creating your first twisted bun. Take the section of hair that’s hanging free and twist it from the roots to the ends. Keep twisting until it forms a bun on one side of the lower back of your head. Secure it with a hair tie and repeat the same process to the other side. 

9. Barrette Accented Pull-Down

Sometimes it’s best just to leave your hair down and free from any styling. Of course, that doesn’t mean you can’t make it look nice. Reach for a haute accessory, like a barrette, to amp up your look. And by a barrette, we mean several. They’ll cover any split ends or parched looking roots while remaining chic and on trend.

Get the look: After brushing through your hair to remove knots or tangles, pull all your hair back. Then place the barrettes all over your hair in any spot that makes you feel good. It’s such a quirky style that you can throw all rules out the window. Just make sure your barrettes are lightweight so they’re not weighing down your tresses. 

10. Braided Ribbon Ponytail

There’s more than one way to spice up the perfect ponytail while still taking care of your damaged hair. We love creating ribbon ponytails to add a fun twist to this simple style. The best part is they make your hair look fuller, so thin-haired beauties can fake the appearance of a thicker pony.

Get the look: Start by prepping your hair with the L'Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths No Haircut Cream Leave In Conditioner. It’s formulated with castor oil, vitamin B3, and B5 to help repair damaged hair and split ends. Then brush all your hair toward the back of your head, making sure to smooth out any bumps or knots. 

Gather your length into a low ponytail and secure it with a hair tie. Then wrap a ribbon around the hair tie and begin braiding the ponytail while also weaving the ribbon into the hair. This can also help cover up any damage and add a cute style to your ponytail. Finish off the look by creating a small bow with the ribbon at the end of your braid. 

11. Half-Up Twists

If you prefer wearing your hair down, be sure to keep it away from your face so that the focus isn’t on your damaged strands. A half-up hairstyle is the perfect ‘do that’s meet you in the middle — you get to have some of your hair down and still hide the damaged hair in the front. The best part: You can perfect this look in just minutes. 

Get the look: Start by brushing your hair to get rid of any knots or tangles and create a part across the center of your head from ear to ear. Then separate the front section into two sides with a part straight down the middle. 

Take the front left side of your hair and begin twisting it down against the scalp. Use some of the L'Oréal Paris Studio Line Mega Gel to keep your roots sleek if you need it. Secure that twist with a small elastic rubber band and then repeat the same step on the right side of your mane. Then pin the twists together and let the ends hang with the back section of your hair. 

Next: 7 Easy Tips for Fixing Static Hair

Edited by: Shalwah Evans, Photography: Chaunte Vaughn, Art Director: Hannah Packer, Associate Creative Producer: Becca Solovay, Digital Tech: Katy Andrascik, Photo Assistant: Sam Kang, Makeup Artist: Jonet Williamson, Hairstylist: Akihisa Yamaguchi, Wardrobe Stylist:, Melina Kemph, Wardrobe Assistant: Kayla Martinez, Model: Adrianne Kiara