11 Quick and Easy Hairstyles You Can Do in 3 Minutes or Less

Some mornings, waking up the moment your alarm goes off just isn’t possible. If you find yourself panicking after hitting snooze three too many times, don’t fret! You still can look totally put together in a fraction of the time it usually takes. When time isn’t on your side, quick and easy hairstyles will be your partner in crime. Sure, many hairstyle trends may look complicated and time-consuming, but you’d be surprised what you can do with just a few minutes and very little skill. To help make your mornings easier, we’ve rounded up 11 of our favorite quick, easy hairstyles that can be done in three minutes or less.

QUICK HAIRSTYLE IDEA #1: SLEEK PONYTAIL

There’s a reason why sleek ponytail hairstyles continue to reign supreme in the hairstyling world. Not only are they super easy to do, but they also don’t skimp on style. A great way to go from desk to drinks with ease, a sleek ponytail will never steer you wrong. To get the look, first add a touch of hair gel, like the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Clean Gel, to your roots. Brush your hair toward the center of your head and gather your strands into a ponytail. Voila!

QUICK HAIRSTYLE IDEA #2: BRAIDED PONYTAIL

Ready to take your ponytail game to the next level? Look no further than a braided ponytail. Why not combine two classic hairstyles into one? Start by gathering your hair at the center of your head. Create a ponytail as you normally would and secure with a clear elastic. Separate the length of the ponytail into three equal strands and plait your pony from root to ends. Once your braid is in place, secure the ends with a hair elastic.

QUICK HAIRSTYLE IDEA #3: BUBBLE PONYTAIL

If you want to step outside of the box with your next ponytail look, a bubble ponytail may be just what you need. Equal parts edgy and chic, this hairstyle adds a touch of detail to your look without forcing you to spend hours on your mane. Basically, it’s the quick hairstyle option you need. Smooth your hair into a ponytail as you normally would, then place hair elastics down the length of your ponytail about an inch away from each other. Finish up with a touch of hairspray, like the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Precious Oil Satin Hairspray, and you’re ready to start your day.

QUICK HAIRSTYLE IDEA #4: HALF-UP TWISTED HALO

Half-up hairstyles are having a serious moment these days—and we’re all about it. Not only do you get to keep your hair out of your face, but you get to show off your length, too. The perfect hybrid, right? Instead of simply pulling your hair up into a pineapple-inspired half-pony, try this twisted halo look for an office-friendly twist (get it?) that can easily translate to that after-work happy hour you’ve been planning with your friends.

Step 1: Refresh your hair. To start this simple hairstyle, spritz your hair with dry shampoo.

Step 2: Put on an elastic headband. Stretch your headband around your head so that it sits just above your ears.

Step 3: Tuck your top layer of hair into the headband. Once your headband is on, use your fingers to split the top section of hair from the bottom as if you were going to tie a half-up pony. Instead of securing a ponytail, tuck that hair up into the headband, making sure to tightly coil it around the sides of your head before gradually getting a little looser at the back.

QUICK HAIRSTYLE IDEA #5: HALF-UP TOP KNOT

If you love bun hairstyles and can’t resist a half-up hair look, why not give your mane the best of both worlds? Pulling your strands into a super chic top knot while leaving your length to hang free, this quick, easy hairstyle makes for a winning combo, especially when time is not on your side. Start by splitting your hair into two sections as you normally would. Clip the bottom half out of the way. Gather your top section into a ponytail and secure it with a hair tie. Next, you’ll want to wrap the length of your pony around its base to form a bun. Secure the bun with bobby pins and release the bottom half of your mane.

QUICK HAIRSTYLE IDEA #6: CURLY TOP KNOT

One of the easiest ways to show curly strands some love is with a curly top knot. A go-to quick hairstyle for natural hair, this look is all about making your texture the star of the show. Simply gather your curly mane at the center of your head and create a ponytail. Gently tease the length of your ponytail, twist it into a quick bun and secure with a soft elastic, then pop a few sparkly clips on either side of your head. How cute!

QUICK HAIRSTYLE IDEA #7: LOW PRETZEL BUN

In the mood for a bun slay? The low pretzel bun is a great option. Perfect for giving you a fresh salon look in a matter of minutes, this bun hairstyle is bound to reap some compliments. Start by gathering your strands at the nape of your neck, pulling them into a ponytail. Twist the length of your ponytail and begin to wrap it around its base to form a bun. Once the length of your ponytail is fully wrapped, secure the bun with bobby pins.

QUICK HAIRSTYLE IDEA #8: BRAIDED MESSY BUN

Ah, the classic look that tells everybody in the office that you value your beauty sleep. Regardless of how messy these buns are, they will forever have a place in our hearts for being perfectly disheveled yet still totally stylish. If you want to take your messy bun to a more purposeful level, simply add braids to the mix for a “how did you do that?” ‘do.

Step 1: Spritz your hair with dry shampoo. Spray oily roots with dry shampoo and shake your hair out for a slightly disheveled look.

Step 2: Pull your hair into a high ponytail. Don’t worry about smoothing out lumps, bumps, or flyaways—it’s meant to be messy, remember?

Step 3: Split your ponytail into two sections. Braid each section and tie them off with mini elastics. Once your braids are secured, gently tug at the edges for a bit of volume.

Step 4: Wrap your braids into a bun. Loosely situate your braids into a bun and pin them in place.

Step 5: Add the finishing touches. To add the perfect amount of charm to your messy bun, pull out a couple of face-framing strands in front of your ears.

QUICK HAIRSTYLE #9: PINNED BACK STRANDS

If you’re tired of wearing your straight locks down, consider switching things up a bit with a pinned-back hairstyle. Not only does this hairstyle work to frame your face and draw attention to your features, but it also makes for a standout look. Split your hair into two even sections and clip the bottom half out of the way. Brush and gather the top layer of hair in the middle of your head and secure your strands with decorative hair pins. Release the bottom section of hair, and you’re all set.

QUICK HAIRSTYLE IDEA #10: DUTCH SIDE BRAID

When it comes to quick yet intricate hairstyles, the Dutch side braid is one of our personal favorites. While it’s easy to think that a beautiful woven braid takes tons of time to create, the Dutch side braid is oh-so-easy and fast—with practice, of course! Start by brushing your strands to one side of your head. Next, create three equally-sized sections and weave your hair using an underhanded braiding technique, adding to the left and right strands as you do so. Once you reach the ends, secure with a hair tie, and you’re ready to take on your day.

QUICK HAIRSTYLE IDEA #11: MILKMAID BRAIDS

Milkmaid braids get so much hype—and for good reason. They look très chic! The good news is, they only look complicated.

Step 1: Spray on dry shampoo. Once you do this, you’re ready to style.

Step 2: Part your hair down the middle. Simple enough.

Step 3: Braid traditional pigtails. Starting on the right side of your hair, weave three equal strands all the way to your ends. Repeat on the left.

Step 4: Pin your braids around your head. Pull your braids up and around your head to create the milkmaid halo effect, then pin the ends in place.

And that’s a wrap. With these 11 quick hairstyles, we’re wishing you lots of beauty rest without sacrificing your stellar style!

Next up: Want more easy hairstyle inspiration? Read our article on 12 Hairstyles That Are Perfect for Lazy Girls.