Here are easy hairstyles — and step-by-step instructions — perfect for hot weather, travel or everyday use. Whether you go for braids, bun or waves, here’s how to achieve easy and simple hairstyles in just a few minutes.
Instructions for creating easy hairstyles for travel (or vacation at home)
When you’re on vacation (whether it’s home or traveling) the last thing you want is to waste precious time curling, straightening, or drying your hair. Or even fight against Mother Nature’s hold on your hair.
That’s why it’s best to work with what you have, recommends Jenna Mast, hairstylist in New York City. “Especially when heat and humidity kick in, because your hair will be more textured and less cooperative than usual.”
To avoid spending too much time taking care of your hair, we asked renowned stylists to walk us through the steps to achieve must-have and easy hairstyles as well as to show us the multitasking products they use (to avoid overcrowding your luggage).
Dutch braided bangs
“A lot of times my clients hate that the hair around their faces frizzes or gets really sticky with sweat, especially if they have bangs,” says Jenna Mast. A simple solution is to do Dutch braided bangs at the hairline. While this standard Dutch braid goes by several names, it’s essentially a three-strand braid where the braiding is done under the previous strand rather than on top as the traditional French braid wants. (Thanks to Jean Oh from Nunzio Saviano Salon in White Plains, New York, for demonstrating the different steps.)
Instructions for making a Dutch braided fringe
1) Part the hair you want to include in the braid. “The texture and density of your hair will determine the width of the strand used, but in general I suggest 2 inches in width from the hairline.” Tie behind hair that will not be braided.
2) Start your three-strand braid inside out (braiding hair below rather than above) from the parting, being careful to take strands of the same size. Use smaller strands if your hair is thick and larger strands if you have thin hair, adds Jenna Mast.
3) Smooth the ends with OUAI rose oil to add shine. “You can also use this deliciously scented oil on the body for a super goddess glow.”
A low ponytail slicked back
To achieve a stylish hairstyle without putting too much effort into it, go for a low ponytail that is slicked back. It instantly gives you a new look and it’s just a matter of minutes. “This look is really perfect for any occasion, whether you’re wearing a sun dress or a cocktail dress,” says Jenna Mast.
Instructions for making a low ponytail slicked back
1) Using a fine comb, make a pronounced parting on the side. “That’s what sets this ponytail apart from a regular ponytail,” says Jenna Mast.
2) Still using your comb, gather your hair in a ponytail at the base of your neck.
3) Stretch the lengths of the ponytail and spray your hair with John Frieda Frizz Ease KeraFLEX Flexible Hold Hair Spray to control frizz and static. It will also magnify the shine.
4) To make the ponytail even more special, add a tie or a simple piece of ribbon around the hair tie. “If you don’t want to put on any ribbon, you can take a section of the bottom of the ponytail, wrap it around the clip and tie it under the tail with a hair clip.”
Also Read: WHY YOU OWE A PERSONAL STYLIST
Half a twisted tail
If you want to mark a special occasion in style, here is a hairstyle that is much easier and less time-consuming to achieve than it looks. Jenna Mast suggests this romantic take on the classic lifted hairstyle. “It’s an easy way to magnify your natural hair and make it look like you’ve spent more time on it.” Plus, if you’re lucky enough to have textured, curly, or wavy hair already, this style will emphasize the natural movement of your hair.
Instructions for making a twisted half-tail
1) Moisten your hair with a spray designed to enhance the volume of your hair. “It’ll add a bit of texture and volume and create some light waves,” says Jenna Mast.
2) Using a blow dryer and your diffuser, hand scrunch your hair to achieve the desired texture. “Some diffusers can be used with almost any hair dryer. It is an ideal travel companion. ”
3) Depending on your cut, choose sections of hair to twist on either side of the head and at the back. Jenna Mast suggests taking hair about an inch from the hairline.
4) Apply hair care cream ( Bumble and Bumble grooming style ) to your fingertips. Separate each section in half and twist the hair backwards.
5) Bring the two sections together in a twist and secure it with a discreet hair clip or pretty ribbon.
Half a bun
This hairstyle has been popularized by fashionistas all over Instagram, who love how chic and simple it looks. “The half bun at the top of the head is perfect for the après-beach or when your hair is limp, freshly washed,” says Jenna Mast.
Instructions for making a half bun
1) Part the hair from the crown leaving small hairs around the face.
2) Gather hair into a ponytail and pull gently to create texture and volume.
3) Pour a small amount of matte pomade into your hands and use your fingers to join this hair to the ponytail. It will create texture for the bun, adds Jenna Mast.
4) Twist the hair lightly to form a bun and secure it with hair clips.
5) Take strands and shape them with pomade for a messy look.
A braided ponytail
“A braided ponytail is super easy and fun to do to make it look thick,” says Jenna Mast. It’s perfect for those who have a hard time braiding their hair, but still want to make a good impression on Instagram. ”
Instructions for making a braided ponytail
1) Add volume to already dry hair by spraying dry shampoo on the roots.
2) Pull a small section of hair down the entire length and secure it to the side making a small ponytail.
3) Tie off this recessed section of hair and create another one adding more hair on each side. Secure it directly under the previous tail.
4) Detach the top tail and split it in half around the second.
5) Raise the second tail and tie it off. Secure the separate tail below.
6) Make a third tail under the second by incorporating hair from the first.
7) Detach the second tail and separate it in half.
8) Pass the third tail through the center of the previous two tails and tie it so that it does not get in the way.
9) Continue this chain until it no longer touches the scalp. When you reach the side of the neck, tie up your last ponytail including all of the hair.
10) Part the hair in half and pull to the ends. Once a dozen rubber bands are in place, use a texturizing hairspray to loosen and give the impression of thickness.
Braids inspired by Princess Leia
For all of the Star Wars fans who have probably spent most of their childhood (and possibly adulthood as well) identifying with Princess Leia, we’ve got some great news. With the release of the movie Star Wars: The Force Awakens, celebrity hairstylist Felix Fischer says he’s noticed a new hairstyle craze. And the best part about it? You can do it yourself in just a few minutes.
Instructions for making braids inspired by Princess Leia
Note: to achieve this hairstyle, you must have the hair below the shoulders. Felix Fischer guides us step by step:
1) Make a parting in the middle going from the forehead to the nape and brush your hair in depth.
2) Part your well-brushed hair into two sections.
3) Form two kiwi-sized foam rosettes and massage it into your hair from root to tip.
4) Starting at ear height, but behind, make a French braid on each side of the neck to the bottom.
5) Secure the braids with rubber bands on each side of the head.
6) Wrap each braided section around itself behind the ear like two small snakes and secure them with hair clips.
7) Spray on a shine product like Shu Uemura Essence Absolue for the finishing touch.
Also Read: 4 STYLING TIPS FOR YOUR HAIR THIS WINTER
Simply spray on a wavy or texturizing product
What’s the best way to make it look like you’ve spent a lot more time taking care of your hair than it looks? Add some texturizing or waving hairspray, says Jenna Mast, and create relief in your hair using a curling iron, if possible. Then apply rose oil to the ends. “Pick a fun scarf! I buy mine in thrift stores. Tie one around your head with a knot or loop on the top, she adds. It’s perfect for all hair types and it’s also a simple fix for those days when your hair is giving you a hard time! ”
