Hairstyle Inspiration and Long Hairstyles for Women

There’s nothing you can’t do when you have long hair. Whether it’s a braided bun or a high, voluminous ponytail, the sky is the limit when it comes to on-trend updos for special occasions and fashion-forward top knots when you’re ready to ditch the messy bun for something a little more sophisticated.

Whether you’ve got a special occasion that needs a hairdo to match, or you’re just in a hairstyle rut and ready to revive your look, check out our list of the top 20 inspiring hairstyles for long hair.

Loose Hairstyles for Long Hair

Hairstyles for long hair don’t have to be complicated, much less involve a hair tie—especially if you’re looking for an easy, everyday hair routine. From long straight hairstyles to long wavy hairstyles, it doesn’t get simpler than just making the most of your natural hair texture. With the right techniques and hair styling products designed for your hair type, you can consider this the closest thing to a wash-and-go routine for your long hair.

Lived in Waves

When it comes to easy hairstyles for long hair, it doesn’t get better—or faster—than these lived-in waves. If your hair is naturally wavy and has a so ft wave or light curl pattern, just work a frizz-fighting formula, like Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum through your hair and allow it to air dry. If your hair’s natural texture needs help with definition, on the other hand, scrunch a curl-defining product like Curl Shape Defining Spray Gel, before it air dries. It’ll give your hair texture and a tousled hair look while minimizing frizz. If you have a long layered hairstyle, this is basically the holy grail of quick AM hair routines.

Pin Straight Hair

Pin-straight hair has a boho, 70s vibe. The key to making this look like a hairstyle (as opposed to just, well, long hair) is the very smooth, straight texture and shine. If you don’t have naturally straight hair, prep wet or dry hair with Fructis Anti-Humidity Smoothing Milk, which helps fight humidity and keeps frizz and fly aways at bay. Then, if you still need to flat iron hair, be sure to prep with a heat protectant like Fructis Flat Iron Perfector Straightening Mist, which seals in smoothness and shine for 48 hours. This hair routine takes a little more effort, but the retro feel of this hair look is worth it.

Polished Curls

Looking for easy hairstyle ideas for long curly hair? You can’t beat defined, glossy curls that look healthy and hydrated. The best part is that wearing your hair down is ideal with second or third-day curls, so you don’t necessarily need to go through the lengthy process of drying your curls every time you style them. Just spritz on Curl Renew Reactivating Milk Spray, which refreshes curly hair. Our formula, with coconut oil, keeps hair smelling great, and makes it easy to finger fluff your curls so you can wake up and go. It’s that simple.

Beachy Waves

Beachy waves are a favorite amongst celebs, stylists, and pretty much everyone else because these relaxed, face-framing waves flatter every face. Achieving this look isn’t as easy as a trip to the beach, but it’s a relatively simple process. The beachy wave hairstyle can be created with a flat iron, curling iron, or wand. You’ll want to curl 1-to-2-inch sections of hair at a time. The bigger the wand or curling iron, the looser waves, so feel free to experiment to find your favorite look. Just be sure to lock those waves in place so they don’t go limp with Full Control Anti-Humidity Aerosol Hairspray. Consider texturing the hair with Invisible Dry Shampoo Beach Tonic for the ultimate “I’ve been at the beach all day, and I’m effortlessly gorgeous” look.

Simple Half Pouf

This was the hair trend of the early aughts. Bring on the retro J.Lo and Beyoncé vibes by teasing, combing, and texturizing a front triangular section of hair with Pixie Play Crafting Cream. Then secure it with elastic or clips, or just extra product. Leave the rest of the hair down and create volume with curls or waves.

Buns For Long Hair

For more formal occasions, buns are a no-brainer for long hair. Whether you’re looking for wedding hairstyles for long hair or prom hairstyles for long hair (in addition to these cute prom hairstyle ideas, of course), you can’t go wrong with a bun. Still, they’re casual enough that you can wear them to work or on the weekends.

Half Up Bun

As versatile as it gets, this half-up half-down hairstyle can be whatever you want it to be—weekend hair, a workday bun, whatever. It’s as simple as gathering your hair at the back of the crown of your head and twisting it into a bun. Gently pull sections of the bun to boost its volume and make it look imperfect for a relaxed, effortless vibe.

Low Bun

Forget the fussy chignon and rethink what makes a classic with this low bun. If you’re looking for easy hairstyles for long hair, look no further than the low bun. No matter your hair texture, the low bun is simple enough that you can do it in minutes, but keeping it low and close to your neck gives it more polish than your average top knot. Once you’ve twisted it back, polish it off with Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Humidity Hairspray, which both helps it stay put and prevents frizz and flyaway hair from making it look messy.

Top Knot

Look, a top knot isn’t new. Hands-down one of the easiest hairstyles for long hair, it’s a lifesaver when you’re in a rush or have managed to hit snooze eight times. Upgrade it—without adding time to your hair routine—by twisting a bigger top knot than usual and positioning it at the crown of your head. Then, use your fingers to gently tug at the bun, pinning any loose strands around your elastic band to hide it.

Space Buns

A little bit Minnie Mouse, a little bit next millennium, this is a fun future-forward look you can rock at parties and festivals or just because. To achieve the look, split your hair into two sections, create two ponytails and then wrap the length of your locks around the base of the ponytail; this will be the focal point of your space buns. Next, secure the newly formed buns in place by using bobby pins. From there, you can play with different variations, from messy and loose with a few wisps of bangs to tight and clean.

Braided Space Buns

If Princess Leia went to Burning Man, she’d probably rock some braided space buns. This is one of the hottest updos for long hair to hit the streets since the man bun, and it’s arguably a lot cuter because it’s got a totally out-of-this-world vibe. This look is best explained via one of the video tutorials on the internet, but before you style, ensure your locks are tangle free with Pure Clean Detangler. As you can see, when it comes to buns, there are tons of creative options. Check out some our favorite bun styles here.

Ponytail Hairstyle for Long Hair

You can’t try cute updos for long hair without considering the classic ponytail. After all, ponytails were made for wrangling long hair, and they’re the OG easy hairstyles for long hair. That doesn’t mean they have to look it, though. With the right inspo and hair styling products, a ponytail can make long hairstyles look anything but basic.

Wrap Around Ponytail

You won’t find this ponytail at the gym, but it’s still a standout for simple hairstyles for long hair—partly because it looks like you put serious work into it. First, start with smooth hair. Prep it before you dry with Miracle Frizz Tamer 10-in-1 Leave-In Treatment, which tames frizzy hair and protects against the damaging effects of heat with nourishing coconut oil. Then, pull your dry hair into a high ponytail and separate it into two sections. Twist each one to the left and, as you do so, twist the sections around one another to the right. Continue to the ends and secure with an elastic hair tie.

Wavy Ponytail

Calling all beauty minimalists! This is simple but spectacular. Work Fructis Curl Construct Creation Mousse through damp hair and allow it to air-dry (or diffuse it). Then, pull your hair back into a tight ponytail, leaving a section of hair near your hairline loose. Use your fingers to fluff up the waves and voila—instant style.

Royal Ponytail

Give your hair the royal treatment. Get this look by curling the lower half of your hair. Then gather all your hair in a high ponytail and push it up to create a pouf. Accessorize with sparkly barrettes and hair combs for seriously beautiful princess vibes.

Braids for Long Hair

The best part about braid hairstyles is that they only look complicated. In reality—and with the right guidance—they’re anything but. Long hair gives you the flexibility to try pretty much every braid hairstyle out there, so here’s some hair styling inspiration to help you begin. Plus, braided hairstyles are versatile by nature. Depending on the braid style, they can work as well for formal occasions, as they do to keep your hair in place during your weekly yoga class. Once you start braiding your hair regularly, you won’t want to stop.

Fishtail Braids

Fishtail braids look elegant enough to be a popular option for wedding hairstyles for long hair but are easy enough that you can make one in seconds. Choose from a classic fishtail braid in the back or a side fishtail braid.

Mermaid Braids

No fins required: All a mermaid braid takes is some big waves (naturally) and your own two hands. You don’t even need to be a braiding pro to pull this off. All it takes is one medium-sized braid in the center. Then, braid the rest of your hair around the original braid. The key to the mermaid vibe is volume, so prep your hair with a volumizing mousse (try Garnier Fructis Sky-Hi Volume Mousse) and finish it off with a volume-boosting hairspray to keep it in place all day.

Braided Crown

The crown jewel of braided styles, the braided crown conjures images of Grecian elegance— a perfect hairstyle for weddings, proms, or when you just want to feel like a goddess. Use the waterfall braiding method, weave braids on both sides and wrap the tails of the braid around your head. Pin back any errant strands and keep it all in place with Sleek and Shine Anti-Humidity Hairspray.

Accent Braid

You can breathe easy again, braided hairstyle beginners. (And celebrate, if you happen to be in the market for a wedding hairstyle for long hair, because this is a good one.) This miniature fishtail braid is equal parts easy and elegant. First, part your hair down the middle. Take a small section from one side of your part and braid it, fishtail-style, to the end. Then, pin it at the center of the back of your head. Repeat on the other side. Where the two braids meet, pin them and let the ends loose. To complete the look, or keep frizz at bay throughout the day, spray on Fructis Style Frizz Guard, which moisturizes hair and fights frizz without weighing hair down and is infused with Moroccan argan oil. It’ll keep frizz and flyaway hair from detracting attention from your accent braid.

Upside Down Dutch Braid

This gorgeous braid hairstyle for long hair is detailed and stunning—and it takes a little bit of practice, even if you’ve got serious braiding skills. If you’re looking for prom hairstyles for long hair, though, it might just be worth it. First, flip your head over and begin to braid your hair in a Dutch braid at the nape of your neck. Work your way up your head until you hit the crown. Then, gather your remaining hair there, twist it into a messy bun, and secure it with an elastic hair tie. If you’re going for a more formal hair look (hint, hint, prom), take any loose pieces of hair and pin them around the hair tie to hide it. To help it last all night, lightly spray it with Fructis Full Control Anti-Humidity Aerosol Hairspray.

Updos For Long Hair

French Pouf and High Ponytail

This look is a showstopper. Backcomb hair at the crown of your head, and wave it into a fishtail braid. Pin the braid at the crown and tie the rest of your hair and gather it into a ponytail. Take two sections of hair from the ponytail and wrap it around the elastic band. Tuck the ends into the band or pin them in place and voila, you’ve got a high-fashion Marie Antoinette inspired French pouf and ponytail.

Modern French

Tu parles Français? Even if you don’t, you can achieve this “très chic” look by combining a bouffant and a rolled chignon bun. The modern French is a great option for thick hair and puts a fabulous French twist on any occasion.