At this time of year, no one has a second to spare, let alone hours to spend styling their hair.
So we’ve rounded up 12 gorgeous hairstyles that may look like they’ve been done in a salon, but that you can easily do at home in less than five minutes flat.
From up ‘dos and braids to French twists and ponytails that feels miles away from your everyday look, these are the lifesaving styles that you’ll come to rely on this party season (and beyond). Busy, multi-tasking mums, you’ll swear by them.
The Duchess of Cambridge’s bouncy blow-dries are world-famous, but on tour the mum-of-two often relies on a half-up, half-down hairstyle that’s easy to replicate in real life. Part your hair in the centre, grab two inch-wide sections of hair (one from each temple) and bring them to meet at the back of your head. Secure with two bobby pins in an “X” shape. Voilà.
Natalie Bassingthwaighte’s gorgeous half-bun (aka the “hun”) is a dream come true for anyone who’s short of time. Section the top part of your hair – using your ears as a guide – and twist it around into a bun securing with a hair elastic or bobby pins – whatever you have to hand. This look works best with a little bit of body so use a volumising shampoo and conditioner for best results. Try Pantene Pro-V Sheer Volume Shampoo and Conditioner, $6.99 each.
Gwyneth Paltrow’s low-slung bun is great for those nights out when you’re feeling more frazzled than fabulous. Start by pulling your hair into a low ponytail that sits at the nape of your neck, then twist it into a bun, pin, and pull out a few face-framing tendrils. Forget five minutes, you’ll be done in 60 seconds.
Chrissy Teigen’s party ponytail is the perfect way to make you feel different (and way more glam) than you do wearing your go-to gym/work/supermarket ponytail. Once you’ve got your regular ponytail done, simply channel your inner Princess Jasmine and tie extra elastics down your ponytail, about one inch apart. Use a little anti-frizz serum to smooth any flyways, too.
Jesinta Franklin’s waves needn’t take you hours. Quickly spray dry hair with salt spray and twist your hair into a top knot. Then clean your teeth, pop on some mascara and give your hair a blast of cool air with the hairdryer. Now take it out, scrunch your hair with your hands, apply a little hairspray and you’re done. Try O&M Surf Bomb Sea Salt Spray, $27.95.
Reese Witherspoon’s French twist may look seriously fancy, but you can master it in less than five minutes. First up, pull your hair to one side and pin a vertical line of bobby pins from the nape of your neck up to the top of head. Then, twist your hair up and secure with more pins, locking them into your pre-existing pins to make sure your French twist stays in place. Then pull an inch-wide section loose at the front and tong to create a gentle curl. Use firm-hold hairspray to finish.
Naomi Watts knows the power of a good hair accessory – they’re the fastest way to take your everyday strands from same-same to super glam. Pull your hair into a side part and then pop in a pretty hair slide. That’s it! If you have time, you can put a curl through the ends of your hair using a straightener, but there’s no real need. A hair accessory does all the hard work for you. Talk about effortless!
Isla Fisher’s micro braid (see it by her parting?) is a lesson in small details having a big impact. It’s the kind of thing you can quickly do at the end of a long day before you head out to dinner without having to commit to hours of mirror time. Simply section an inch-wide piece by your parting and tightly braid your hair until you get to the back of your head. You’ll need a clear elastic on hand to secure and then you can tuck the ends in amongst the rest of your hair. Try Oscar Orsen Hair Elastics Polyband Clear, $4.50.
Natalie Portman’s voluminous bun looks really elegant for day or night – and it’s basically a polished version of your everyday hairstyle. Start by backcombing around your hairline using a bristle brush or comb, then gently pull your hair back into a bun being careful not to squash the volume you’ve just created. Pin your bun in place and use your fingers to gently boost the hairline volume a little more. Tip: if you’ve got freshly-washed hair, use a little dry shampoo before you backcomb for added added oomph.
Miranda Kerr’s big-bodied curls are easier to achieve than you think. After washing your hair, apply some volumising mousse and scrunch in. Then roughly braid your hair or, if it’s short like Miranda’s, twist it up into little ’90s-style Bjork buns and make the kids’ brekkie. Once you’re done, dry your hair off with a hairdryer and then undo the braids or knots and use your fingers to gently break up the curls. Finish with some wave spray to enhance texture. Try Ouai Wave Spray, $18.
Olivia Palermo’s side braid is the LBD of summer hairstyles. A fail-safe style that’s guaranteed to make you feel glam, save the fishtail for when you’ve got more time and just go for a basic braid or inverted French plait instead. Keep the braid loose and pull out a few face-framing strands to keep it looking summery-fresh and informal. Bonus: it means you don’t have to spend ages making sure it’s smooth and perfect.
Eva Mendes is known for her love of headscarves and we can see why. A stylish solution for covering all manner of sins – from frizzy hair to greasy roots and regrowth – they give the impression that you’ve made a huge effort, when really you haven’t! They’re also really versatile so you can wear them with a top knot, waves, a ponytail or braid. Fold the fabric into a long rectangle, wrap it around your head and tie at the nape of your neck. Try ASOS Pack of 2 Printed Wire Twist Tie Headbands, $16
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