Hair fatigue is real. You’re bored of leaving it down, or in the go-to pony/bun/hair clip you regularly default too. You could dye it some dramatic shade on the other end of the colour spectrum. But, if that feels a tad too drastic, mixing up your hairstyle could make all the difference, especially now most of us are at home in self-isolation.
Even though pretty updos and loose waves may look like they require a lot of elbow grease to replicate, given the right references, it’s possible to find pretty ways to add oomf to everyday hair without spending hours wrestling with a tail comb.
A well-placed twist can make all the difference, embellished accessories are an instant way to look like you’ve made more effort than you actually have, and simple tricks and tucks may look intricate but take seconds to look slick.
If you’re short on inspiration, you’ve come to the right place, and at the right time, too. Just because you’re sat at home doesn’t mean you need to abandon your hairstyle (hello, Zoom call), plus some people are even dating via Skype so it’s the perfect opportunity to trial a new hairstyle.
We’ve been spoilt for inspo on the red carpet where this year, Charlize Theron wove a Tiffany bracelet along her parting to disguise her roots (fancy and genius), Lupita wound gold thread around her updo to make it look extra expensive and JLo referenced her Maid In Manhattan days with an intricate plaited bun.
On Instagram, style mavens like Kristin Ess and Lelet NY are serving up some major hair inspiration from relaxed and messy updos to beautiful-looking braids amped up with accessories.
We’ve rounded up the best messy buns and slinky ponytails to get you going. So, whether you have long locks, short hair, a bob or a pixie cut, get ready for some serious inspiration overload…
Fancy up your usual braid by lacing a hair scarf through your strands like hairstylist Allison Depriestre.
If you prefer a down-do but want to mix it up a bit, make like @claireelizabethlifestyle and section your hair above your ear, then add some jewelled clips.
Margot Robbie’s hairstylist, Bryce Scarlett updated her usual style with some throwback face-framing plaits, but kept the look modern by keeping the rest of her hair straight.
Pull your hair back into a simple bun like @eclectic.styles, then add a hair scarf to make it chic.
Start by tying your hair into a ponytail at the back of your head, braid as usual down to the bottom, like @amberfillerup, then use your fingers to pull the braid apart slightly, making it chunkier, messier and a whole lot more stylish.
The 80s called and they’re triumphant to see the return of the scrunchie. Forget cans of sticky hairspray, endless back-combing and crispy ponytails. Instead, velour’s been swapped out for ultra-chic patterned fabrics like this one from @maisonchou. Use them to fasten loose buns (the messier the better) and to spruce up post-shower hair if you’re running from the gym.
Millie Bobby Brown looked edgy-chic for the launch of Louis Vuitton X in LA thanks to the addition of a few metal rings to her otherwise classic updo.
Spice Girls, but make it chic. We adore this high bun that Bella Hadid wore at Cannes Film Festival this year.
Strong and smoldering was the name of the game with Sara Sampio’s red carpet look at Cannes Film Festival. This androgynous side part and smoky eyes was spot on.
When it comes to hair accessories, more is definitely more, as proved by Ashley Graham at this year’s Met Gala.
We’re loving everything about Hailey Bieber’s Met Gala beauty look – the dewy skin, the perfectly lined eyes and that slicked up high pony – with bow.
Lily Collins makes this messy bun look so damn chic, right? Grab your comb (or toothbrush!) and gently tease out the strands at the front for a soft finish.
How chic is this low bun updo created by GLAMOUR columnist Jen Atkin? We love the lose, wavy tendrils left free in front of Kendall’s ears, giving it a softer ‘wallflower’ vibe, rather than the severity of a slicked back ‘do.
Hermiz Daniel is feeding our slide and hair clip addiction by mixing and matching all different styles and sizes. This look is perfect for extending a second or third-day blow-dry.
This triple threat bun is a great updo option for those with short to medium hair who struggle to secure all their layers in the one top knot. This way, the stragglers are secured at the nape of the neck in a bun of their own. We love how Hermiz Daniel combined the style with our love for hair clips to create this masterpiece.
A year ago, the request for a low ponytail and curtain fringe would have been met with a raised eyebrow. Today, we can’t imagine a better combo. Just take a look at Camilla Cabello at this year’s Grammy Awards.
Wet-look hair is back, but this time it’s restricted to the roots and offset with soft, tousled waves. To encourage texture, introduce a salt spray through the lengths and scrunch.
If you thought choosing to chop means compromising on hair creativity, think again. Showcasing clips, texture, volume and a slick centre parting, Lucy Boynton didn’t hold back at this year’s BAFTAs, and her originality paid off.
Nathan Telford, Senior Stylist at Hare & Bone, says Dua Lipa‘s bob will be THE haircut of the season. Short hair will still be very much ‘in’ for 2019, particularly during the colder months.
Low-key, effortless and just-so-cool, the ‘shag haircut’ is the chop du jour. Chloë Grace Moretz is leading the trend and all it requires is a quick trim and a volume-boosting, thickening and beach wave-building, texture spray.
If you only buy one item for the upcoming season, make it a bow. It can be bold, neutral, oversized or mini – whatever it may be, just make sure you’ve got one to hand – and in hair. Just. So. Pretty.
Tempted to experiment with a fringe but not sure how to pull it off without resembling your mum in the 80s? We feel ya. That’s why we’re loving this fresh new take on the classic fringe: the baby fringe. Tempted to grab the scissors?
This season, hairstyles were kept simple on the catwalks – with lots of side partings, tousled waves and low ponys. But at the Simone Rocha show oversized braids took centre stage, tied with a black velvet ribbon, the romantic ‘do is perfect for the colder months.
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