19 Hair Styles For Long Hair That Are Actually Easy to DIY

19 Hair Styles For Long Hair That Are Actually Easy to DIY

Long hair gets a bad reputation for being high-maintenance, but honestly? Some of the easiest hairstyles out there just happen to need a little length to work. You don’t need a curling wand degree or twenty bobby pins to look put together. Most of these styles take five to ten minutes, and a few of them barely require you to look in the mirror.

Below are 19 long hairstyles that are genuinely simple to do yourself, whether you’re straight-haired, curly, fine, or thick. Grab a hair tie and let’s get into it.

The Half-Up Twist

This one is basically the little black dress of long hair styles. You take two small sections from the front, twist them back, and pin or tie them together. That’s it.

It works on pretty much every face shape because it keeps hair off your face without pulling everything back. Fine hair benefits from the extra volume this creates at the crown, while thick hair holds the twist beautifully without needing product.

You can dress it up with a claw clip or keep it minimal with a small elastic. Maintenance is basically zero, which is exactly why it’s a weekday staple for so many people.

The Low Sleek Bun

Smooth hair back, twist it into a bun at the nape of your neck, secure with pins. The sleek look reads polished even though it takes almost no effort.

This style suits oval and heart-shaped faces especially well since it shows off your features without any face-framing softness getting in the way. Straight or slightly wavy hair slicks back easiest, though wavy texture can be tamed with a bit of gel.

A shine serum goes a long way here since the whole point is that glossy, no-flyaway finish. It’s low maintenance day to day, though you’ll want to touch up baby hairs with a toothbrush and hairspray if you’re going for a truly sleek look.

Curtain Bangs With Loose Waves

Curtain bangs have stuck around for a reason. They part naturally down the middle and frame your face without a hard edge.

They suit round and square faces particularly well, softening angles and adding some movement near the cheekbones. Wavy and straight hair both work, though people with curly hair may find their bangs behave differently than expected once they dry.

Pair them with loose waves from a one-inch curling iron for that lived-in look. Upkeep involves a trim every six to eight weeks to keep the shape from growing out awkwardly.

The Classic Fishtail Braid

It looks intricate, but a fishtail braid is really just alternating small sections from each side. Once you get the rhythm down, your hands basically do it on autopilot.

Medium to thick hair produces the most defined fishtail pattern, though fine hair can still pull it off with a little texturizing spray for grip. It works for basically any face shape since the braid sits down your back rather than framing your face.

This one’s great for second or third-day hair since a bit of natural oil actually helps the braid hold its shape longer.

Beachy Waves With a Center Part

There’s something about loose, undone waves that never goes out of style. A center part keeps things balanced and gives long hair a naturally elongating effect.

This look flatters oval and long face shapes especially, though a slight side-sweep can soften the part for rounder faces. Wavy and straight hair both take to a curling wand well here, and you don’t need tight, uniform curls for this style to work.

A sea salt spray helps mimic that just-came-from-the-beach texture, and honestly, this is one of those hairstyles that looks better a little messy.

The Braided Crown

Two French braids meeting at the back of your head create a crown effect that feels a little bit boho, a little bit romantic. It photographs beautifully too.

Thick or medium hair holds the braid structure best, while fine hair might need some texturizing spray beforehand for grip. This look flattens the crown slightly, so it’s a nice option if you usually deal with too much volume up top.

Maintenance-wise, it can last a full day or two if you sleep with it loosely covered, making it a solid choice for festivals, vacations, or busy mornings.

The High Ponytail With Volume

A high pony sounds basic until you add a little backcombing at the crown. Suddenly it looks like you spent real time on it.

This style suits pretty much every face shape, though it’s especially flattering on round faces since the height elongates things visually. Straight, wavy, and even curly hair all work, though curly hair may need a diffused blowout first for the sleekest base.

Wrap a small section of hair around the elastic to hide it, and you’ve got a polished ponytail in under five minutes.

Loose Space Buns

Space buns used to feel like a festival-only style, but the loose, undone version works just as well for running errands. Split your hair in two, twist each section, wrap into a bun.

Round and oval faces both wear this one nicely since the buns sit above the ears without adding width. Thick hair creates fuller-looking buns, while fine hair might want a bit of dry shampoo first for texture.

It’s playful without being fussy, and honestly, a little lopsidedness only adds to the charm.

The Half-Up Braid

Take the ease of a half-up style and swap the twist for a simple three-strand braid. It adds a bit more texture and interest without extra time investment.

This works well for heart-shaped faces since it keeps some hair softly framing the jaw. Straight hair benefits from a bit of texturizing spray so the braid doesn’t slip, while wavy hair holds it naturally.

It’s a nice in-between option when a full braid feels like too much but a plain half-up feels too plain.

Sleek Straight Hair With a Deep Side Part

Sometimes the easiest style is just really good, straight hair with an intentional part. A deep side part instantly changes the shape of your face and adds a bit of drama.

This suits square and round faces especially well since the asymmetry breaks up strong angles. Naturally straight hair needs the least effort here, though wavy hair can be flat-ironed for a similarly smooth finish.

A lightweight smoothing serum keeps frizz down, and this look genuinely takes as long as your blow-dry does.

The Rope Braid

A rope braid is just two twisted sections wound around each other, and it looks far more elaborate than the two minutes it actually takes.

Medium and thick hair show off the twisted texture most clearly, though fine hair still works fine with a little texturizing spray. It complements most face shapes since it sits down the back rather than near the face.

This is one of those braids that looks intentional even when it’s a little loose and imperfect, which honestly makes it more forgiving than a traditional braid.

Voluminous Blowout Waves

A big, bouncy blowout with waves running through it feels glamorous, but a round brush and a cool shot button do most of the actual work.

Oval and heart-shaped faces look especially good with this volume near the crown, while fuller waves at the ends soften a square jaw nicely. This works best on straight to wavy hair, though a keratin treatment can help curly hair hold this shape longer.

A volumizing mousse applied at the roots before blow-drying makes a noticeable difference, and honestly, this look holds up well through a full day out.

The Messy Top Knot

When you truly don’t have time, a messy top knot saves the day. Twist hair up, secure loosely, pull a few pieces out. Done.

This look suits every face shape and is especially handy for round faces since the height at the crown adds length. It works with any hair texture, though curly hair might need a bit of gel to keep flyaways controlled.

It requires almost zero maintenance throughout the day and somehow still manages to photograph as “effortlessly cool.”

Loose Curls With a Side Part

Big, loose curls from a curling iron paired with a soft side part feel a little more romantic than beachy waves, with slightly more defined shape.

This flatters oval and long faces particularly well, adding width near the cheekbones. Straight and wavy hair curl up nicely here, and a heat protectant is worth using since this style does rely on hot tools.

A light-hold hairspray keeps the curls from dropping too fast, and this one’s a favorite for date nights or dinners out.

The Braided Half-Up With Face-Framing Pieces

Similar to the half-up braid, but with a couple of pieces pulled loose at the front to soften the whole look. Small tweak, noticeably different vibe.

This works especially well for square faces since the loose pieces soften the jawline. Wavy hair pairs beautifully with this style, though straight hair can add a bit of texturizing spray for extra grip in the braid.

It reads a little more romantic than the standard half-up braid, making it a nice pick for brunches or casual dates.

The Twisted Half-Up With a Claw Clip

Claw clips have made a serious comeback, and for good reason. Twist your hair up loosely from the sides and clip it in place. No elastic, no pins, no fuss.

This style suits most face shapes and works with basically any hair texture, from pin-straight to curly. Thicker hair might need a larger clip for the best hold, while fine hair does well with a smaller, tighter grip clip.

It’s arguably the fastest hairstyle on this entire list, and it still manages to look intentional rather than thrown together.

Soft Waves With Wispy Face-Framing Layers

If your hair has some face-framing layers already cut in, soft waves through just those pieces can transform your whole look without touching the rest of your hair.

This suits round and oval faces nicely, adding definition near the cheekbones. Straight and wavy hair both take well to a small curling wand here, and you only need to curl a few pieces rather than your entire head.

It’s a quick styling trick for days when you want to look put together without committing to a full wave routine.

The Low Twisted Ponytail

A regular low ponytail gets an upgrade with a simple twist wrapped around the base. It adds texture and hides the elastic in one easy step.

This look suits oval and heart-shaped faces well, and it works with straight, wavy, or curly hair alike. Fine hair benefits from a bit of texturizing spray to help the twist stay put throughout the day.

It’s a nice option for office settings or anywhere you want something a step above a plain ponytail without extra effort.

The Undone Braid

Take any basic three-strand braid and gently pull at the edges to loosen it up. Instant texture, instant “I didn’t try that hard but somehow look amazing” vibe.

This works for every face shape since it’s such a versatile, adaptable style. Thick and medium hair loosen up the most dramatically, while fine hair might want a light hairspray to hold the loosened texture in place.

It’s the easiest way to take a plain braid and make it feel a bit more current and lived-in.

Final Thoughts

Long hair really doesn’t have to mean long styling sessions. A lot of these looks come down to one simple technique, whether that’s a twist, a loose braid, or just a well-placed claw clip. Try a few, see what your hair takes to naturally, and build a little rotation of go-to styles that fit your morning routine. Once you find your favorites from this list, you’ll probably reach for them on repeat.