26 easy hairstyles that are high-impact (but low lift)

It can be easy to fall into an everyday uniform when getting ready, especially if you don't leave yourself much time, but having an edit of easy hairstyles to fall back on means you can skip the default mode and pull-off something a little more polished or detailed in a couple of minutes.

Take a super slick bun for example. It adds a cool-girl finish and some low-key elegance to a look that can pull the whole thing together and make a big impact. But, if you know how to do it right, the whole thing can less time than it takes to brush your teeth.

Even simple ponytails can benefit from a quick twist (quite literally, see below) to up the style kudos and add extra interest.

We've swept social media for some of the most covetable hair looks that you can do stat. Here's some of our favourite easy hairstyles to add into your wardrobe…

If you normally style your hair wavy for everyday, start with this as the base. But, instead of just leaving it loose, separate the top section of your hair into a half up ponytail, tie it in place, then just above the hair elastic create a little hole. Feed your ponytail under the elastic and back through the hole so that it covers the elastic and it will give your pony extra volume, oomph and texture, too.

Centre part your hair, then split it horizontally from ear to ear to create a front and back section. At the front, section off your hair on either side of the parting, then scoop the back section back into a bun. Sweep the front sections back toward the bun on either side of your parting and tie the pieces that are long enough to reach into the bun. For the others, use a silk scarf to tie the hair in place and set it in shape. For extra hold, you can add gel before locking the style down with a scarf, which you can remove when your ready to leave the house.

Scoop hair back into a mid-height pony (for extra texture it helps if you leave your natural waves in, or you can curl ahead of time). Use your fingers to tease the pieces at the crown to encourage a little extra volume. Lift the top of the ponytail and apply a little texturising powder just beneath at the top for extra oomph. You can backcomb for more texture and volume if you wish. Then for a finishing touch, take a small section of your ponytail and wrap it round the hair elastic to cover it. Keep it in place with a bobby pin.

Centre part your hair, then separate out a small section, in line with your brows. Pull your face framing pieces loose, then tie a dinky ponytail on either side of your parting. Create a hole just above the hair elastic, then flip your ponytail over and through to create a twist. Plait the section to create a baby braid and repeat on the other side. For extra detail, repeat with a second braid on each side.

Tie the top quarter of your hair up into a mid-height half-up pony. Flip the ponytail over the elastic to create a twist. Take a small section of hair from your left side and thread it through the pony, then repeat on the right. Next, create a second lower ponytail below. Flip it over the elastic (like before) to create a twist. Then create a small bun by folding over the end of the ponytail and securing it into place. Bend the ponytail back on itself to create a low bun.

Create three low ponytails next to each other. Flip the right back on itself to create a twist with a hole, then thread the middle ponytail through the hole. Twist the right side back on itself to create another hole and take the combined ponytail from the centre and the right and thread it through the left hole.

Centre part your hair and split it into two bunches. From here, take a little from the right side and flip it to the left to create a diagonal parting. Braid hair back along the diagonal parting to just behind the ear, then repeat on the other side. Take the hair that's left just below each ear and create a low bun. Finish by using gel to lock your edges into place.

Centre part hair and apply mousse to lock it down in place. Brush hair back into a low ponytail, then create a two strand rope braid. Wrap the rope braid round itself to create a neat bun and pin it into place tucking the end of the braid away and out of sight.

Apply gel through hair, then centre part. Brush hair back into a ponytail and use a smoothing brush to smooth hair tight to your head. Tie your ponytail in place with a thin scrunchie but before you tie it all the way, pull some of your pony back through to create a small bun. Wrap the rest of the ends round the bun then tuck them in behind the elastic (or pin into place if necessary).

For more from GLAMOUR's Senior Beauty Editor, Elle Turner, follow her on Instagram @elleturneruk

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