Sure, wearing your hair naturally is a great look, but be honest: don’t you get bored of it? Whether it’s straight or curly, sometimes you just want a look to switch things up a bit. Of course, there’s always the issue of being, shall we say, ungifted when it comes to styling—if braids are not your forte, we feel you. But, everyone should have an arsenal of hairstyles up their sleeve, so we put together a list of some amazing hairstyles (all braid-free) that will make you look fabulous without the frustration.
1. Rolled bun
The great thing about this style is its versatility. You can wear it casually to class or even when you go out at night. To achieve this effortless look, start with a little bit of teasing and some hairspray to give your hair some body. Separate your hair into two sections, then twist each one towards the base of your neck and secure each one with a bobby pin. Next, take the ends of both sections and roll them towards your head. Secure the bun with a bobby pin. Voila! It looks like you spent hours creating this chic bun even though it only takes minutes.
2. Pull-thru pony
This might be one of the simplest looks you can pull off. All you need to do is pull your hair back into a low ponytail then take the pony and pull it through the area above the elastic. This creates a classic twisted pony that will have everyone fooled.
3. Faux-braid pony
The coolest part of this hairstyle is that it actually looks like you braided your hair. No fear though, there is absolutely zero braiding involved in this look. To start, put your hair in a side pony, then take a piece and wrap it around the elastic to hide it. Next, use another elastic around the middle of the ponytail; it should look very similar to a bubbly pony. Split the area in between both elastics and thread the end of the pony through it. Take a small piece of hair and wrap it around that elastic. Repeat those steps twice more (depending on how long your hair is) and secure with a final elastic. Not only does this hairstyle looks super intricate, the fact that you look like a master braider doesn’t hurt either.
4. Faux-French braid
This is look is everything you love about a braid without the braiding. To begin, pull your hair to one side, then separate the first section and secure it with a super thin elastic. Take the second section and secure that with an elastic as well. Then, split the ponytail from the first section in half, and pull the second pony through and secure it with a clip to hold it in place.
Next, take the remaining sections, create a new section of hair, and secure them with an elastic. Release the clipped hair, separate it into two sections, and pull the other section through it, securing it to your head with a clip for the time being. Keep on repeating the same steps until you’ve secured all your hair, and only have a ponytail left. Then separate the pony into two sections and secure an elastic to create a bubble in one ponytail. Split the ‘bubble’ in half and thread the other pony through the opening, pulling it all the way through. Repeat this step until you run out of hair, and secure with an elastic.
Okay, so this sounds super confusing, but watch the video and you’ll be surprised at just how easy this style is. No one will ever know that it isn’t a real braid!
5. Loose, sideways French twist
This elegant look can be achieved with only a few simple steps…and a few bobby pins as well. First, separate the top section of your hair, and secure it with bobby pins to create a pulled back look. For extra volume, tease underneath and add some hairspray. Then take one side of the remaining hair and roll it towards the back of your head where your hair is secured. Secure this section with bobby pins. Repeat this step twice more, continuing from the same side you started. Leave some hair out on the opposite side. Take that remaining hair and pull it over the top of the bun you’ve created, then hook it down and underneath and secure it with bobby pins. Finish off with some hairspray for a tight hold. What you’re left with is a classic, chic updo that works for any occasion.
It might feel like the only worthy hairstyles require braiding skills, but that’s oh so wrong. With these cute styles at your disposal, you’ll look fabulous without all the braiding hassle.
