We’ve compiled a shortlist of our favorite, of-the-moment hair trends below for each day of the week. We also kept these classics-with-a-twist relatively easy and under 15 minutes, because yup, that morning struggle is real. Who knows, you might even find your next go-to hairstyle below! Read on:
Runway-Inspired Work Hairstyles for Long Hair
Monday: Top Knot Half-Updo
Our love affair with the half-updo is no secret: We’ve been obsessing over this chic yet practical throwback ever since it reemerged on the scene. Doubled up with a sassy top knot, and your everyday desk aesthetic is instantly glammified a hundred percent. Best for smart-casual environments, the top knot half-updo elevates a basic jeans-and-blouse combo and can even transition you straight to happy hour with the girls. To achieve, blow-dry your hair that’s been prepped with mousse. We like Dove Style+Care Curls Defining Mousse for the job. Using a fine-toothed comb, section off and gather the hair on your crown into a ponytail. Rope it around itself, securing the base of your cinnamon roll with bobby pins or a hair tie. Wiggle slightly for some slack (no one needs an extra tension headache on Monday morning!) and you’re done!
Tuesday: Twisted Bun
The twisted chignon is the fashion-savvier route to your regular messy bun. Sticking your hair in an updo when you’re too lazy to wash it is one of life’s open secrets, so might as well prettify things a bit by adding a twist. On second-day hair (or, hey, fifth, that’s cool), spray some dry shampoo such as Nexxus Between Washes Smooth & Clean Dry Shampoo Foam on your roots to sop up excess grease and sebum.
Wednesday: Figure-Eight Braid
As far as work hairstyles for long hair go, braids will always be a welcome change. They’re super-cute, fresh and artsy, and thus are perfect with dress codes that are more relaxed, or even quirky and creative. The figure-eight braid is a look that has two regular three-strand braids on each side, and is looped (guess what?) into a figure eight at the back of your head. You can play with other shapes as well; it’s all a matter of bobby pin dexterity, or how much time you have in the morning. Cop the look by parting freshly washed hair and by blowdrying until completely dry. Next, create a small Dutch braid across your head, starting from one side. Continue braiding each side until the ends, and shape your figure eight, securing them onto your scalp with pins—or just pin the braids up past your ear in a simple half-pony variation.
Thursday: Polished Ponytail
For reasons unknown, Thursday is almost always the most action-packed day of the week. Maybe it’s just us frantically clearing our plates for the weekend, whatever it is, a foolproof updo is always a good idea. Which is why a polished ponytail helps you get the job done in style. Like your ponytail but of course, eons better. On freshly washed hair, apply some volumizing blow-dry lotion, such as Bed Head by TIGI Motor Mouth, on your hair while you blow-dry, backcombing the crown slightly. Once you’re done blow-drying, gather the whole head into a low ponytail, and secure with a hair tie.
Friday: Faux Side Shave
If you’ve ever had undercut envy, you’re in luck! There is a way to fake some of that rockstar swag. A baby French or Dutch braid on one side of your head mimics the effects of an undercut or a side-shave, but without the commitment. Weekend warrior, the light at the end of the tunnel is near! Creating the style is pretty simple, especially if you’re already familiar with a French or Dutch (aka cornrow) braid. Create a deep side part and start braiding on your thinner section. Snake your ear line till you reach the nape. Secure the braid with an elastic and you’re good to go!
