Casual hairstyles are quick, easy, and carefree—perfect for women who don’t want to fuss with their hair every day. Let’s be honest: we don’t always have time to create a perfect hairstyle, and that’s where these simple styles come in. For a hairstyle to be considered casual, it should be easy to do on a daily basis. Most of the time, a casual style means a messy bun or a classic ponytail. Instead of sticking with your usual, why not spice up your everyday routine? Get ready to be inspired!
Before your next salon appointment, check out these popular images of casual hairstyles.
Casual Boho Ponytail Updo Hairstyle
Instagram @melissarufe_beauty
A simple, carefree ponytail creates an easy look that works best with long hair. A casual updo for long hair, like this low messy ponytail, looks effortless when styled with lots of texture and waves.
Messy Half Updo with Crown Braid
Instagram @rebecca.murphy.beauty
The messy half updo with crown braid works on all hair lengths and textures. Simply take two strands from each side and knot them in the center, finishing with floral pins for a striking touch.
Soft Messy Bun Hairstyle
Instagram @paigelauren_bridalhair
The soft messy bun is a great casual hairstyle for women with medium or long hair. Leave some loose strands in the front to frame the face.
Casual Twisted Braid Hairstyle
Instagram @yourbraids
Try this easy, pretty, casual twisted braid that works for both parties and everyday wear on any length. Add waves to create the illusion of fuller, thicker hair.
Low Twisted Ponytail
Instagram @hairicome_
The low twisted ponytail creates a pretty, glamorous style that’s perfect for any occasion. Stylist Melissa Howlett from Australia made it ideal for all hair colors and textures.
To create this wedding hairstyle, Howlett started by curling strands with a medium barrel curling iron and adding a very soft twist to one side of the head, leaving loose strands around the face and volume at the crown.
Cool Twist Casual Hairstyles for an Easy Day
Instagram @arcuthi_arcuthe
This twisted bun is simple and casual, yet elegant with a carefree touch. It was created by stylist Claire Simonson from Merimbula, NSW.
According to Simonson, buns work best on thicker, medium-length hair with multidimensional color rather than flat color, and you shouldn’t pull the hair too tight when drying to avoid losing volume.
Quick and Casual Brigitte Bardot Half Up Half Down for Class
Instagram @jordynelisakunde
Trainee cosmetologist Jordyn Kunde from Plymouth, MN, describes it as a soft hairstyle inspired by 1960s Brigitte Bardot, simple and less intimidating than other vintage styles.
Her biggest tip is to watch the volume: with curls it looks more relaxed and beachy, while with straight hair it comes across more polished and modern.
Easy Romantic Look with Side Braids
Instagram @hairbyhannahcooper
Stylist Hannah Cooper from Tacoma, WA, created these two side braids with soft, wavy texture on medium-length hair, a style that can be dressed down for daytime or transformed into an evening updo with some pearl pins.
Cooper notes that hair density matters: the more density, the bigger and fuller the side braid will look, and as for length, it works on everything from a stacked bob to long locks.
Soft Dimensional Balayage
Instagram @rhea.jhair
This dimensional, messy balayage was created by hair artist Rhea Forrester from Sunshine Coast. It’s a very low-maintenance look, ideal for everyday wear since it doesn’t require salon visits every six to eight weeks.
To style it, Forrester used a volume spray on damp hair, dried it with a large round brush, and finished with a 1 1/4 inch curling iron and texturizing spray.
Faux One-Length Cut
Instagram @shear_harmony
This faux one-length cut was created by hairdresser Harmony Janney Cochran from McLean, VA. It gives the appearance of a blunt cut but has an internal layer that removes weight from the bottom and prevents the triangle shape.
Cochran believes this cut works best on women with naturally straight or wavy hair, and she designed it with an air-dry lifestyle in mind. Use your favorite mousse or salt spray to enhance movement and let your natural hair do the rest.
Casual Boho Chic Style with French Braid Headband
Instagram @jillyscissorhands
This French braid headband is boho, casual, and elegant, created by stylist Jillian Leigh from Smithtown, NY. It works for both a formal event and a relaxed night out, and is perfect for keeping bangs or hair away from the face.
To style it, Leigh recommends blow-drying hair with a volumizer, curling with a 1 1/4 inch curling iron, letting the curls cool, and gently brushing them with your fingers before braiding the crown.
Effortless and Chic Braided Style with Accessories for Long Hair
Instagram @christina_mobilestylist
This is an effortless and chic look, one of the easiest casual hairstyles for long hair, created by independent hairdresser Christina Repanou from Montreal. Braids work both day and night, and accessories add an extra touch of style.
Repanou believes braids suit everyone; you just have to find the one that represents you most, and remember they work best on same-day unwashed hair.
Sweet and Spiced Up High Bun
Instagram @salon_janieperiot
Stylist Janie Periot from Manette, WA, says this is her favorite easy hairstyle to spice up any casual outfit: a messy knot that looks like a twisted bun and opens up the face by pulling half the hair back.
It works best on second-day hair thanks to its natural texture, and pairs perfectly with skinny jeans, boots, an oversized sweater, and a statement necklace.
Modern and Sleek Look
Instagram @sanomat
This modern and sleek look was created by independent hairdresser Lupe Benitez from the Bronx, NY, and is one of the ideal casual updos for medium-length hair. It’s practical: works for a wedding on a hot day or for an after-work event with just a change of clothes.
Benitez advises considering hair texture and density: it works best on thick hair, and remember that the face becomes very visible.
Messy Low Ponytail with Effortlessly Put-Together Vibe
Instagram @kellyrettenberger
Stylist Kelly Rettenberger from Madison, WI, loves the undone, textured look: leaving loose strands and twisting sections gives a seductive air to an updo style that looks effortlessly put-together.
This messy low ponytail is perfect for women who appreciate the beauty of imperfection and don’t want to look like they just stepped out of the salon; it’s an elevated version of the basic ponytail, but just as versatile.
Versatile Textured Lob
Instagram @rachelstylesorlando
This textured lob was created by cosmetologist Rachel Snyder from Winter Park, FL. It looks elegant and effortless with waves, but can also look edgy and textured when straightened, and is long enough to pull back into a ponytail.
Snyder recommends using any texturizing product to enhance texture; women with natural hair texture will benefit from this long bob, which requires very little maintenance.
Loose Waves on Short Hair
Add a twist to the classic bob by creating wavy, carefree hairstyles like this. Loose waves on a short cut are perfect for your daily hairstyle repertoire.
How to Style Loose Waves:
- Prep damp hair with heat protectant spray and volumizing mousse.
- Blow-dry the hair.
- When hair is dry, use a 1-inch curling iron and wrap hair around the iron horizontally. Leave the ends out.
- Finish the style with a light flexible hold hairspray.
For perfect beachy waves, try Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Texturizing Spray. This style works best on oval, triangular, long, and heart-shaped faces, and on naturally wavy hair.
Textured Blowout Style
Love the feeling of a fresh blowout but miss a little more texture? Try this textured blowout to get the best of both worlds!
How to Style a Voluminous Blowout:
- Prep towel-dried hair with a styling cream.
- Blow-dry hair with a medium round brush turning the ends away from the face.
- When hair is dry, use a 1-inch curling iron or flat iron to lightly smooth the ends. Use the hot tool vertically and work in medium or large sections.
- Apply a small amount of styling pomade to the ends.
- Finish the style with a light flexible hold hairspray.
For a blowout that won’t lose strength, try Onesta Smooth and Shine. It can also be used on dry hair to separate strands and add texture.
Casual Center Part with Loose Relaxed Curls
Loose, relaxed curls are perfect for a casual date or running errands. But they can also be the ideal bridal hairstyle on her wedding day!
How to Style Center Part with Loose Curls:
- Starting with blow-dried hair, wrap hair around a wand curler vertically.
- Remove hair from the wand and let it cool.
- Comb through curls with your fingers.
- Finish the style with a medium hold hairspray.
For long-lasting hold, try Aveda Air Control. This style flatters all face shapes and hair types.
Sleek and Casual Bob with Highlights
This is the easiest and simplest way to achieve casual yet elegant hairstyles, like this sleek bob.
How to Style a Sleek Bob:
- Starting with damp hair, apply a small amount of blow-dry cream.
- Use a medium paddle brush and blow-dry hair from side to side.
- When hair is dry, use a flat iron to straighten it.
- Apply a small amount of argan oil from mid-lengths to ends.
- Finish the style with a light hairspray.
Try Aveda Style Prep Smoother to achieve a very sleek finish at half the price. This bob style works best on oval, heart-shaped, and triangular faces, and on all hair types.
Short, Sweet, Effortless Style
Create an elegant and effortless look with this short and pretty hairstyle.
How to Style an Effortless Bob:
- Apply mousse to towel-dried hair.
- Blow-dry hair with your fingers. Lift from the root to create volume.
- Apply a small amount of styling pomade to the ends and bangs.
- Finish the style with a light hairspray.
For this bob hairstyle, try Aveda Control Paste to create texture and definition without a heavy feel.
Classic Blowout for Women with Round Faces
The classic blowout is timeless and always elegant.
How to Style a Classic Blowout:
- Start with slightly damp hair and apply a small amount of blow-dry cream from mid-lengths to ends.
- Divide hair into six sections (top front, sides, crown, back left, and back right).
- Use a medium round brush and blow dryer, and start drying hair from the top.
- Dry hair smooth and away from the face.
- Dry all sections of hair.
- When hair is dry, apply a small amount of argan oil to the ends.
- Finish the style with a flexible hold hairspray.
Good styling tools are as important as good products. Try the T3 Featherweight Luxe 2i blow dryer and Full Pint Medium round brush for the perfect blowout. This hairstyle looks best on round faces and on all hair types.
California Girl Hairstyle
Show off your casual side with these perfectly undone curls!
How to Style Undone Curls:
- Apply volumizing mousse to damp hair and sprinkle roots with volume powder.
- Blow-dry hair with your fingers.
- When hair is dry, use a wand curler. Wrap hair around the wand vertically.
- Let hair cool and gently comb through curls with your fingers.
- Spray hair with texturizing spray and scrunch lightly.
- Finish the style with a light hold hairspray.
Try Onesta Volumizing Mousse to give body and fullness. This style also flatters girls with any face shape and hair type.
Simple Fishtail Braids
The simplest way to create an elegant yet casual hairstyle for long hair is to weave strands into a trendy fishtail braid.
How to Style a Fishtail Braid:
- Starting with dry hair, smooth hair into a side ponytail.
- Use a small section of hair to wrap around the ponytail holder and secure with a bobby pin.
- Divide the ponytail into two sections.
- Take a small section from one side and pass it to the other side.
- Repeat step 3 until all hair is braided.
- Secure with a clear elastic or hair ribbon.
- Gently pull on the sides of the braid until desired looseness is achieved.
- Finish the style with your favorite hairspray.
Clear elastics are essential for a fun and elegant braided style! Try Goody Clear Elastics and take your braided style to the next level. This braided ponytail flatters all face shapes and hair types.
Casual Hairstyle with Layers and Deep Side Part
Adding a little volume to typical feathered hair gives it a more polished look without going overboard. Try Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray for fullness and texture.
How to Style a Casual Hairstyle:
- Prep damp hair with your favorite styling cream.
- Blow-dry hair with your fingers, lifting from the root to create volume.
- When hair is almost dry, use a round brush to finish the blow-dry.
- Use a flat iron to lightly smooth the ends and add a slight curve.
- Spray roots with a volumizing dry shampoo or texturizing spray.
- Finish the style with a flexible hold hairspray.
Casual and Carefree Shag
This style is perfect for a post-workout meetup or if you’re running a little late in the morning.
How to Style a Shag:
- Starting with damp hair, apply your favorite volumizing mousse from roots to ends.
- Blow-dry hair with your fingers. Dry bangs forward.
- Apply a small amount of styling pomade to the ends.
- Finish the style with your favorite hairspray.
Try Aveda Phomollient to create volume and shine without a heavy or sticky feel. Remember that this look should be a little messy: don’t be afraid to get your fingers in there and really scrunch it up!
Simple Half Up Style
Looking for a way to pull hair back and still look spectacular? Try this half up style to get the best of both worlds.
How to Style a Half Up Style:
- Starting with dry hair, set hair in hot rollers.
- Remove rollers and lightly comb through curls.
- Pull the top section back and secure it.
- Finish the style with a light hairspray. Adding a bow is optional for an accent touch.
When styling this casual look, try Aveda Brilliant Medium Shine Hairspray. A pretty, casual hairstyle like this works on all face shapes and hair types.
Glamorous Date Night
Looking for a super easy way to dress up your hair for a date? This is the perfect style for anywhere, casual yet spectacular!
How to Style Hair for a Date Night:
- Apply heat protectant to freshly blow-dried hair.
- Starting from the front, take a medium section and wrap it around the curling iron vertically.
- Release the curl and repeat until all hair is curled.
- Lightly comb through hair with your fingers and finish the hairstyle with hairspray.
To protect your hair from heat damage, try Aveda Damage Remedy Daily Hair Repair.
Casual and Textured Bob Style
Add some texture to a classic bob to create a refreshed look. Aveda Control Paste adds texture, definition, and shine without a heavy feel.
How to Style a Textured Bob:
- Apply your favorite product to damp hair.
- Blow-dry hair in medium sections, moving it from side to side to create volume and curve.
- Dry bangs with a small round brush.
- Smooth unruly strands with a flat iron.
- Apply a shine-enhancing styling pomade.
- Finish the style with a light hold hairspray.
Curls Galore
Put down the flat iron for a day and rock some swoon-worthy natural curls!
How to Style Natural Curls:
- Apply a mixture of curl cream and gel to very wet hair.
- Twist hair in different directions and dry with a diffuser on low power.
- When hair is completely dry, gently fluff with your fingers.
- Finish the style with a light shine-enhancing hairspray.
Try Aveda Be Curly Curl Crème for frizz-free curls. This curly style flatters all face shapes and women with naturally curly hair.
Pixie Cut with Side Bangs
Give your pixie cut a playful touch with side bangs and lots of definition.
How to Style a Pixie with Side Bangs:
- Starting with towel-dried hair, apply volumizer from roots to ends.
- Blow-dry hair with your fingers. Lift hair at the crown and dry bangs downward.
- Apply styling pomade and shape bangs however you like.
- Finish the style with a strong hold hairspray.
For a long-lasting hairspray, try Aveda Force Control. This style flatters all face shapes and hair types.
Super Sleek Hairstyle
Tired of curling your hair? Try a super sleek look to switch things up.
How to Style Sleek Hair:
- Apply styling cream to towel-dried hair.
- Blow-dry hair with a flat paddle brush.
- Straighten hair with a flat iron.
- Apply a small amount of argan oil to the ends.
- Finish the style with a light hairspray.
Try Aveda Style Prep Smoother for smooth, long-lasting blowouts at half the price. This style flatters all face shapes and those with naturally straighter hair.
Casual Short Curls
Curls aren’t just for long locks! Add them to your short hair and create instant body and movement.
How to Style Shorter Curls:
- Apply heat protectant to freshly blow-dried hair.
- Using a 1-inch curling iron, curl hair away from the face in small and medium sections.
- Continue until all hair is curled.
- Spray hair with texturizing spray.
- Gently comb through curls with your fingers.
- Finish the style with a medium hold hairspray.
Tip: try Aveda Damage Control for heat and UV protection.
Casual Hairstyle with Full Bangs
Draw attention to the eyes and cheekbones with face-framing bangs. Try Aveda Dry Remedy Daily Moisturizing Oil to tame hair with shine and add moisture to dry strands.
How to Style Hair with Full Bangs:
- Apply mousse to towel-dried hair.
- Dry bangs from side to side with a small paddle brush.
- Dry the rest of the hair with a medium round brush.
- Use a 1-inch curling iron to curl just the ends.
- Smooth any frizz with a small amount of argan oil.
- Finish with a light hold hairspray.
Fun and Flirty Half Up Style with Naturally Curly Hair
Try this half up style and show off your coveted curls. If you want defined, shiny curls, try Moroccanoil Intense Curl Cream.
How to Style a Half Up Style:
- Apply a mixture of curl cream and gel to very wet curls.
- Remove excess moisture with a microfiber towel.
- Blow-dry hair with a diffuser on low power.
- When hair is completely dry, pull the top section back and secure with bobby pins.
- Fluff the bottom section if desired.
- Finish with a shine-enhancing hairspray.
Boho Beauty with Curls
Show your free spirit with this gorgeous soft curl hairstyle.
How to Style Boho Curls:
- Apply heat protectant to freshly blow-dried hair.
- Working in medium sections, curl hair vertically and away from the face.
- Let curls cool and gently comb through with your fingers.
- Finish the style with a flexible hold hairspray.
- Add your favorite headband.
If you want a dry finish hairspray with lots of touchable hold, try Onesta Finish Hairspray. This boho, casual style flatters all face shapes.