16 easy hairstyles that are low lift but high-impact

Even so-called easy hairstyles can feel like too much to tackle when you’re still fast asleep and trying to leave the house. Sometimes, there’s just enough time for clothes, coffee and a spritz of perfume.

We all know that looking “put together” involves setting an alarm and allowing for plenty of getting-ready time. But some idiot decided to invent the snooze button, which means we’re often left with minutes to wrestle our frizz-ball hair into something a little easier on the eye. 

If you’ve always assumed French twists, plaits and braids are anything but easy hairstyles that should certainly not be tackled before dashing out of the door, think again. 

Because luckily, someone also invented YouTube tutorials (not the snooze button guy). We’re talking hairstyles that look good enough for the red carpet, but literally take minutes to achieve. Small print: everyone’s hair is different, so while some influencers are blessed with hair long enough for a bum-length rope braid, there are plenty of hairstyles designed for short hair, or fine hair in need of a serious volume boost.

Browse through our roundup of the best impressive yet easy hairstyles and you will never have to utter the words, “Don’t look at my hair” ever again.

You’re welcome.

1. The messy braided chignon