5 Hairstyles For When You're Running Late (Or Feeling Lazy)

By Sarah Christine Davis on September 29, 2015

Let’s face it: none of us are perfect. At least once a week, we’re rushing to get to class on time because we stayed up too late studying (or otherwise) or we just don’t feel like doing our hair.

When the snooze button wins us over, how are we supposed to live up to this stereotype that says that us ladies always need to look immaculate? News flash: that stereotype is just that – a stereotype, an oversimplified image of what we’re supposed to be – and we don’t have to live up to it.

However, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to dress up your hair a little bit; and if you can’t bring yourself to go with your bed hair in truest form to your 4000-level class with the professor who could probably win a Nobel prize in every category, you’re not hopeless.

Just because you don’t have time to think about the most fashion-forward hairstyles for fall doesn’t mean that you’re at a loss. There are tons of fast hairstyles that look amazing but save you time when you’re running late in the morning.

Read on for some tips and tricks for how to make your hair look cute on a short schedule!

The Side Fishtail Braid

Image via http://trendymods.com/

For those of us with thick long locks, an all-out fishtail braid might not be an option – even on mornings when you have plenty of time to get ready. Even if you chose the shorter route, this minimal look keeps it sweet and simple.

To make this happen, take a small section of your hair from the top of your head. Then, separate it into two parts. Take a section from the outside of one part and bring it over to the inside of the other part. Continue doing this, switching sides each time.

If you’re more of a visual person, YouTube beauty blogger fiercelytasha has an awesome tutorial on how to do the fishtail braid.

The Low-Rolled Updo

Image via http://blog.lulus.com/

The low-rolled updo is an elegant and seemingly intricate style, but it won’t take you more than five minutes to complete. All you need is a thin hair tie (a clear rubber band would be ideal), a couple of bobby pins, and your hands.

Put your hair into a low ponytail and then create a space right above it to flip the ponytail through, making an inside out ponytail. Continue wrapping your hair through until you can’t anymore. Use the bobby pins to secure everything into place, and voila! You’ve got yourself a low-rolled updo, just like that.

For a visual tutorial on how to do the low-rolled updo, visit Lulu’s Beauty Blog.

The High Ponytail

Image via http://www.stylisheve.com/

The high ponytail makes you look and feel sleek, chic, and ready to have a productive day. The best part is that it only takes about 10 seconds! To enhance the look a little bit more, you can tease your hair a little bit or gel it back.

If you really want to get fancy, you can wrap some hair or even a small braid around the ponytail and secure it with a bobby pin or two. With something as simple as a classic high ponytail, the opportunities are endless for how you can enhance it and put your own unique twist on it.

The Mermaid Tail Braid

Image via http://beauty-tutorial.blogspot.com/

The mermaid tail braid looks like the hairstyle I wore to my senior prom, except it will only take you about 10 minutes (and you can do it for free). First, bring your hair to one side and create two normal braids that are secured with a ponytail. Next, pull a little bit at the braids for a looser and more relaxed look.

Since this look is supposed to look a little bit messy, it’s especially great for those of you who have layers in your hair that often pop out of braids. Here’s the hardest part (although it’s really not that hard): combine the braids. You’ll do this by putting the innermost sections of both braids next to each other and securing them in the back with bobby pins.

Now you’ve made the illusion that there is one braid when there are really two! Make sure to tie the end of the braids together with a bobby pin to make sure that they don’t fall out. If you’re still confused, check out YouTube beauty blogger Bebexo’s in-depth tutorial on how to do it.

The Inside Out Ponytail

Image via http://girlcrushblog.blogspot.ca/

Last but not least is my personal favorite, the inside out ponytail. I do this style at least twice a week. It tricks people into thinking that you put a lot of effort into your appearance – but you didn’t! All you have to do is tie your hair back into a ponytail or a half ponytail (which is my personal preference; it feels less restrictive than having all of your hair pulled back).

Then, as outlined in the low-rolled updo, create an inside out style by creating a small gap above the hair tie and pulling the ponytail through it. This time, only do that once. That’s it! Your hair may seem loose on the top and front, especially if you have layers like me, but the casual messy look is in, so no worries. 

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