5 Fast Hairstyles for When You're Running Late - but Still Want to Look Cute

Unless you were blessed with perfect "I woke up like this" morning hair, then you probably need some time to untangle those locks and calm those fly-aways. But not every morning can be easygoing, and let's face it, some days are just bad hair days.

For those mornings (or evenings) when you don't have much time to get ready before heading out the door, you're going to want to check out these five easy-to-rock hairstyles that are both quick, cute, and perfect for when you're running late. Plus, we've linked some of our favorite hair tutorials so you can follow along.

5 Fast Hairstyles for When You're Running Late

Tutorial 1: The Quick & Easy Low Bun  https://youtu.be/pxk5BRlMndg [tutorial starts at 1:40]

Tutorial 2: The Textured Ponytail https://youtu.be/XpEKGfpWpd0 [tutorial starts at 1:15]

Tutorial 3: The Crown Braid https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMNSLDqOBk4 [tutorial starts at 0:43] 

Tutorial 4: The Perfect Messy Bun https://youtu.be/oar8fmbDyPg [tutorial starts at 1:07] 

Tutorial 5: The Messy Half Up Knot https://youtu.be/ARDMM_TIA8o 

The Quick & Easy Low Bun

You've likely seen this hairstyle all over social media; from effortless street style and activewear to professional daytime looks, this all-encompassing quick and easy low bun is the perfect hairstyle for any event when you're running late.

 A sleek, low bun like this is also the perfect do for when you haven't had time to wash your hair as that little extra grease ends up making the style easier to create and look sleeker—win-win! Okay, now let's get started.

Step 1: Pick Your Part

Start with freshly brushed hair free of knots and tangles. Pick which part you want (middle or side) and part accordingly using a fine-tooth comb or styling brush.

Step 2: Smooth

Taking the comb or styling brush, you will then comb your hair getting it as flat and smooth as possible.

Step 3: Gather

Tuck your hair behind the ears and then gather it into a ponytail around the nape of the neck. Again, brush through your ponytail, making sure all the hairs are smooth.

Step 4: Twist

Begin twisting the ponytail in one direction and then wrapping the hair around itself until no pieces are out of place.

Step 5: Secure

Secure with another ponytail and bobby pins where needed.

The Textured Ponytail

The simple, chic, model-off-duty ponytail with a textured twist. This easy hairstyle is especially great for those day-two curls or those with natural wave and texture.

Step 1: Texturize

Start by adding grit and texture with a texturizing spray, focusing on the roots and base of the hair.

Step 2: Gather

Pull hair back and secure into a ponytail just above the crown of the head (or wherever you think is most flattering for you). Pull a few front pieces out for that effortless vibe.

Step 3: More Texture

Respray the ponytail with texture spray for an extra boost of volume.

Step 4: Conceal

From the ponytail's underside, take a small piece and wrap it around, concealing the hairband.

Step 5: Secure

Secure with a bobby pin that matches your hair color, and voila!

The Crown Braid

Braided hairstyles are a timeless go-to for when you're running late but still want to do something different with your hair. This simple crown braid requires only basic knowledge on how to do a classic braid, plus some small hair elastics and bobby pins.

Step 1: Braid 

Divide your hair into two equal sections and braid, braiding as low as you can before securing it with a clear or hair-colored tiny elastic. 

Step 2: Texturize 

Bulk up the braids by gently pulling on the strands and running your fingers through the braids to create more volume and texture. 

Step 3: Wrap 

Pull the braid up past your ear (as if it were a headband) and pin it at the top, placing the bumpy side of the bobby pin along the scalp to create a firm hold. At this point, you can also use more bobby pins on the back of the braid to secure it firmly to your head. 

(Don't know what we mean by bumpy side? Check out our post on 5 Life-Changing Bobby Pin Tricks. Hint: It's tip number one.) 

Step 4: Repeat 

Repeat the same technique on the other side.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Once you secure both braids with bobby pins, you can remove the elastic. Continue to pull out pieces as you'd like and spray with hairspray when finished. 

Note: For this hairstyle, it is especially important to use bobby pins the same color as your hair to create the illusion of a crown braided headband. Luckily, our full range of everyday bobby pins come in over 12 shades, color-matched to actual hair colors. Use our Shade Selector to find your exact match bobby pins. 

The Perfect Messy Bun

This twist on the classic bun creates such a voluminous look that is so effortless yet so stylish. This stress-free style is perfect when you want to have your hair up and out of your face while still looking cute on the go. 

Step 1: Gather

Gather hair into a ponytail at the top of the head using your fingers or a brush if you prefer to smooth out the bumps.

Step 2: Secure

Secure with a hairband.

Step 3: Create the Bun Shape 

Fan out the hair that is in the ponytail all around your head till even then place the hairband around the bun shape you just created and leave the ends sticking out.

Step 4: Tuck and Shape

Take small strand of the ends that are sticking out and tuck them into the hairband all around the base of the bun to hide the hairband and to hide the strands. Shape the bun as desired.

Step 5: Secure with Bobby Pins

Secure the base of the bun to your head using bobby pins.

The Messy Half-Up Knot

This half-up, half-down style is the ideal blend of sleek and effortlessly messy, especially for those days when you're running late and can't be too bothered. This style works best with hair that is already a bit wavy or messy, but if not, feel free to boost up that lived-in-wave with a sea salt or wave spray. Plus, it is seriously so easy. Depending on your vibe, this hairstyle can also transition into a full-up messy top knot.

Step 1: Part

Begin by dividing the hair in half, taking the top section of hair, and pulling it back into a ponytail. If you want to pull out some front strands to frame the face, you can!

Step 2: Secure

Secure your pony with a hairband and boost the texture and volume by gently pulling and loosening some pieces.

Step 3: Twist

Twist your ponytail around itself and secure it with a bobby pin or two.

Step 4: Finishing Touches

Continue gently pulling the bun into different angles to create that "messy" look and secure with more pins as needed.

As you can see, you don't need a lot of time on your hands to have fun with your hair. There are countless ways to style lived-in locks, from polished up-dos to embracing your natural waves—all you need is five minutes and some bobby pins. If you liked any of these hair styles, don't forget to watch the tutorials and show your support to the creators. 

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