12 Quick Hairstyles You Can Do In Just A Few Minutes (Literally)

Stuck in a morning rush and reaching for the same tired ponytail again?

Been there — more times than I can count. When you’re juggling a packed schedule and racing out the door with coffee in one hand, styling your hair can feel like a luxury.

But here’s the good news: looking polished doesn’t have to take more than a few minutes. After countless chaotic mornings, I’ve nailed down a few go-to hairstyles that are fast, easy, and make me feel like I tried — even when I didn’t.

And now, I’m letting you in on my favorites.

1. Messy Bun That Actually Stays Put

Forget those perfect Instagram buns that secretly took 30 minutes and 47 bobby pins. My version takes just 60 seconds! Flip your head upside down, gather your hair like you’re making a ponytail, but don’t pull it all the way through on the last twist.

Wrap the remaining hair around the base and secure with 2-3 bobby pins. The magic happens when you gently tug at sections to create that perfectly imperfect look. Leave a few face-framing pieces for a softer finish. Works best on second-day hair when it has some natural texture and grip!

2. Half-Up Top Knot

My go-to style when I hit the snooze button one too many times! Simply grab the top section of your hair (from temples up) and twist it into a small bun at your crown. Secure with a hair tie or pin.

The beauty of this style? It works on literally any hair type or length past your chin. Curly hair looks boho-chic, straight hair gets instant volume, and it hides greasy roots like nobody’s business. For extra style points, pull the bun slightly to loosen it and create more volume at the crown of your head.

3. Twisted Headband Tuck

Got a headband? Then you’ve got a fancy updo in your future! Place an elastic headband around your head like a crown. Starting at one side, begin tucking small sections of hair up and into the headband, working your way around.

The shorter your hair, the more modern it looks with pieces sticking out. For longer hair, keep tucking until all ends are hidden. My trick is not aiming for perfection – the slightly undone look actually makes it more modern. Bonus: this style works amazingly well for growing out bangs or awkward layers!

4. Sleek Low Ponytail with a Twist

Not your average ponytail! Gather hair at the nape of your neck and secure with an elastic. Take a small section of hair from the underside of your ponytail and wrap it around the elastic to hide it, securing with a bobby pin underneath.

For extra polish, run a tiny bit of hair oil or serum over the top to tame flyaways. This style saved me during a video call when I realized my hair looked like I’d been electrocuted! A sleek pony works for everything from gym sessions to fancy dinners – just change your earrings to match the occasion.

5. Five-Minute Braided Crown

Split your hair down the middle into two sections. Create a simple three-strand braid on each side, securing the ends with small clear elastics. Pull each braid up and across the top of your head, pinning in place to create a crown effect.

The secret? Don’t stress about making the braids perfect. A slightly messy texture actually looks more modern and intentional. I’ve worn this to everything from grocery shopping to wedding receptions. For thinner hair, gently pull the edges of your braids outward to create fullness before pinning them up.

6. Twist and Pin Side Accent

Morning hair emergencies call for this 30-second fix! Take a 2-inch section of hair from just above your ear. Twist it away from your face until it feels secure, then pin it back with a decorative clip or bobby pins.

I love this style because it keeps hair out of my face while looking like I actually tried. The best part? It works on all hair types, even if you only have a few minutes before rushing out the door. For curly or textured hair, this creates a gorgeous natural volume at the crown that looks intentionally styled rather than thrown together.

7. Bubble Ponytail

Start with a high ponytail secured with an elastic. Add another elastic about 2 inches down, then gently pull at the sides of that section to create a “bubble” effect. Continue adding elastics and creating bubbles down the length of your ponytail.

Clear elastics look more sophisticated, but colorful ones can be fun too! My niece calls this my “princess tail” and begs me to wear it when I visit. The beauty of this style is that it looks complex but takes 90 seconds once you get the hang of it. Plus, it stays put all day without constant adjusting.

8. Knotted Half-Up Style

Take two small sections of hair from your temples. Tie them in a simple knot behind your head, just like you’d start tying your shoelaces. For longer hair, you can do a double knot for extra security.

Secure with a bobby pin hidden underneath. The result looks way more complicated than it actually is! My coworkers always think I spent ages on my hair when I wear this to the office. For a more bohemian look, pull a few strands loose around your face. This style works amazingly well on hair that hasn’t been washed in a day or two.

9. Scarf Braid Enhancement

Fold a small silk scarf into a long strip. Start a regular three-strand braid, incorporating the scarf as one of the strands. The scarf adds instant color and makes even the simplest braid look fancy!

My collection of scarves has grown since discovering this hack. I keep a few in my desk drawer for days when my hair needs a quick refresh before after-work plans. The best part is that the scarf helps hold the braid together, meaning you can often skip the elastic at the end. Just tie the ends of the scarf together for a cute finish.

10. Double Dutch Pigtails

Split your hair down the middle. Create a Dutch braid (where you cross strands under rather than over) on each side, continuing down to form pigtails. Secure with small elastics.

The Dutch technique creates a braid that sits on top rather than flat against your head. It looks complex but only takes about 3 minutes once you’ve practiced a few times. These aren’t your elementary school pigtails! They’re surprisingly sophisticated and perfect for workouts since they keep all your hair secure. I wear mine to hot yoga and they stay put through the whole sweaty session.

11. Side-Swept Twist with Pin

Create a deep side part. Take the heavier side of your hair and twist it back, away from your face. Secure with a decorative pin or clip just above your ear.

This style takes literally 20 seconds but looks like you made a real effort. The asymmetrical look is surprisingly flattering on most face shapes and adds instant polish to any outfit. My favorite trick is using this style when my bangs are driving me crazy or when I need to look put-together for a video call but only have the upper half of my body visible!

12. Twisted Topknot Bun

Flip your head upside down and gather hair into a high ponytail, but don’t pull it all the way through on the final loop. Instead, twist the half-pulled ponytail around itself, tucking ends under and securing with pins.

The key difference from a regular topknot is the twisting motion, which creates more structure and helps it stay put longer. I’ve slept in this style and woken up with it still intact! For extra hold on slippery hair, use a texturizing spray at the roots before styling. It gives your pins something to grip onto.