When you're short on time, it can be tempting to just give up and throw your hair up in a struggle bun. If you're headed to the gym or running a weekend errand, go for it. If you're headed to work or an event that requires more effort, however, there are ways to look more put-together that are equally as easy as a topknot. Ahead, we scoured the best tutorials YouTube has to offer for every hair type—and the exact tools you need to achieve the looks.
Jump to: Medium - Long Hair | Natural Hair | Short Hair
For Medium - Long Hair
The 5-Minute Low Bun
In this video, Alex Gaboury demonstrates how you can get an elegant low bun using just one elastic. She achieves it by doing some beginner-friendly twisting and tucking to create the most perfect-looking chignon.
Best tip: Curl your hair beforehand to add more volume and texture to hold the style better.
Meta-grip Champagne Blonde Premium Bob Pins
Snappee Snap-Off, No Crease Hair Ties
Big Sexy Hair Spray & Play Volumizing Hairspray
The Elevated Ponytail
There's a difference between a working out-ponytail, and a going out-ponytail, and this quick tutorial from Kayley Melissa shows you how to master the latter. She shows clever, unexpected tips for getting a ponytail that's tight, lifted, and has plenty of volume.
Best tip: Hide a mini claw clip at the base of the ponytail to fake more volume and make the ponytail appear more bouncy.
Goody Women's Classics Mini Crown Claw Clip
Kitsch Pro Bungee Cord Hair Elastics
The Beachwaver Co. Darby Clips
Living Proof Full Dry Volume Blast
The Half Updo
Marianna Hewitt always has flawless, photo-ready hair and here, she demonstrates one of her simplest yet stylish looks. It's ideal for the second or third day after a blowout and takes seconds to achieve.
Best tip: Use a texturizing spray on the half-up section of your hair before wrapping it into a bun to make it appear more full.
T3 SinglePass Curl
Garnier Fructis Style Pixie Play Crafting Cream, All Hair Types, 2 oz. (Packaging May Vary)
RIVEA 8
The Accented Pony
Missy Sue dresses up a low ponytail with an intricate woven accent braid that's much easier than it looks. Even amateurs can follow along with her easy-to-understand instructions.
Best tip: Once your braid is done, pull on the strands to add more volume.
Fromm Diane Ionic Anti-Static Rat Tail Comb
Scunci Clear Elastic Hair Polybands
FHI HEAT Platform Tourmaline Ceramic Professional Hair Styling Iron
Ouai Texturizing Hair Spray
For Natural Hair
The Crown Braid
For you braiding beginners out there, Bri Pile does an amazing job explaining how to create them. She also only uses two bobby pins to keep the whole style up, which goes to show how easy this tutorial is to follow.
Best tip: Prep curls with a moisturizing leave-in product to make them easier to maneuver around the head.
Creme of Nature with Argan Pudding Perfection
Tool Structure Bone Super Rattail Comb
Scunci No-Slip Beautiful Blends Bobby Pins
The Low Ponytail
This no-heat style by Roxxie features an "Aaliyah-inspired" side sweep part and shows how easily achievable a long ponytail is using wefts of hair wrapped and pinned around a bun.
Best tip: While you'll be using water elsewhere, don't spray water on the front bangs because it will make your hair curlier and more difficult to lay flat on your forehead.
Beautyforever Brazilian Body Wave 4Bundles Unprocessed Remy Hair Weave
$67; beautyforever.com
Garnier Fructis Style Full Control Anti-Humidity Hairspray
Got 2B Glued Spiking Glue
Conair Scunci No Slip Bobby Pins
The High Puff
If you don't want to use products, Ashly Rodriguez has you covered. In this video, she showcases her natural curls by putting them in an easy updo with bangs.
Best tip: While some people use a head scarf or elastic headband to get this style, Rodriguez opts to use just one regular hair elastic, which she only needs to wrap around her hair once because it's so tight.
Evolve 100% Boar Bristle Hair Brush
Goody Ouchless Hair Elastics
Conair Bobby Pins In Tub, Brown
The Curly Half Updo
Here, Kim from The Chic Natural walks you through using a curly wig (secured only with combs and a couple hair pins) and blending it with your own hair to complete a quick half-updo you can wear anytime.
Best tip: Before pinning the wig down, make sure it's positioned so your natural part is showing. "I think it makes the style look more seamless and natural, like it's coming from my scalp," Kim says.
Eco Styler Olive Oil Styling Gel
Aprince 200 Packs Bobby Pins Hair Pins U Shaped Bobby Pins
For Short Hair
The Waterfall Braid
Milabu's channel is full of genius short hairstyle tutorials, but with over a million views, this waterfall video is clearly a favorite. Even a beginner at braiding will be able to follow along with her careful instructions and close-up shots.
Best tip: After completing the waterfall braid, go back in and pull at the braid to add more volume so it doesn't lay so flat to the head.
Drybar The 3-Day Bender 1-inch Curling Iron
Goody Clear Elastic Bands
Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray Strong Finish
The Twisted Pony
Camila Coelho shows how girls with bobs can still dress up their ponytails by doing twists in her hair before pulling it back.
Best tip: She suggests skipping pulling the hair back and opt to curl the ends for a half updo that's equally as sleek.
Nexxus Mousse Plus Volumizing Foam
Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray
Drybar Hold Me Hair Clips
Kitsch Brown Bobby Pin Set
The Textured Lob
Yes, girls with short hair can get beachy waves too. Kayla Kosuga demonstrates exactly how to prep, blowdry, use an iron, and finish the look in this quick video.
Best tip: When using the curling iron, make sure to alternate the direction of each curl (one towards your face, one away from your face) for a natural-looking texture.
L'Oreal Paris Advanced Hairstyle Boost It Volume Inject Mousse
Tresemme Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray
ghd Curve 1.25 Curling Iron
Shu Uemura Art of Hair Essence Absolue Nourishing Protective Oil
The Pull-Through Braid
The beauty of this style is that it looks complicated, but is actually really simple. In her video, Ashley Bloomfield walks you through using clear elastics to achieve this elegant look you can either fashion into an updo, or a half-updo.
Best tip: If you're starting out with clean hair, prep with a texturizing hairspray. "This will help to make sure that you can actually hold on to the hair a little bit better," she explains.
Blax Clear Hair Elastics
Kenra Professional Platinum Dry Texture Spray
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