Hi, I’m Lena — a professional hairstylist with over a decade of salon experience. I’ve curated 24 cute hairstyles for women in this gallery, each shown with a clear image and practical styling notes so you can recreate them at home or bring a precise reference to your stylist. The selection spans easy everyday looks, textured waves, playful braids, polished ponytails and romantic updos to suit short, medium and long hair, and works for straight, wavy and curly textures. I’ll point out which styles flatter common face shapes and hair densities, plus share my go-to tools and products: heat protectant, lightweight smoothing serum, texturizing spray, a 1–1.25 curling wand, a round brush and flexible pins. Expect salon-tested tips for achieving lasting hold, soft movement, and gentle styling that protects hair health—perfect for busy mornings or special occasions.
Boho Halo Crown Braid with Loose Beachy Waves
An effortless boho halo crown braid paired with loose, textured beachy waves — a versatile salon-friendly look for medium to long hair. Best on fine to medium density hair and naturally wavy or straight textures; very straight hair will benefit from texturizing before styling, while very thick hair may need smaller braid sections. Start with a light center part, take two small sections along the hairline and Dutch/French braid each back toward the crown, pancake the braids for width and pin/tuck the ends under. Create loose waves in the remaining hair with a 1 curling wand or flat iron, alternating directions and leaving the ends soft for a lived-in finish. Tools: 1 curling wand or straightener, sectioning clips, fine-tooth comb, paddle brush, small elastics and bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, sea-salt or texture spray, lightweight hairspray, smoothing serum and dry shampoo for extra grip. Difficulty: intermediate — expect 25–40 minutes. Maintenance: sleep on silk, refresh waves with a water/sea-salt mist and scrunch, re-pin any loosened braid ends, avoid heavy oils that weigh texture down, and trim ends every 8–12 weeks.
Textured Messy Updo with Curtain Bangs
This relaxed, textured updo with soft curtain bangs suits medium to thick hair best but can be adapted for fine hair with added texturizing. Ideal for shoulder-length to long hair and worked well on natural waves or lightly curled textures. Start on clean, towel-dried hair: apply a heat protectant and a volumizing mousse at the roots, then rough-dry lifting at the crown with a round brush or fingers. Create soft bends in the lengths with a 1–1.25-inch curling wand or flat iron for movement. Shape curtain bangs with a round brush or flat iron to create a soft inward curve. Gather hair loosely at the upper-back or crown, twist into a messy bun and secure with an elastic and bobby pins, leaving face-framing tendrils loose. Finish with a texturizing or sea-salt spray for grit and a flexible-hold hairspray to set. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, curling wand/flat iron, tail comb, hair ties, bobby pins. Difficulty: moderate, 10–25 minutes depending on practice. Maintenance: refresh volume with dry shampoo, re-scrunch pieces with texturizer, sleep on a silk pillowcase to protect bang shape, and trim bangs every 4–8 weeks.
Long Layered Red Waves with Textured Side‑Swept Fringe
This look suits medium to thick hair with natural wave or loose curl; fine hair will benefit from added layers and root lift while very curly hair should be relaxed slightly for the soft wave pattern. Start on clean, towel‑dried hair: apply a heat protectant and a lightweight volumizing mousse at the roots. Blow‑dry using a diffuser for natural waves or use a round brush to lift roots and a medium‑to‑large (1–1.5) curling wand to create loose S‑shaped waves, alternating direction and leaving ends softer for movement. Tools: blow dryer with diffuser, large‑barrel curling wand, round brush, sectioning clips, wide‑tooth comb. Products: heat protectant, root mousse or spray, sea‑salt/texturizing spray, lightweight smoothing serum or oil for ends, flexible‑hold hairspray. Difficulty level: medium — requires basic sectioning and curling technique. Maintenance tips: request long, face‑framing layers and a curtain/side fringe at the salon to preserve movement; trim every 8–12 weeks. Use a color‑safe, sulfate‑free shampoo for red tones, deep condition weekly, refresh waves with dry shampoo and light texturizer between washes, and sleep on silk to reduce frizz.
Textured Low Braided Updo with Face-Framing Tendrils
Suitable for medium-to-long hair, this textured low braided updo is ideal for fine-to-medium or layered thick hair and works on straight to wavy textures. To create it, prep hair with a volumizing mousse and heat protectant, blow-dry with a round brush for lift, then loosely backcomb the crown. Divide into sections and create a loose three-strand or Dutch braid along the nape, feeding in hair and gently pancaking strands to increase width. Wrap the finished braid into a low bun and secure with bobby pins, leaving a few face-framing tendrils. Tools: tail comb, round brush, blow dryer, 1-inch curling iron (optional), elastics, bobby pins, sectioning clips. Products: volumizing mousse, texturizing or sea-salt spray, heat protectant, light-to-medium hold hairspray, dry shampoo, small smoothing serum for ends. Difficulty: Intermediate – allow 20–35 minutes with basic braid experience. Maintenance tips: refresh texture with dry shampoo, re-pancake or loosen the braid as it settles, re-pin any loose sections, sleep on a silk pillowcase or tie a loose scarf, and avoid heavy oils at the roots. Regular trims (8–12 weeks) keep ends looking healthy.
Crown Braid with Beach Waves — Half-Up Boho Hairstyle for Medium-Length Hair
This romantic crown braid with loose beach waves works best on medium-to-long hair (shoulder-length to mid-back). Its ideal for straight to naturally wavy hair and fine-to-medium density; thicker hair benefits from light thinning at the ends, while very curly hair may need smoothing before styling. Technique: start on freshly washed or second-day hair. Apply heat protectant and a lightweight mousse, then rough-dry. Create loose waves with a 1 curling wand, alternating direction and leaving the ends soft. Section a 2–3 slice along the hairline and French/Dutch braid from one temple across the crown to the opposite side, pancake the braid for width, and secure with discreet elastics and bobby pins. Pull a few face-framing pieces for softness and blend the braid ends into the waves. Tools & products: tail comb, sectioning clips, 1 curling wand or flat iron, bobby pins, small elastics, texturizing spray, heat protectant, light-hold hairspray, and a smoothing serum. Difficulty: intermediate — requires basic braiding skill and heat styling. Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo and texturizer, re-pin loosened areas, sleep on a silk pillowcase, and touch up waves with a wand as needed.
Boho Crown-to-Double Fishtail Braids with Face-Framing Tendrils
This romantic boho style suits medium to long hair and works on straight, wavy or lightly curly textures — fine hair benefits from texturizing for grip, while very thick hair may require sectioning or light thinning. Technique: create a clean middle part, Dutch or French braid each front section along the hairline to form soft crowns, then feed the remaining length into two loose, chunky fishtail or three-strand braids. Pancake the braids gently for width and pull a few face-framing tendrils free for a lived-in finish. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, a 1–1.25” curling iron (optional for pre-wave), and hairpins for securing the crowns. Products required: dry shampoo or texturizing spray for hold, light smoothing serum for flyaways, flexible-hold hairspray to set. Difficulty: moderate — requires comfortable braiding technique and time (25–45 minutes). Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillow or loosely wrap in a silk scarf, refresh texture with dry shampoo, re-pancake or tighten braid bases as needed, and avoid heavy oils that will weigh the braids down.
Textured Messy High Bun with Curtain Bangs
A relaxed, salon-ready messy high bun paired with soft curtain bangs — ideal for everyday wear or casual events. Suitable for medium to thick hair and easily adapted for fine or curly textures: fine hair benefits from volumizing mousse and light backcombing at the crown, while very thick hair needs stronger elastics and extra pins to secure the bun. Styling technique: start on second-day or dry hair, apply a texture spray, rough-dry to add volume, then create a high ponytail. Twist or loop the pony into a loose bun, secure with an elastic and strategically placed bobby pins, and pull out wispy face-framing pieces. Style bangs with a round brush or small flat iron for a soft curtain shape. Tools needed: blow dryer, round brush, tail comb, elastic, bobby pins, and a small flat iron or curling wand. Products required: volumizing mousse or root lift, salt or texture spray, lightweight hair oil for ends, and medium-hold hairspray. Difficulty: easy–moderate (10–20 minutes). Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo and texture spray, re-pin loose sections, sleep on a silk pillowcase, and trim bangs every 4–8 weeks to keep the shape.
Textured Boho Double Braids with Curtain Bangs
This relaxed boho look suits medium-to-long hair and flatters fine, medium and thick textures — wavy or slightly curled hair gives the best hold and shape. For fine hair use volumizing products and light teasing; for very thick hair, work in smaller sections to keep braids tidy. Technique: start on towel-dried hair, apply a salt or texturizing spray and a light mousse, then rough-dry to boost grip. Create a center or slight off-center part, leave curtain bangs out, and form two low, loose three-strand braids. Pancake each braid by gently pulling at the edges for width, and tug small pieces at the crown for soft volume; tuck and pin any front mini-braids or twists into place for a crown effect. Tools needed: tail comb, paddle brush, small clear elastics, bobby pins, and an optional 1
Messy Textured Top Knot with Face‑Framing Layers
This relaxed top knot with soft face‑framing layers suits fine to medium hair best and can be adapted for thicker textures by removing bulk in the crown. Ideal for shoulder‑length to long hair, the look relies on lived‑in texture rather than sleek polish. Technique: prep damp hair with a light heat protectant and a volumizing mousse or sea‑salt spray; rough‑dry while lifting at the roots to create volume. Leave two face‑framing sections out, gather the rest into a loose high pony, twist loosely into a knot and secure with an elastic and a few bobby pins. Pull gently at the crown and the bun to loosen and create soft piecey strands. Tools needed: hairdryer (diffuser optional), tail comb, elastic, bobby pins, and a few sectioning clips. Products required: heat protectant, texturizing or sea‑salt spray, dry shampoo for grip, light pomade for piece definition, and flexible hold hairspray. Difficulty: easy–moderate (salon time ~10–20 minutes). Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo and rework the knot day‑to‑day, trim face‑frames every 6–8 weeks, and use a weekly deep conditioner to protect color and ends.
Loose Side Fishtail Braid with Face-Framing Layers
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Messy Boho Double Braids with Textured Fringe — Wavy to Fine Hair
This relaxed boho double-braid with textured fringe works best on fine to medium hair and on wavy or straight textures; longer bob to long lengths are ideal, and thicker hair can be thinned or sectioned. Start on towel-dried hair with a volumizing mousse or salt spray, then rough-dry with a diffuser or blow-dryer while scrunching to encourage texture. Create a soft center or slightly off-center part, leave a fringe and face-framing pieces out, then French- or Dutch-braid each side from the temple toward the nape. Secure with small elastics, then gently pancake each braid for width and softness. Tools: paddle brush, tail comb, wide-tooth comb, small clear elastics, bobby pins, curling wand (optional). Products: heat protectant, texturizing sea-salt spray, light volumizing mousse, lightweight hairspray and a tiny bit of shine serum for ends. Difficulty: moderate — about 20–30 minutes. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase or re-braid loosely overnight to preserve shape, refresh texture with dry shampoo or salt spray, and trim the fringe every 4–6 weeks to keep the face-framing look neat.
Textured Tousled Pixie Cut with Soft Curls
This short textured pixie is ideal for naturally wavy to curly hair and works well on fine to medium‑thick textures when layered. For very coarse or tight coils, expect slightly more length to maintain shape. The cut is created with tapered sides and a slightly longer, point‑cut crown to allow movement and soft separation. In the salon use clippers for a clean taper (guards 1–3), scissor‑over‑comb through the sides, and point cutting or a straight razor on the top for feathered texture. Styling at home is straightforward: towel blot damp hair, apply a lightweight leave‑in or curl cream, then a small amount of sea‑salt spray or light mousse for volume. Diffuse on low heat or air‑dry while scrunching with fingers; finish by defining pieces with a pea‑size of matte paste or soft wax. Tools needed: clippers, professional shears, thinning shears, wide‑tooth comb, blow dryer with diffuser, and a styling brush if smoothing the fringe. Difficulty: cutting — professional level; daily styling — easy to moderate. Maintenance: trim every 4–6 weeks, deep condition weekly, refresh with water + leave‑in, and sleep on silk to reduce friction.
Textured Crown Braid Updo with Soft Face‑Framing Tendrils
This textured crown braid updo with soft face‑framing tendrils suits medium to long hair and can be adapted for fine, straight, wavy or thick textures. For fine hair, add volume with a root‑lifting spray or powder; for heavy hair, work in smaller sections to keep the braid light and secure. Technique: create a Dutch or French braid along one temple across the crown, pancake sections to widen and soften the braid, then pin the tail underneath into a loose chignon; leave a few thin pieces at the temple and nape for a relaxed finish. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins, 1 curling iron (optional) and a blow dryer. Products required: dry shampoo or texturizing spray, light styling mousse or root volumizer, heat protectant, smoothing serum for ends and a medium‑hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate — expect 20–35 minutes in a salon or at home. Maintenance: refresh texture with dry shampoo, re‑pin any loose sections, touch up face‑frames with a curling iron, and sleep on a silk pillowcase or use a loose bonnet to preserve the shape.
Textured Messy Updo with Wispy Bangs and Face‑Framing Tendrils
Suitable for fine to medium hair and those with long bangs or a fringe; it also adapts well to thicker hair when slightly thinned. Styling technique: apply a root-lifting mousse to damp hair and blow-dry with a round brush, concentrating on the crown for lift. Add loose bends through the mid-lengths with a 1 curling wand, then gently backcomb the crown. Gather hair into a loose high bun, secure with an elastic and bobby pins, and leave soft face-framing tendrils and wispy bangs out. Smooth and shape the bangs to sit softly across the forehead. Tools needed: blow dryer, round brush, 1 curling wand, teasing comb, tail comb, sectioning clips, elastic and bobby pins. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root lifter, texturizing or sea-salt spray, light-hold hairspray and a lightweight smoothing serum. Difficulty level: medium — achievable at home in 20–35 minutes with practice; quicker for a stylist. Maintenance tips: refresh with dry shampoo and texturizing spray, re-pin loose pieces, sleep on silk or loosely wrap to preserve shape, and avoid heavy oils at the roots to maintain volume.
Boho Braided Crown with Loose Waves and Side Braids
This relaxed boho style works best on medium to long hair and suits fine to thick textures — wavy or slightly straight hair shows the most natural movement; very curly hair can be smoothed slightly before styling. Technique: part the hair slightly off-center, create two Dutch/French braids along the hairline toward the crown, pin or wrap them into a soft crown, then create loose side braids with the remaining lengths and gently pancake for width. Finish by loosening the crown for volume and adding soft waves through the mid-lengths and ends. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins, 1–1.25” curling wand (or flat iron) and a clipper/combing brush. Products required: heat protectant, sea-salt or texturizing spray for grip, lightweight smoothing serum for ends, and a flexible-hold hairspray to set. Difficulty level: intermediate — about 25–45 minutes depending on braid speed. Maintenance tips: refresh texture with dry shampoo or salt spray, retighten pins as needed, sleep on a silk pillow or loosely wrap to preserve waves, and trim ends regularly to keep the braids tidy.
Double Dutch Braided High Bun with Messy Face‑Framing Pieces
This look suits straight to wavy hair and works best on medium to thick textures; fine hair benefits from light teasing or clip‑in pieces for volume, while very curly hair should be stretched or blown out slightly for cleaner braids. Start on dry, slightly textured hair: create two Dutch braids from the hairline toward the crown, secure each braid with small elastics, then wrap both into a high messy bun and pin with bobby pins. Gently pancake the braids for width and pull a few face‑framing tendrils loose for softness. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, bobby pins, a teasing brush and optional donut or clip‑in pieces. Products: texturizing spray or dry shampoo for grip, light styling cream for flyaways, heat protectant if you blow‑dry, and a flexible hold hairspray to set. Difficulty: intermediate — requires confident braiding and pinning (25–45 minutes). Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap with a scarf, refresh texture with dry shampoo, re‑pin loose pieces as needed, and use a small amount of gel or pomade to smooth baby hairs without weighing the style down.
Textured Double Fishtail Braids with Face‑Framing Pieces
Suitable for medium to long hair, this textured double fishtail braid works best on straight to wavy hair and medium to thick densities; fine hair benefits from a texturizing product or light backcombing, while very curly hair should be smoothed slightly before braiding. Technique: start with detangled, slightly second‑day hair or spritzed with salt/texturizing spray. Part down the center, leave small face‑framing pieces out, then create two low fishtail braids. Pancake each braid by gently pulling outer loops to broaden and soften the look; tug at the crown for lift and pin any loose sections with bobby pins. Tools needed: wide‑tooth comb, tail comb, small clear elastics, bobby pins, teasing brush, optional curling wand. Products required: sea salt or texturizing spray, lightweight mousse (for hold), heat protectant (if using hot tools), smoothing serum for flyaways, and a flexible‑hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate — allow 20–35 minutes depending on skill. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely wrap with a silk scarf, refresh with dry shampoo or texturizer, retighten elastics as needed, and re‑pancake for an undone look; lasts 1–3 days with upkeep.
Textured Half-Up Top Knot with Loose Beachy Waves
This soft, textured half-up top knot with face-framing curtain pieces suits long hair and is versatile across hair types. Ideal for long to mid-length hair with natural waves or straight hair that can be styled, it works especially well on medium to thick density; fine hair benefits from volumizing products or light clip-in extensions. Technique: create loose, undone waves with a 1.0–1.25
Romantic Textured Messy Updo with Face‑Framing Tendrils
This soft, textured messy updo suits medium-to-long hair and works best on wavy to loosely curled textures. Fine hair can achieve the same look with light backcombing or clip-in extensions; very thick hair may need extra pins. Start on dry, clean hair: apply heat protectant and a volumizing mousse at the roots, then section and create loose 1
Textured Double Space Buns with Face‑Framing Bangs — Tousled Updo
This playful, textured double bun look with soft face‑framing bangs suits medium to thick hair and works well on straight to wavy textures. Fine hair can achieve the same fullness with a texturizing powder or small clip‑in pieces; very curly hair can be smoothed slightly first or left natural for a more boho finish. Start on dry hair with body — apply heat protectant, then a volumizing mousse or sea‑salt spray and rough‑dry to create grip. Create a clean center part, gather hair into two high or mid‑height ponytails, twist each into a loose bun and secure with small elastics and bobby pins, pulling sections out for a deliberately messy, rounded shape. Use a curling iron on stray pieces if needed to frame the face. Tools: tail comb, hair elastics, bobby pins, small curling iron, blow dryer. Products: heat protectant, texturizing spray/powder, light‑hold hairspray, smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty: medium — achievable at home with practice (20–30 minutes). Maintenance: refresh texture with dry shampoo, retuck loose pieces with pins, sleep on a silk pillowcase, and avoid heavy products that flatten the shape.
Textured Messy Top Knot with Face‑Framing Pieces and Curtain Bangs
This relaxed, salon-ready messy top knot pairs curtain bangs with wispy face-framing pieces for a soft, romantic look. Best suited to medium to thick hair and shoulder-length or longer; fine hair can achieve volume with texturizing products and light teasing. Work on second-day hair for grip: apply dry shampoo or sea-salt/texturizing spray at roots, rough-dry if needed, then backcomb lightly at the crown for lift. Gather hair into a high loose ponytail, twist and wrap into a loose bun, and secure with an elastic plus a few bobby pins—pull sections free and pancake the bun for that undone shape. Use a 1
Textured Loose Side Fishtail Braid with Face‑Framing Layers
This relaxed side fishtail braid suits medium-to-long hair and works well on fine, medium or thick textures — fine hair benefits from a texturizing product or clip-in pieces for fullness, while naturally wavy or curly hair gets extra hold and movement. Styling technique: prep hair with a heat protectant, then create loose waves with a 1–1.25” curling wand for grip. Lightly backcomb the crown for volume, then gather hair to one side and create a loose fishtail (or an undone three-strand braid for simplicity). Pancake the braid by gently pulling sections apart, pull out soft face‑framing tendrils, and secure with a small elastic and discreet pins at the nape. Tools needed: curling wand, tail comb, sectioning clips, elastics, bobby pins. Products required: heat protectant, salt or texturizing spray, lightweight cream or pomade for flyaways, and a flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty level: intermediate (20–35 minutes). Maintenance tips: sleep with a silk scarf, refresh texture with dry shampoo and mist of sea-salt spray, and re-tighten the braid or repancake sections next day to restore shape.
Boho Crown Braid with Loose Twisted Braids for Long Wavy Hair
This romantic boho crown braid with loose twisted side braids is best suited to long or mid‑length hair with natural wave or relaxed curl; medium to thick density holds the shape best, though fine hair can achieve volume with texturizing products. Start by prepping with a heat protectant and a light texturizing spray, then create soft waves with a 1–1.25
Textured Dutch Crown Braids with Loose Low Braids and Face‑Framing Tendrils
Soft, textured Dutch crown braids with loose, low braided tails and face‑framing tendrils. This look suits medium-to-long hair and works well on fine, medium, or thick textures; natural waves or pre‑curled hair adds instant body. Start on second‑day hair or apply dry shampoo for grip. Section a wide top panel and create two loose Dutch braids toward the back, pancake each braid to widen and soften; gather remaining lengths into two low braids or a single twisted braid and secure with small elastics and pins. Pull a few face‑framing pieces free and gently tug the crown for volume. Tools: fine-toothed comb, tail comb, sectioning clips, mini elastics, bobby pins, and a 1–1.25 curling wand (optional). Products: texturizing or sea‑salt spray, lightweight hairspray, heat protectant, and a smoothing serum for ends. Difficulty: moderate — a stylist or some practice yields best results, allow 20–35 minutes. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh texture with dry shampoo or mist, re‑pancake and tighten braids as needed, and avoid heavy oils that weigh the style down.
As a stylist, my top recommendation is to choose looks that work with your natural texture—it makes styling faster and healthier. Use a daily leave-in or lightweight oil on dry ends, apply thermal protectant before heat, and rely on texturizing spray or a dry shampoo to refresh styles between washes. Schedule regular trims every 8–12 weeks to keep layers and ends looking fresh; for colored or chemically treated hair, add a protein or moisture treatment monthly. When recreating any of the 24 images in this post, start with clean, prepped hair, follow step-by-step photos, and practice the technique on cool tools to build confidence. For quick daytime glamour, a low messy bun or soft waves are fail-safe; for longevity, anchor styles with flexible pins and a light-hold spray. If you’re unsure which cut or technique suits you, bring several images to your stylist—visuals make all the difference. —Lena