When clients ask what’s trending for 2025, the conversation always circles back to speed and polish: styles that move with you from commute to coffee to a late dinner—without needing a glam squad. Inspired by modern red-carpet minimalism (think Chris Appleton’s glossy ponies) and the accessory revival championed by pros like Justine Marjan and Lacy Redway, here are 32 effortless looks I reach for on busy days. Each one is practical, pretty, and—most importantly—doable at home.
Twisted Half-Up With Soft Waves
This twisted half-up is one of those Hairstyles to keep hair out of your face while still showing off movement. The crown is rolled up and twisted into a plain knot; the remainder hangs in easy beachy curls. A pair of acetate clips adds a subtle Y2k nod without feeling costumed.
Why it works: It’s universally flattering on Long hair and creates the illusion of density for Thin hair and Fine hair by keeping volume at the mid-lengths.
How to style (quick steps):
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Add a light mousse to damp ends, rough-dry, then curl alternating directions.
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Take two face-framing sections back, twist once, and pin.
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Mist with flexible hairspray. It’s Quick and easy to refresh with a touch of dry shampoo at the roots.
When to wear it: School pick-up, casual Fridays, brunch—totally Cute yet polished for long hair and easy enough for school drop-offs.
Pull-Through Braid With Lived-In Volume
A pull-through braid gives that “I tried” energy without the finger gymnastics of a classic plait. Puff the sections for extra drama and soft face pieces for balance—great for thick hair and even better for long hair.
Why it works: The structure keeps strands tucked—perfect for Hairstyles to keep hair out of your face on active days (yes, even a weekend Volleyball game) while still reading feminine.
Pro tip: Sprinkle a little texturizing powder at each “bubble,” then tug to pancake the braid. If your hair is fine, clip extensions underneath first; it’s a Super fast cheat.
Who loves it: Fans of modern braids and anyone craving a romantic alternative to a pony that’s still practical for school events or office days.
Barrettes & Waves Half-Back
Three embellished clips sweep the sides back, letting long, glossy waves take center stage. It’s the dressier sister of the twisted half-up—still effortless, just a touch more glam.
Why it works: The symmetric placement keeps the front controlled—again, ideal as Hairstyles to keep hair out of your face—and the hardware leans subtly Y2k in the chicest way.
Styling notes: Curl large sections away from the face, brush through for soft S-waves, then secure the sides with decorative clips. Works beautifully for long hair, and can be adapted for medium hair by placing clips higher at the temples.
Ribbon-Laced Pony Braid
A sleek low base transforms into a ribbon-laced braid dotted with neat bows—festive without being fussy. It’s my go-to for winter parties when I need glam that stays put.
Why it works: The low anchor keeps tension even (read: comfortable for hours), while the ribbon provides grip and statement. Practical, too—another of those Hairstyles to keep hair out of your face that photographs beautifully.
How to style: Smooth hair with a blowout cream, secure a low pony, thread a satin ribbon along the braid, and tie tiny bows at intervals. Lovely for long hair and adaptable with micro elastics for medium length hair.
Editor’s note: This is one of those braids that looks couture but takes under ten minutes once you’ve tried it twice.
Sleek Low Pony With Wrapped Base
Minimalism is still a power move in 2025. This polished low pony—strand wrapped at the base—delivers that boardroom-to-dinner versatility.
Why it works: The glassy finish nods to the “Wet hair” trend without stiffness. It’s fantastic for Fine hair and Thin hair (the low set prevents gaps at the scalp) and reads instantly sophisticated.
How to style:
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Apply heat protectant and blow-dry smooth.
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Rake a light gel through the top for control, gather at the nape, and secure.
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Wrap a small piece around the elastic and pin beneath.
Perfect as a School simple ponytail when you skip the flat iron, or dressy with a quick pass of a straightener. Either way, it’s Quick and timeless—ideal for medium hair or for long hair when you want zero fuss.
Curly Mini-Braids With Gold Cuffs
Defined ringlets are framed by a few tiny accent plaits decorated with metallic cuffs. It keeps the hairline neat while showing off texture—an elevated everyday look.
Why it works: Strategic mini-braids at the part control frizz and create eye-catching detail. This shines for curly hair, especially for medium length hair and shoulder-skimming cuts.
How to style: After washing, use a curl cream and gel for hold, diffuse, then add two or three small plaits at the front and slide on cuffs. Works beautifully for black women with coils and equally well for looser curls. It’s fast, Cute, and practical for school runs or casual Fridays.
Adapt it: The concept translates for short hair—just braid shorter face pieces and pin the ends under.
Claw-Clip Half-Up Top Knot
A fuss-free top knot anchors the crown while the rest of the hair is left long and airy. The checkered claw clip is a playful nod to Y2k and—most importantly—one of those Hairstyles to keep hair out of your face without sacrificing movement. It’s ideal for Long hair and especially handy for long hair that tends to tangle during the day.
Why it works: Elevates denim-and-tee outfits yet feels office-appropriate with a blazer. The half-up balance flatters round and oval face shapes and reads instantly Cute.
How to style: Mist a texturizing spray at the roots, gather the top third, twist once into a mini bun, and secure with a medium claw clip. Leave a few pieces loose at the temples. It’s Quick and secure enough for school pick-ups or errands.
Double Pull-Through Pigtail Braids
Two chunky pull-throughs run parallel from front to nape, finished with clear elastics. This is a classroom MVP: tidy, durable, and downright adorable for Kids—a great choice for kids who need styles for school that last through recess.
Why it works: The bubbled sections add volume, so it flatters Thin hair and Fine hair. Everything is lifted away—another of those Hairstyles to keep hair out of your face that even stands up to Volleyball practice.
How to style: Part the hair down the middle, create stacked micro ponies, and split-and-pull through each section; pancake gently for width. Accessories optional, confidence guaranteed. Perfect if your little one loves braids but you want something faster than a Dutch.
Long Stitch Box Braids with Thread Accents
Sleek stitch parts and uniform box braids cascade to the waist, laced with metallic thread for subtle shine. Protective, low-maintenance, and striking, this look is a classic favorite for black women.
Why it works: Scalp-neat sections and the weightless swing make it one of the best braids for busy weeks—wash day becomes a breeze and mornings are nearly hands-free. It also functions as Hairstyles to keep hair out of your face while still feeling fashion-forward.
Care tip: Oil the scalp lightly every few days and sleep in a satin bonnet. If you love length for long hair impact, ask your stylist for knotless tension to keep edges happy.
Low Bow Bun, Paris-Chic
A soft low bun wrapped with a graphic ribbon delivers that “I had a meeting and a martini” polish in five minutes. It sits at the nape, which keeps weight comfortable and flyaways controlled.
Why it works: The silhouette is elegant for medium hair and equally glossy for long hair, and it’s another smart pick among Hairstyles to keep hair out of your face. The ribbon provides grip and a little couture attitude—very street-style editor.
How to style: Brush back with a touch of cream, twist into a loose chignon, and tie a structured bow. Skip hairspray if you like a modern, touchable finish; add it for boardroom days.
High Wavy City Pony
A high ponytail with brushed-out waves is the ultimate commuter hairstyle: clean lines, swingy ends, sunglasses-friendly. It doubles as a School simple ponytail on days you want something that still feels intentional.
Why it works: Height at the crown elongates the profile and the wave keeps it feminine. Ideal for long hair, and a win when you need styles that are Quick and reliable—another of those Hairstyles to keep hair out of your face from desk to dinner.
Pro tip: Stack two elastics for lift, then wrap a strand to hide them. Refresh the ends with a large-barrel iron if needed.
Minimal Bubble Pony (Low)
Three evenly spaced elastics transform a low pony into a graphic bubble tail—sleek, modern, and office-ready.
Why it works: The segmented shape creates fullness, which is magic for Thin hair and Fine hair. It’s quick enough for a Monday sprint—a truly Quick and elegant School simple ponytail that reads grown-up.
How to style: Gather at the nape, secure, then place tiny elastics every 2–3 inches and gently tug each section for roundness. Works for medium hair and for long hair; swap clear elastics for silk ties to dress it up.
Rainy-Day Low Side Braid
A loose side braid draped over one shoulder is equal parts practical and romantic—perfect for misty mornings or sprinting between errands. The off-center start softens the neckline and keeps movement at the ends, while the crown stays tidy—classic Hairstyles to keep hair out of your face that still feel soft. It’s a five-minute fix, Quick and reliable for Medium hair or Long hair, and a gentle entry into braids if you don’t want anything too tight. Bonus: sprinkle a touch of cream for frizz control that nods to the Wet hair trend without stiffness.
Barrette-Low Pony with Soft Bends
This low pony is cinched with a statement barrette and finished with brushed-out waves—simple, chic, and commuter-proof. It reads like a School simple ponytail when you’re dressing it down, but the polished hardware turns it into desk-to-dinner hair. Great for medium hair and equally flattering for long hair, the low set prevents gaps at the scalp (a win for Fine hair and Thin hair). A tiny face piece curled away from the cheek keeps it Cute while the rest stays controlled as Hairstyles to keep hair out of your face.
Cornrow-to-Curl Combo
Tidy, sculptural cornrows melt into juicy ringlets—protective yet playful. The braided base is easier to root and more durable; the curly lengths make it have bounce and softness. This hybrid is a standout for black women, especially for curly hair that loves definition without daily heat. Because the detail lives up front, it’s perfect for medium length hair and a beautiful example of wearable braids that also function as Hairstyles to keep hair out of your face for long days on the move.
Boxer Braids with Gold Rings
Two fat Dutch “boxer” braids track cleanly from hairline to nape, accented with minimalist rings. The result is sporty-meets-editorial and practically indestructible. It’s a crowd favorite for thick hair and anyone who needs hair to stay put for school days, gym sessions, or a weekend Volleyball game. The center part and sleek prep keep flyaways down—textbook Hairstyles to keep hair out of your face—while the hardware adds a whisper of edge. If your strands are fine, ask for added feed-in hair to build body.
Festive Bubble Half-Up with Mini Elastics
A half-up base dotted with tiny elastics creates bubbly sections that echo soft waves through the lengths—party-ready in minutes. It is ideal to get green ties to dress up in on theme days and school activities; this is something like the spirit week or an informal get together. It’s adorable on Kids, truly for kids and teens, and scales up beautifully for adults by swapping color for neutral ties. Works for long hair and shoulder-skimming cuts for medium length hair alike, and it absolutely qualifies as School simple and Cute while keeping fringe tamed.
Center-Part Micro-Braids with Loose Texture
Slim face-framing braids fall into long, soft, crimped lengths—a high-impact look that still behaves like everyday hair. The micro plaits add detail around the part and control flyaways, making this a chic option for long hair that you want away from your eyes—yes, more Hairstyles to keep hair out of your face with fashion cred. It shines on textured manes for curly hair, and it’s a versatile take on braids that feels modern and wearable for black women who want minimal morning styling.
Face-Framing Waves with Luminous Money Pieces
Glossy, mid-width waves and a center part showcase bright money pieces that melt into buttery lengths—modern, feminine, and camera-ready. The soft bend adds movement without frizz, making it a perfect everyday style for brunch or a client meeting.
Why it works: The brighter face frame lifts the complexion; the lived-in root keeps it low-maintenance. Beautiful on Medium hair and shoulder-grazing cuts for medium length hair, and it bulks up Fine hair and Thin hair thanks to the curved shaping through the mids.
How to style: Mist heat protectant, curl away from the face with a 1.25″ iron, then brush out for that editorial S-wave. Finish with a light serum on the ends for a touch of the Wet hair sheen without stiffness. Effortless, Quick and polished.
Dutch Pigtail Braids (Sporty Edition)
Two chunky Dutch plaits run clean from hairline to nape—secure, symmetrical, and weekend-proof. This is a go-to for active schedules and uniforms alike.
Why it works: Zero flyaways and built-in grip make it prime among Hairstyles to keep hair out of your face. It’s classroom and practice friendly—ideal for school, a win for Kids, and sturdy enough for Volleyball. Adds fullness for Thin hair while keeping thick textures tidy.
How to style: Work in a small amount of pomade, braid tightly, and “pancake” the edges for width. On strands that are baby-fine, apply a little texture powder dusted through each bit. Functional, Cute, and classic braids.
Ribboned Bubble Pigtails
Pigtails get a whimsical glow-up with elastics spaced into bubbles and satin bows tied at each tier. It’s playful, pretty, and very now.
Why it works: The bubbles create volume without teasing—perfect for Thin hair and Fine hair—and the symmetry keeps everything neat for busy days. Great for kids and delightfully School simple for spirit days or parties.
How to style: Part cleanly, secure low pigtails, add micro elastics every few inches, gently tug each section round, and finish with bows. The accessories nod to Y2k while staying sweet, not kitschy.
Textured Power Topknot
A high, airy knot with undone tendrils nails that off-duty model energy. Big volume up top balances soft pieces around the face.
Why it works: It’s one of those Hairstyles to keep hair out of your face that still reads romantic—great for desk days that turn into dinner. Works brilliantly for medium hair and equally chic for long hair.
How to style: Flip your head, gather high, twist loosely, and pin. Pull a few strands free at the hairline, mist with flexible spray, and tap a glossing cream over the knot for a touch of Wet hair shine. It’s genuinely Quick and transformative.
Cornrow Constellation into Twin Braids
A micro-to-macro braid story: slim cornrows snake toward two chunky plaits at the perimeter for statement shape and all-day hold.
Why it works: Detailed parting plus sleek tension equals longevity and control—top-tier Hairstyles to keep hair out of your face for marathon schedules. Excellent for thick hair, and the pattern adds visual lift on round or heart-shaped faces.
How to style: Prep with gel for grip, cornrow in your chosen pattern, then feed into larger braids. Everything is neat during the night with edge control and silk scarf. Strong yet feminine.
Waist-Length Feed-In Cornrows
Long, uniform feed-in cornrows fall past the waist—sleek, sculptural, and undeniably fashion. The center part sharpens the look while cascading lengths add drama.
Why it works: Protective, low-maintenance, and impossibly chic—an everyday powerhouse for black women who want style that moves. It doubles as Hairstyles to keep hair out of your face and delivers maximum impact for long hair.
Care tip: Oil the scalp lightly, refresh lengths with mousse, and sleep in a bonnet. When in need of more swing, request your stylist to vary the sizes of braids to achieve a textured feel to the silhouette. Classic, Super flattering braids that photograph beautifully.
Bubble-Pony Bows (Playground-Proof & Adorable)
A row of mini elastics segments the top section into soft “bubbles,” guiding the hair back into two low ponies finished with pastel bows. It’s an instant win for Kids and anyone craving something Cute for busy mornings. The sectioning keeps flyaways tucked—true Hairstyles to keep hair out of your face—and it’s wonderfully gentle on Thin hair and Fine hair.
Why it works: the bubbles add volume without teasing, so hair looks fuller with zero heat. It’s Quick and secure, and part of a School simple routine that takes under five minutes.
Try it:
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For for school, spritz detangler first so elastics glide out at night.
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On for medium length hair, stop at one pony per side; on for long hair, let the ends hang for bounce.
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Swap bows for plain elastics on uniform days or dress-code events.
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Parents: make it a School simple ponytail on Fridays and skip the bows.
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Curly Half-Up Mini-Pony (Soft Glam, Minimal Effort)
High-gloss roots, ribbon-like curls, and a petite half-up pony deliver that modern bombshell vibe with a hint of Y2k. The top is smoothed back just enough to showcase the face while the lengths stay touchable and romantic.
Who loves it: ideal for curly hair with definition, or for waves set with a large-barrel iron. Works beautifully for long hair and also for medium hair when you curl away from the face.
Try it:
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Emulsify a pea-size serum at the crown for shine—celebrity colorists call this “glass top, cloud lengths.”
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If you’re rushing from shower to Zoom, set the top while slightly Wet hair, then diffuse the rest.
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Add a micro bow or minimalist clip when you want something Super feminine without feeling fussy.
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Sporty Double Dutch into Low Tails (All-Day Hold)
Two Dutch braids track from the hairline to the nape, then release into sleek low pigtails. It’s equal parts strong and sleek—the style I recommend to clients who say “I have a game at 6 and dinner at 8.”
Why it’s a staple: unbeatable for workouts—hello, Volleyball—commutes, and humid days. It keeps sweat off the scalp and is one of those Hairstyles to keep hair out of your face that photographs beautifully.
Try it:
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Part cleanly with a tail comb; a dab of pomade at the sides keeps fuzzies down.
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Great for medium length hair and for long hair. If your ends are fragile, finish with low buns instead of tails.
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If you’re heading to for school, swap the tails for a single braided pony to meet dress codes.
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Feed-In Cornrows (Protective & Polished)
Graduated feed-in cornrows flow into sleek, uniform plaits—a protective classic that’s trending again for 2025 thanks to its longevity and crisp lines. It’s low-maintenance, scalp-cooling, and utterly chic with athleisure or tailoring.
Who it serves: a go-to for black women seeking protective styling, and excellent for thick hair that enjoys structure. The neat pattern reduces daily manipulation and preserves length.
Try it:
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Ask your braider for a gentle tension approach and a nourishing scalp oil schedule (Vernon François swears by light, regular hydration).
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Sleep in a satin bonnet to keep ends smooth.
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If you want switch-ups, coil the tails into a low bun for meetings or twist two plaits into a headband.
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Twisted Half-Up with Cascading Curls (Desk-to-Dinner Romantic)
Two soft twists meet at the back and disappear under a waterfall of curls. It reads effortless but refined—the hair equivalent of a silk blouse.
Best on: layered waves for long hair, yet easy to adapt for medium hair by tightening the twist. Curl pattern adds body, so it’s flattering for fine hair that craves dimension and equally lovely for curly hair that’s already defined.
Try it:
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Mist salt-free texture spray, twist, pin, and finish with flexible hold hairspray (Byrdie editors call this the “set and forget” method).
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For weddings or date nights, weave a slim ribbon through the twist—elevated but still Cute.
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Sleek High Pony with Face-Framers (Modern Bombshell)
A smooth, high base with curled ends and two soft tendrils at the front—this is the easiest way to look “done” in ten minutes. It’s boardroom-to-bar friendly and surprisingly versatile.
Why it wins: keeps everything put—another of those Hairstyles to keep hair out of your face—while still feeling flirty. Fantastic for long hair; equally doable for medium hair by setting the ends with a 1¼-inch iron. You can adapt for short hair with a half-pony and tucked bottom layer.
Try it:
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Stylist Chris Appleton’s trick applies: brush hair up while slightly Wet hair, add a spritz of strong-hold spray, then secure for a glassy finish.
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If you’re leaning for school or daytime casual, skip the tendrils and keep the front clean.
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For extra bounce, wrap a small strand around the elastic and pin underneath.
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A last word: easy doesn’t mean basic. With a few elastics, a brush, and the right product order, you can build a quick rotation that fits your lifestyle—whether you’re dressing for medium length hair, amplifying for curly hair, or choosing braids that protect your time and texture.
Daisy Bubble Braid Pony (Beach-Proof & Playful)
Segmented elastics create an airy bubble braid that sits high and swings easily—finished with a oversized daisy clip for a wink of Y2k nostalgia. It’s heatless, stays put in wind, and checks the box for Hairstyles to keep hair out of your face while you chase waves or sunset photos.
Why it works: bubbles add fullness, so it’s flattering on Thin hair and Fine hair, and it’s wonderfully Quick and minimal—just a brush, a handful of clear elastics, and a cute accessory.
Who it suits: great for long hair and adaptable for medium length hair by stopping the bubbles mid-tail. The playful shape reads Cute and works for kids and for school days too (swap the flower for a neutral elastic to make it a School simple ponytail).
Pro tips:
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Mist a salt-free spray through slightly Wet hair to prevent frizz, then tie off every 2–3 inches and gently pancake each section.
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For workouts or Volleyball, add a final elastic at the ends and a touch of gel at the hairline.
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Want polish? Wrap a thin strand around the top elastic and pin underneath.
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Crowned Rope Twists (Protective, Polished, Low-Maintenance)
A structured halo at the crown feeds into long, sleek rope twists—sometimes called Senegalese twists—for a protective look that reads elegant on or off duty. The crisp parting, uniform size, and silky finish make this a standout in the easy-but-impactful category of braids.
Why it works: zero daily heat and minimal styling time after installation; mornings become wash-face-go. It’s a hero for black women who want length retention, and it handles density beautifully for thick hair while also defining texture for curly hair.
Who it suits: versatile for long hair and equally chic for medium hair when cut to chest length. For campus or office, the front pieces can be swept back with two twist-tendrils to create Hairstyles to keep hair out of your face that still frame features—smart for school and meetings alike.
Pro tips:
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Work a lightweight scalp oil along parts every few days; finish lengths with mousse for a soft set and sheen.
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Sleep in a satin bonnet to preserve ends and prevent frizz.
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When you want variety, flip half-up at the crown or gather into a low pony; both transitions are Quick and neat without sacrificing the protective benefits.
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The through line of 2025s easy hair is obvious: polish but not the panic. From bubble ponies and sleek high tails to protective braids and soft half-ups, these looks prove you can get a camera-ready finish in minutes—no complicated tools, just smart prep and a few elastics. Whether you’re styling for long hair, for medium hair, or need Hairstyles to keep hair out of your face for school or a workout, there’s a version here that fits your routine and hair type. I’d love to know what you’re trying next—drop your go-to five-minute trick (and your texture: fine hair, thick hair, or curly hair) in the comments. And if youd like a re-take on this one, office-to-gym looks, vacay hair that holds up on airplanes, wedding-guest inspiration, mention it and I will create the next guide around your recommendations.
