If you have long hair, you know what a pain to style sometimes. It makes you hot, sweaty, and can often get in the way. You look enviously at those short-haired girls and fantasize about getting a pixie cut. Not sure where to start with styling your long hair? Let’s walk through a few of the basics! So here it is: the top hairstyles for long hair that you should try.

Half-Up With A Twist

If you have naturally wavy hair, this will look even better, but it can work for straight hair, too. Part your hair in the middle and take an even amount of hair from both sides of the part. Twist the segregated strands, and pin them together at the back of your head for a classy take on the traditional half-up look. For a more fun look, you can twist the strands together to form a bun, and pin it at the back of your head. This style not only looks cute, it also keeps the hair out of your face and makes for a super comfortable style.

Let It Breathe

Woman embracing her natural hair.

Who said you need to stand for hours styling your hair? Embrace your natural hair type and leave it free of any heat or hair ties. Whether your hair is curly, straight or wavy, part it to the side or in the center and let it loose. Maybe with a bit of spray or gel to control the winter frizz. If you’re heading outside, add a cute pompom hat to complete the snowy look.

Braids Are Your Best Friend

Woman with braided hair.

Who doesn’t look good in a braid? If you answered that you don’t, then you’re not doing it right. There are so many ways to wear braids that you’re bound to find one that looks great on you.

If you like the look and feel of super-tight hairdos, try parting your hair in the center and creating two tight French braids. This hairstyle is made for you long-haired girls. It can hide the effects of a bad-hair morning, and has the bonus of looking awesome under a winter hat. Alternatively, you could start at one side of your head, and braid your hair all the way around the back of your head, so you’re left with one long braid down your shoulder. You can also braid around your head and then tie it on your shoulder for a mixed braid-and-ponytail look. This hairstyle would look especially awesome if you have naturally thick, wavy long hair.

Loose braids are also totally a thing, though. Try a messy fishtail braid at the back of your head. It takes almost no time or effort and looks awesome. Or you could try a braid in a braid. Create a small, tight French braid, and then on top (starting lower down, so you can see the smaller braid), create a messy, loose French braid.

And if you have bangs, even better. Starting from one side of your head above your ear, create a braided-headband look, and pin it at the other side, above your other ear. Wearing your bangs and your hair out will complete this look. You can also choose to wear your hair up in a messy bun.

Sleek Low Pony Or Side Pony

Brush your hair completely to one side and tie it at your collarbone. Or brush it tightly to the back of your head so it’s smooth and free of bumps, then tie it in a low pony at the nape of your neck. This style looks best with naturally straight, or straightened hair, especially if it’s thick.

Half-Up High Pony

If you think there are not too many hairstyles for your hair type, whether that means straight, wavy or curly, think again. A half-up high pony looks great with every hair type and color and is so easy to create. You can wear it for a regular everyday look or even for a night out. Simply gather the middle part of your hair from the top of your head (leaving hair on either side loose), brush the selected hair into a high pony, and let it fall over your already loose hair. You can also twist a strand of hair around your hair tie to hide it, if you don’t like the look of a visible pony holder.

High Pony

Going for your brisk morning walk and want your hair out of your face? Consider tying your hair up into a neat, tightly brushed back high pony. You can choose to gel your flyaways or leave them as they are for a more natural look (ideal if you have straight hair). This style looks best if you have straight hair, but also works well with other hair types.

Messy Bun

Throw your hair in a messy bun.

Sure, you can wear a messy bun with shorter hair as well, but let’s face it: the hairstyle looks way better with long hair. Simply gather or brush your hair back and throw it into a messy bun. What’s great is that a messy bun works well whether you wear it tight, loose, high, low, or in-between. It can look perfect with every hair type.

Conclusion

If you have long hair, this is your season to shine! When the summer rolls around, it can feel heavy and annoying and make you hot – so take advantage of the cold weather. Don’t be afraid to try something new, or to let your hair down. Whether you like it up, down, or in between, there are so many ways you can style your hair without investing a lot of effort or time. So, get out your comb, your spray and your mirror, and start styling!