50 Sexy Long Hairstyles to Copy Right Now
And how to create each and every one of them.
Overwhelmed by your long hair? I get it. But, there's no need to grab the scissors just yet (unless, you really want to). I found the 50 prettiest, coolest, most inspo-worthy style ideas for long hair that'll get you out of your style rut fast. Now, get to clicking, and try these out on yourself.
Slicked-Back Waves
Short on time? Here's a quick style idea to make long hair look as polished as Sara Sampaio's for a night out. Just use a little bit of mousse or gel to slick back the sides—it gives a fresh-out-the-shower feel that doesn't require any water.
Amped-Up Waves
H.E.R.'s voluminous waves can be achieved with a half-inch curling iron and a lot of patience. Make sure to curl each and every piece in equal sections, and once they've cooled, shake them out with your fingers. Bonus points if you want to add tiny gemstones to your middle part (zoom in!).
Scrunchie-Wrapped Ponytail
A classic ponytail doesn't have to be basic. Halsey made hers look red-carpet-worthy thanks to a very sparkly—and probs expensive?—hair tie. You can recreate this look with an old crystal necklace wrapped around the base of your ponytail, then pull out a few face-framing pieces in the front.
Super-Sleek Middle Part
Normani knows that sometimes a simple look (flat-ironed strands with a lot of shine) is a winning look.
Subtle Half-Up, Half-Down
Want Ariana Grande's boho hairstyle? Grab two thin sections of hair a few inches back from your hairline, twist, and secure each side with pins at the back of your head. Easy peasy.
Classic Pony 2.0
Constance Wu's pony is simple and super cute. The trick: Tease your roots around the crown of your head to get some lift before you pull your hair back. For extra oomph, curl the ends of your hair for added texture.
Soft Waves
Extend the life of a blowout by wrapping a few random sections of hair around a curling iron for waves like Yalitza Aparicio's. To start, clamp and twist a three-inch section of hair around the iron, curling away from your face. Hold for a few seconds, then unravel and release.
Low Pony
Camila Cabello makes a regular ponytail feel super elegant by keeping it low. If you're not attending a gala soon, try it on your second-day hair, because all you'll need is a bit of dry shampoo for texture.
Ultra-Long Braids
Perfect for vacation (or just because), these jumbo, knee-length cornrows like Tracee Ellis Ross's can give you a bit of heat-styling respite. Plus, super-long lengths are relatively low-maintenance, which is a major win.
Wet Waves
In a rush? Make your wet hair look cute for work (or, honestly, black-tie) by using a combo of wave-enhancing mousse, salt spray, and gel for a runway-worthy finish like Miley Cyrus's.
Cuffed Updos
Sweep your curls into an updo—Indya Moore has a tiny braid that snakes its way around her head—then add some gold accessories and cuffs throughout.
Bobby-Pinned Waves
Sometimes the prettiest looks are the most understated. Get Lilly Singh's style by creating a dramatic side part, then adding in some jeweled bobby pins to keep your hair out of your face.
Protective Styles
Box braids, like Laura Harrier's, are a great option for natural hair that needs a bit of a break. Here's a tip: Opt for either human or alkaline-free synthetic hair to avoid potential scalp irritation.
Crimped Hair
By no means is crimped hair new, but celebs like Nicki Minaj, Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Cardi B are breathing new life into the popular '90s style. Don't have a crimper? Just braid wet hair overnight and shake it out the next morning.
Ombréd Ends
A little color goes a long way with lengths these long. This subtle caramel ombré not only looks great against Naomie Harris's rich skin tone, but it also adds edge to her super-sleek style.
Braided Curls
Curly girls like SZA can have fun with their texture by adding in a few random braids throughout their natural hair. Just make sure to secure the ends with an elastic to keep them from unraveling throughout the day (or night).
Messy Ponytail
For the girl who never wants to look overdressed or overdone, finish your look with a purposefully messy ponytail. Amal Clooney gave her updo a tossed-up effect by keeping it textured on the ends and pulling out a few pieces around her face.
Blunt Curtain Bangs
Give extra-long hair an instant update with cropped bangs like Jameela Jamil's. Tell your stylist to snip the center pieces so they fall right below your eyebrows, and make sure to get them trimmed regularly to keep the blunt crispness.
Braided Ponytail
Instantly upgrade a cheerleader-inspired ponytail by adding a tight, textured braid to the tail. Jasmine Tookes’s version is sleek, sophisticated, and ready for date night—or, really, any night.
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