I’m Lena, a salon hairstylist with over a decade behind the chair, and I curated these 27 looks to help you find realistic, wearable inspiration. The gallery spans low-maintenance pixies and textured lobs to glossy curtain bangs, braided accents and elegant updos — styles I’ve cut, colored and finished for clients with fine, thick, curly and straight hair. For each image I note who it flatters (face shape, hair density and lifestyle), plus quick salon and at-home tips: the best heat settings for your texture, product choices that add movement without weight, and simple blowout shortcuts for busy mornings. Whether you want a subtle refresh, season-ready color or a bold transformation, use these photos as conversation starters to bring to your stylist so we can tailor the look to your hair and daily routine.
Textured Braided Top Knot with Face‑Framing Tendrils — Updo for Long Hair
This textured braided top knot suits straight to wavy, medium-to-thick long hair best; fine hair will work with texturizing products or clip‑in braid extensions for extra volume. Start on second‑day hair: apply a light texturizing spray or dry shampoo for grip. Section the crown and create two to three small Dutch or three‑strand braids working from the hairline toward the crown, then pancake each braid gently for width. Gather the remaining hair into a high pony, wrap into a loose bun and incorporate the braids around and over the bun; secure with elastics and bobby pins. Pull two soft face‑framing tendrils free and smooth with a flat iron or light curl for soft shape. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, bobby pins, flat iron/curling wand. Products: heat protectant, texturizing spray, light pomade for edges, flexible‑hold hairspray and a shine serum. Difficulty: moderate — requires competent braiding and pinning (25–40 minutes). Maintenance: sleep on silk, refresh with dry shampoo, re‑pin as needed and avoid heavy oils at the roots; deep condition weekly if hair is bleached.
Textured Messy High Bun with Soft Face‑Framing Pieces
Salon-friendly textured messy high bun ideal for shoulder-length to long hair. This style suits fine, medium and thick textures — fine hair will need volume at the roots, while thicker hair benefits from extra texturizing for a lightweight finish. Technique: start on towel-dried hair, apply heat protectant and a volumizing mousse at the roots, then rough-dry while lifting with your fingers or a round brush. Add loose waves with a 1 curling iron or wand to create grip and movement. Lightly backcomb the crown for lift, gather hair into a high pony, twist into a loose bun and secure with an elastic and strategically placed bobby pins; leave a few ends out for that undone look. Pull out two or three face-framing pieces and softly curl if needed. Tools: blow-dryer, round brush or paddle, 1 curling iron/wand, comb, elastics, bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or spray, sea-salt/texturizing spray, dry shampoo, flexible-hold hairspray and a light serum for flyaways. Difficulty: easy–intermediate. Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo and texturizer, re-pin loose sections, and trim face-framing strands every 6–8 weeks to maintain shape.
Textured Messy Top Knot with Face‑Framing Layers
This effortless, textured top knot suits medium to long hair and works well on fine, medium or thick textures — fine hair benefits from root lift or clip‑in pieces for volume, while very thick hair may require stronger pins or a hair donut. Technique: start on towel‑dried hair with a volumizing mousse at roots, blow‑dry with a round brush lifting the crown, then create loose shape with a 1
Messy Textured Top Knot with Face‑Framing Tendrils
This relaxed top knot suits medium to thick hair and works well on natural waves or straight hair after adding texture; fine hair will benefit from root teasing and texturizing products to achieve lift. Start by applying a volumizing mousse at damp roots, blow-dry with a round brush for lift, then mist a dry shampoo or texture spray through mid-lengths. Gather hair into a high pony and secure with an elastic, then twist loosely and coil into a messy bun, securing with bobby pins and allowing pieces to fall for a lived-in shape. Leave out two to four face-framing tendrils and define them with a small-barrel curling wand if needed. Tools: hair elastic, bobby pins, tail comb, small curling wand (optional). Products: dry shampoo, sea-salt or texture spray, light-hold hairspray, and a small dose of smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty: easy–medium — quick to create but requires finishing touches for balance. Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo between washes, re-pin loosened sections, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to preserve shape; trim tendrils regularly to maintain flattering length.
Textured Twisted Low Chignon Updo with Face‑Framing Tendrils
An elegant low twisted updo with soft face‑framing tendrils, ideal for formal events or bridal looks. Best suited to medium-to-thick hair or long lengths — fine hair will need light backcombing or clip-in extensions for the same fullness. Start on clean, towel-dried hair: apply a volumizing mousse through the roots and a heat protectant on the lengths. Rough-dry with a round brush for lift at the crown, then create loose S-shaped curls with a 1 curling iron to add texture. Section horizontally, gently backcomb the crown for height, then twist or rope-braid the sides toward a low nape chignon and secure each twist with strong bobby pins and U-pins, leaving two face-framing pieces loose and softly curled. Finish with a medium-hold texturizing spray to separate pieces and a flexible-hold hairspray for longevity; a light shine serum on the ends keeps the look polished. Skill level: intermediate — book a stylist for tighter timelines or complex versions. Maintenance: carry spare pins and a mini hairspray, refresh with dry shampoo or salt spray, sleep on a silk pillowcase, and use purple shampoo weekly to protect cool silver tones.
Voluminous Textured Updo with Soft Fringe — Messy Chignon for Medium Hair
This elegant, slightly undone updo pairs a voluminous textured chignon with soft, face-framing bangs — ideal for medium to thick hair with natural wave or loose curl. Start on damp hair with a root-lifting mousse and blow-dry using a round brush to build crown volume while smoothing the fringe. Add a heat-protectant, then use a 1 curling wand to create loose bends through mid-lengths for texture. Lightly tease the crown with a tail comb, gather hair into a high, loose pony leaving the fringe and a few face tendrils out, then twist and pin sections into a messy chignon, pulling pieces free to create height and movement. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, curling wand, tail comb, teasing brush, bobby pins, hair elastic, sectioning clips. Products: heat protectant, root mousse, texturizing or sea-salt spray, dry shampoo for grip, flexible-hold hairspray, light shine serum for ends. Difficulty: medium — achievable at home with practice; quicker with a stylist. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillow, refresh with dry shampoo and finger-tousle, touch up loose pieces and bangs with a flat iron as needed, and trim fringe every 6–8 weeks.
Textured Romantic Side Braid with Volume and Face‑Framing Tendrils
Suitable for medium to long hair and most textures (fine, straight or wavy hair can be textured with product; thick hair works especially well), this romantic side braid creates soft volume at the crown and lived-in movement. Technique: prep damp hair with a volumizing mousse and blow-dry with a round brush to lift the roots. Section a loose top crown and backcomb lightly for height, then gather hair to one side. Create a relaxed three-strand or rope braid beginning at the nape, pulling out sections to “pancake” and widen the braid for softness. Leave a few face-framing tendrils and secure with a small elastic, tucking or pinning ends under as needed. Tools needed: round brush, tail comb, sectioning clips, curling wand (optional), elastics and bobby pins. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, texturizing spray or dry shampoo, light-hold hairspray and a small shine serum for ends. Difficulty: intermediate — expect 20–35 minutes. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase or re-braid loosely, refresh with dry shampoo and re-pancake sections, and use color-safe shampoo/toner and weekly deep-conditioning for bleached or pastel shades.
High Wrapped Blonde Faux-Locs Updo with Cornrow Undercut
This sculptural updo combines tight cornrowed sides with long, wrapped faux-locs gathered into a high bun — ideal for medium to thick, textured hair and for fine hair when using added extensions. Technique: create neatly sectioned feed-in cornrows along the sides and crown, install pre-made or hand-wrapped extensions by braiding or crocheting into the cornrows, gather the extension lengths into a high pony, then wrap and pin strands to form a voluminous bun while leaving some locs to cascade for length. Tools needed: rat-tail comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, crochet needle or latch hook (for crochet installs), long hair pins, and a cutting comb for shaping. Products required: lightweight leave-in conditioner, firm-hold gel or edge control for sleek parts, braid mousse to reduce frizz, anti-frizz spray, lightweight oil for scalp, and a salt-free shampoo for cleansing. Difficulty level: advanced — expect 4–6 hours in-salon depending on extension length and density. Maintenance tips: protect with a satin scarf/bonnet at night, moisturize scalp twice weekly, refresh cornrows every 4–6 weeks, avoid excessive tension to prevent breakage, and wash gently with diluted shampoo or dry-shampoo between full cleanses.
Boho Textured Fishtail Braid with Face‑Framing Tendrils
This relaxed, bohemian fishtail braid works best on medium to long hair and suits fine through thick textures — light layers add movement while heavier layers may need longer pieces pinned in. Start by applying a salt or texture spray to damp hair and rough‑dry to create grip. Leave 2–3 thin face‑framing pieces out, gently backcomb the crown for lift, then gather hair to the side and create a loose fishtail braid, pulling gently at each crossover (a “pancake” technique) to widen and soften the braid. Secure with a small clear elastic and hide the elastic with a wrapped strand or a few bobby pins. Tools: blow dryer, comb/tail comb, small clear elastics, bobby pins, curling wand (optional for shaping face pieces). Products: texturizing or sea‑salt spray, light smoothing cream or oil (tiny amount), dry shampoo for added texture, and a medium‑hold hairspray to set. Difficulty: moderate — requires practice with the fishtail technique and tension control. Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo and a few spritzes of texturizer, retighten or redo after sleep, and use weekly deep conditioning to keep ends healthy.
Textured Braided Low Updo with Face‑Framing Tendrils
This textured braided low updo with soft, face‑framing tendrils combines relaxed crown volume and a braided, pinned bun for a romantic, modern finish. Hair type suitability: ideal for medium to thick hair and natural waves; fine hair benefits from light extensions or a root‑lift powder for added body, while very curly hair should be smoothed or loosely blow‑dried before styling. Styling technique: prep clean hair with a volumizing mousse, rough‑dry while lifting roots, create loose sections, work a Dutch or twisted braid toward the nape and pin sections into a low bun, then pull out pieces for softness and movement. Tools needed: round brush, blow dryer, 1‑inch curling iron, tail comb, sectioning clips, bobby pins and small elastics. Products required: volumizing mousse, salt or texturizing spray, light‑hold pomade for flyaways and a flexible medium‑hold hairspray. Difficulty level: intermediate — straightforward for a stylist; expect 45–60 minutes for a careful DIY. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely pin up, refresh with texturizer and a light mist of water, re‑pin any loosening pieces and touch up tendrils as needed.
Textured Boho Pull-Through Braid with Face-Framing Tendrils
Suitable for medium-to-long hair with natural waves, this textured boho pull-through braid creates soft volume and movement. Works best on medium to thick hair; fine hair benefits from volumizing products or halo extensions. Start by applying heat protectant and texturizing spray to dry hair. Create volume at the crown with light backcombing and secure the top section with an elastic. Work down the head creating a series of small ponytails and using the pull-through technique (or alternate 3-strand sections for a loose braid). Loosen (pancake) each segment for fullness and pull out delicate face-framing tendrils. Finish by concealing elastics with hair or pins and setting with a flexible-hold hairspray. Tools: 1 curling wand (for touch-up waves), tail comb, sectioning clips, elastic bands, bobby pins, wide-tooth comb. Products: heat protectant, sea-salt or texturizing spray, light-hold hairspray, smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty: Intermediate — allow 30–45 minutes. Maintenance tips: refresh texture with dry shampoo or sea-salt spray, retighten elastics as needed, and sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely braid to preserve shape. In-salon recommendation: add subtle balayage to enhance depth and dimension.
Retro Voluminous Half‑Up Bouffant with Soft Curls and Curtain Bangs
This retro‑inspired half‑up bouffant pairs curtain bangs with large, soft cascading curls for a polished, wearable vintage look. Suitability: ideal for medium-to-thick long hair; fine hair benefits from volumizing products, backcombing or a small hair rat/padding and strategic root lift; very curly hair should be relaxed into smooth waves before styling. Technique: blow‑dry with a round brush for root lift, apply volumizing mousse at roots, section and set lengths in large hot rollers or use a 1¼–1½ inch curling iron for loose barrel curls. Lightly backcomb the crown, smooth the top layer, gather the top half and pin to create a bouffant, then arrange and finger‑comb curls for shape. Tools needed: blow dryer, large round brush, large barrel curling iron or hot rollers, tail comb, sectioning clips, teasing brush, bobby pins. Products required: heat protectant, root‑lift spray or mousse, texturizing powder, flexible/humidity hairspray and a light shine serum for ends. Difficulty: moderate — salon‑level finish in 30–45 minutes. Maintenance: sleep on a satin pillow or loosely wrap with a satin scarf, refresh with dry shampoo and a light mist of hairspray, and re‑curl ends on day two if needed.
Low Twisted Chignon Updo for Medium-to-Long Fine or Wavy Hair
Salon-friendly low twisted chignon that suits fine to medium straight or slightly wavy hair. Best on medium-to-long lengths; very thick hair can be thinned for manageability, and curly hair should be smoothed or loosely relaxed. Start on freshly blow-dried hair with a smoothing serum and light texturizer. Create a deep side part, gather hair into a low pony at the nape, divide into three sections, twist each section and loop them into ribbon-like rolls, pinning each roll close to the base to form a voluminous knot; alternatively braid sections before looping for more hold. Tools: tail comb, paddle brush, sectioning clips, elastic, assorted bobby pins (U-pins and flat pins), 1 curling iron (optional) and a fine-tooth comb. Products: heat protectant, smoothing cream or mousse, light texturizing spray, medium-hold hairspray and shine mist. Difficulty: Intermediate — expect 25–40 minutes in a salon setting. Maintenance: secure extra pins, mist periodically with hairspray, sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap with a scarf to preserve shape, re-tame flyaways with a tiny amount of serum, and refresh volume with a quick backcomb at the base.
Textured Short Pixie with Long Choppy Fringe — Tousled Blonde Finish
This cropped, layered pixie with a long choppy fringe works exceptionally well on fine to medium hair looking to gain lift and movement; it can also be adapted for thicker hair with strategic thinning. Cut uses short, disconnected layers and point-cutting or a razor for soft edges. To style: towel-dry and apply a lightweight volumizing mousse at the roots, then blow-dry using a concentrator nozzle while lifting the crown with your fingers or a 1
Textured Messy Low Bun with Curtain Bangs — Soft Face‑Framing Updo
This relaxed, textured low bun with curtain bangs works best on shoulder‑length to long hair and suits fine to medium hair especially well; thick hair also adapts with thinning or graduated layers. Styling technique: blow‑dry bangs with a round brush for soft volume, add light bends through midlengths with a 1 curling wand, then apply texturizer and lightly backcomb at the crown. Gather hair low at the nape, twist into a loose bun and secure with an elastic and discreet bobby pins, leaving face‑framing tendrils loose; gently pull pieces out to soften the silhouette. Tools needed: blow dryer, 1 curling wand or flat iron for bends, tail comb, elastic, bobby pins. Products required: heat protectant, lightweight mousse or sea‑salt spray, texturizing powder or spray, smoothing serum for bangs, and a flexible light‑hold hairspray. Difficulty level: easy‑to‑moderate (salon rating 2–3/5). Maintenance tips: refresh texture with dry shampoo or salt spray, retouch bends as needed, trim bangs every 6–8 weeks, sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce frizz, and avoid heavy oils that weigh down the shape.
Voluminous Textured Updo — Tousled Romantic Chignon
Salon-ready voluminous textured updo ideal for weddings, evening events and photoshoots. Best suited to medium–thick hair; fine hair can be built up with light extensions or padding and shorter lengths can be worked with extra curling and pins. Styling technique: prep with a volumizing mousse and blow-dry with a round brush for root lift, create loose waves with a 1–1.25 curling wand, then section and loosely pin pieces into a mid-to-high chignon while leaving soft face-framing tendrils. Backcomb gently at the crown for extra height and pull sections apart to achieve the tousled texture. Tools needed: blow dryer with nozzle, round brush, tail comb, sectioning clips, 1–1.25 curling iron or wand, bobby pins, U-pins and small elastics. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root lift, texturizing/sea-salt spray, dry shampoo, flexible-hold hairspray and a lightweight shine serum. Difficulty level: moderate — salon-level finish but achievable at home with practice (30–45 minutes). Maintenance tips: refresh with dry shampoo and re-pin loose pieces, sleep on silk, avoid heavy oils at roots, and for bleached/platinum hair use purple shampoo and a weekly deep-conditioning mask.
Textured Loose Side Fishtail Braid with Face‑Framing Layers
This relaxed, textured side fishtail braid suits medium-to-long hair and works best on fine to medium-thick textures; naturally wavy hair needs minimal prep while very straight or super-thick hair benefits from texturizing or light layering. Start on dry hair with a sea-salt or texturizing spray, backcomb lightly at the crown for lift and leave soft face‑framing pieces free. Create a loose side fishtail (or Dutch) braid, then pancake each pass—gently pulling sections outward—to build fullness and that undone finish. Secure with a small elastic and hide the band with a pin or wrapped strand. Tools: detangling brush, tail comb, 2–3 small elastics, bobby pins and an optional 1 curling iron for shaping pieces. Products: texturizing/sea-salt spray, lightweight mousse or root-lift, dry shampoo for grip, flexible-hold hairspray and a light smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty: moderate—requires basic braiding skill and some hand coordination; allow 15–30 minutes. Maintenance: sleep on silk, refresh with dry shampoo, re-pancake sections as needed and touch up face pieces with a curling iron. Trim ends regularly to prevent bulky knots.
Textured Romantic Braided Updo with Loose Face‑Framing Tendrils
This romantic, textured braided updo suits medium to long hair and works best on medium‑to‑thick textures; fine hair can achieve the same look with lightweight clip‑in extensions or root‑teasing. Start by applying a salt spray or texturizing spray to second‑day hair for grip. Section the crown and create a loose French or Dutch braid along the top, pancake the braid for volume, then gather the remaining length into a relaxed side fishtail or three‑strand braid, securing with a small elastic. Pull a few face‑framing pieces free and soften them with a 1–1.25 curling wand for natural bends. Tools: tail comb, wide‑tooth comb, curling wand, small elastics, bobby pins, and a teasing brush. Products: heat protectant, texturizer or sea‑salt spray, root‑lift powder or spray, smoothing serum for flyaways, and a flexible‑hold hairspray to finish. Difficulty: Intermediate — 30–45 minutes for a practiced stylist, up to an hour for DIY. Maintenance: refresh texture with dry shampoo, retighten pins after sleep, touch up tendrils with a curling wand, and for platinum or bleached hair use purple shampoo and weekly deep conditioning to maintain health and tone.
Textured Romantic Messy Updo with Face‑Framing Tendrils
This soft, voluminous messy updo works best on medium to long hair and flatters fine, medium and thick densities—especially wavy or lightly straightened textures. For very fine hair, add a volumizing mousse and gentle teasing or use clip‑in pieces for body; for very curly hair, diffuse-dry and smooth the crown before styling. Technique: prep hair with a root-lifting product and heat protectant, create loose 1–1.25” waves through mid-lengths, backcomb the crown for height, then loosely gather sections into a tousled bun at the nape or mid-height. Pin individual twisted sections with bobby pins to build shape, pull out face‑framing tendrils and soften edges with your fingers. Tools: 1–1.25” curling iron, blow dryer, teasing comb, tail comb, sectioning clips, bobby pins and a light elastic. Products: volumizing mousse or root lift, texturizing spray or sea salt spray, heat protectant, light-hold hairspray and a small smoothing serum or paste for flyaways. Difficulty: intermediate (20–35 minutes). Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo, re-curl loose tendrils, tighten pins as needed, and sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely wrap to preserve shape.
Boho Textured Waves with Long Layers and Small Braids
This look suits naturally wavy to curly hair best but can be created on straight hair with heat. Ask your stylist for long, graduated layers and subtle face‑framing pieces to keep movement without bulk. Start on towel‑dried hair with a lightweight mousse or curl cream and a heat protectant. Diffuse to about 80% dry for natural volume, or blow‑dry smooth then work in a 1–1.25” curling wand to create loose, alternating S‑shaped waves. Backcomb lightly at the crown for lift, then pull a few small sections into simple three‑strand braids and secure with tiny elastics for that boho accent. Finish by raking in sea‑salt or texturizing spray and smoothing a pea‑sized amount of finishing oil on ends; set with a light‑hold hairspray. Tools: diffuser, curling wand, wide‑tooth comb, tail comb, small elastics and clips. Difficulty: moderate — expect 20–35 minutes depending on length/density. Maintenance: pineapple at night or loose braid to protect shape, refresh with water + texturizer, trim ends every 8–12 weeks, and avoid heavy products at the roots to preserve lift.
Textured Crown Braid into Low Bun with Face‑Framing Tendrils
This elegant crown braid swept into a low bun suits medium to long hair and works well on straight, wavy or slightly textured hair—fine hair benefits from texturizing for grip, while thick hair creates a fuller, more dramatic braid. Technique: create a deep side part, pick up a Dutch/French braid along the hairline to the opposite side, pancake the braid slightly for volume, then gather remaining hair into a low twisted bun and pin the braid over or around it. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, strong bobby pins, and a brush. Products required: lightweight mousse or texturizing spray for hold, smoothing serum for flyaways, medium-hold hairspray to finish, and dry shampoo for added grip on second-day hair. Difficulty level: intermediate — you should be comfortable with one-sided braiding and secure pinning; expect 25–40 minutes. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely re-pin braid into a protective bun; refresh with dry shampoo and re-pancake or pin stray pieces as needed. Avoid heavy oils that will weigh the style down.
Textured Messy Updo with Face‑Framing Tendrils — Tousled Romantic Bun
This relaxed, textured updo suits medium to long hair and works particularly well on natural waves or slightly curly textures; fine hair can achieve the same look with root lift and gentle backcombing, while very thick hair may need extra pins or a loose braid base to control volume. Start on second‑day hair or refresh with dry shampoo for grip. Prep with a heat protectant, volumizing mousse at the roots and a sea‑salt or texturizing spray through mid‑lengths. Use a blow dryer with a diffuser or a round brush to create body, then loosely gather hair at the crown and twist into an undone bun, securing with bobby pins and an elastic. Pull out soft face‑framing pieces and use a 1
Crown Braided Fringe for Short Hair — Halo Braid with Textured Finish
This crown-braided fringe is ideal for straight to wavy short hair (chin to ear length) and works well on medium to thick textures; fine hair benefits from texturizing products for grip. Technique: section a front-to-back crescent across the hairline and create a Dutch (inside-out) braid along the hairline, working from one temple to the other to form a braided fringe. Continue the braid around the crown, tucking and pinning the tail under the braid to create a seamless halo. For softer shape, pancake the braid lightly to widen it. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins, and a fine-tooth comb. Products required: texturizing spray or powder for hold and grip, lightweight pomade or edge-control for baby hairs, medium-hold hairspray, and a shine serum for finishing. Difficulty: Intermediate — requires confident braiding and neat parting; allow 25–45 minutes. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap with a silk scarf to reduce frizz, refresh texture with dry shampoo or light mist of texturizer, and secure any loosened sections with discrete bobby pins. Trim fringe edges as needed to keep the braid tidy.
Textured Teal Pompadour Half-Up with Loose Waves
This modern half-up pompadour with loose, textured waves suits medium to thick hair at shoulder length or longer; fine hair works with temporary clip-in extensions or extra root teasing. Start on clean, towel-dried hair: apply a lightweight root volumizer or mousse and a heat protectant. Blow-dry using a round brush to lift the crown, then section the top and backcomb gently at the roots to build the pompadour volume. Create soft pin loops or a rolled pompadour along the hairline and secure with long bobby pins. Curl mid-lengths to ends with a 1 curling iron, alternating directions for a natural wave, then brush out lightly for soft separation. Tools needed: blow dryer, round brush, teasing brush or comb, 1 curling iron, pins and clips. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or spray, texturizing/sea-salt spray, lightweight serum for ends, and a flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate — expect 30–45 minutes. Maintenance: use sulfate-free color-safe shampoo, cold-water rinses, and a color-depositing mask every 4–6 washes; refresh texture with dry shampoo and texturizer, trim ends every 8–12 weeks, and minimize daily heat to protect the dyed teal tones.
Textured Loose Low Ponytail with Curtain Bangs
This relaxed, textured low ponytail with soft curtain bangs suits mid-length to long hair and works particularly well on naturally wavy or lightly curled textures. Fine hair benefits from texturizing products and root-lifting; medium to thick hair will hold the shape with minimal product. Start on towel-dried hair with a heat protectant, then apply a sea-salt or texturizing spray and blow-dry with a round brush to enhance volume at the crown. Create subtle lift by gently backcombing the crown, gather hair into a low pony leaving face-framing pieces and bangs loose, then twist the tail and secure with an elastic and a few bobby pins to form a soft knot. Use a 1–1.25 curling wand to define pieces around the face and loosen sections with your fingers for a lived-in finish. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, tail comb, curling wand, elastics, bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, texturizing spray, light hold hairspray, dry shampoo. Difficulty: easy–medium. Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo and texture spray, re-twist the knot and pin as needed, sleep on a silk pillow or loose braid to preserve waves, and trim bangs every 6–8 weeks for shape.
Long Layered Voluminous Red Waves with Side‑Swept Fringe
This look suits medium to thick hair and works beautifully on natural waves or chemically straightened hair that’s rebuilt into texture. Start on towel‑dried hair: apply a heat protectant and a root‑lifting mousse, then blow‑dry with a nozzle using a large round brush to create lift at the crown and soft movement through the lengths. Section hair and wrap medium‑to‑large sections around a 1–1.25-inch curling wand, alternating direction for a lived‑in, voluminous finish; leave the ends out slightly for relaxed waves. Cool each curl and finger‑comb to break them up, then set with a light mist of medium‑hold hairspray and a texturizing spray for separation. Tools: blow dryer with concentrator, large round brush, 1–1.25 curling wand, sectioning clips, wide‑tooth comb. Products: heat protectant, root volumizer or mousse, curl cream or lightweight styling balm, texturizing/salt spray, medium‑hold hairspray, small amount of shine serum for ends. Difficulty: intermediate — requires basic sectioning and curling technique; allow 30–45 minutes. Maintenance: trim layers every 8–12 weeks, use sulfate‑free color care for red tones, deep condition weekly, refresh second‑day waves with mist and scrunch, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce frizz.
Textured Romantic Crown Braid into Loose Low Plait
This soft, romantic crown braid that flows into a loose low plait suits medium to long hair and works well on fine, medium and thick textures — fine hair benefits from added texture, thick hair creates the full, voluminous look easily. Start by prepping damp hair with a volumizing mousse and heat protectant, then blow-dry with a round brush for lift at the roots. Create a deep side part and begin a Dutch/French braid along the hairline, incorporating sections toward the back; leave a few face-framing pieces. Once at the nape, switch into a three-strand braid or loose plait and secure with a small elastic. Pancake (gently pull apart) the braid for width and softness, and use bobby pins to tuck any gaps. Tools: round brush, paddle brush, fine-tooth comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, bobby pins, and a curling iron if you want to add bends to the loose pieces. Products: volumizing mousse, texturizing spray or powder, dry shampoo, light-hold hairspray, and a touch of shine serum on ends. Difficulty: intermediate — allow 25–40 minutes. Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo and texturizing spray, re-pancake as needed, sleep on a silk pillow or in a loose bun to preserve shape.
Choosing a new hairstyle should be both exciting and practical. My top professional advice: bring 2–3 of the 27 images you love to your consultation, explain your daily routine and be honest about maintenance. Trim schedules (6–12 weeks), the right home products (sulfate-free shampoo for color, lightweight oils for ends) and consistent heat protection will keep any style looking fresh. Texture-specific tips: mousse or salt spray for enhanced waves, smoothing serum for frizz control, and weekly deep-conditioning masks for chemically altered hair. Invest in a reliable blow dryer and a medium-barrel round brush for salon finishes, or a straightener with rounded plates for sleek looks. Finally, communicate with your stylist about layers, face-framing and color placement — that collaboration transforms inspiration into a flattering, wearable result. Book a follow-up for glossing or shape tweaks to keep your style photo-ready.