9 Easy Hairstyles That Look Complicated (Step-by-Step Guide)

Hair & Beauty · Easy Tutorials

9 Hairstyles That Look Complicated But Really Aren't

From fairytale braids to elegant twists — master these looks at home in minutes, no salon required.

We've all been there: scrolling through Instagram and stopping dead at a gorgeous braid or an impossibly polished updo, immediately thinking, "There's no way I could do that." But here's the thing — most of those styles are far easier than they look.

The secret isn't professional training or hours of practice. It's knowing the right technique. Below, we've broken down 9 stunning hairstyles with clear, step-by-step instructions so you can recreate them at home, whether you have five minutes or twenty.

Quick Navigation

1. Messy Side Bun
2. Waterfall Braid
3. Crown Braid Bun
4. Infinity Braid
5. French Twist
6. Triple Twisted Bun
7. Pigtail Braids
8. Twisted Low Ponytail
9. Rope Braid

Style 01

Messy Side Bun

⚡ Beginner · 3–5 min

The messy side bun is the ultimate "I woke up like this" style — effortlessly romantic, perfectly undone, and somehow appropriate for everything from a Sunday coffee run to a casual dinner date.

The trick is to not try to make it perfect. The imperfection is the point.

🧰 You'll Need

Hair tie  ·  3–5 bobby pins  ·  Texturizing spray (optional)

How to Do It

1. Sweep all your hair loosely to one side — left or right, whichever feels natural.
2. Gather it into a loose ponytail just behind your ear.
3. Twist the ponytail into a bun shape and secure it with a hair tie.
4. Tuck in any loose ends with bobby pins, but don't stress about neatness.
5. Pull a few face-framing strands free around your temples for that relaxed finish.

Pro Tip: Second-day hair is actually ideal for this style — a little natural oil and texture helps it hold shape without feeling too stiff.

Style 02

Waterfall Braid

✦ Intermediate · 10–15 min

The waterfall braid looks like something out of a fairytale — cascading strands, delicate structure, effortless beauty. Once you grasp the one simple rule that makes it different from a regular braid, you'll wonder why you ever found it intimidating.

🧰 You'll Need

Small clear elastic  ·  Bobby pins

How to Do It

1. Start on one side of your head near the temple. Pick up a small section and divide it into three equal strands.
2. Begin a standard three-strand braid: cross the top strand over the middle, then the bottom strand over the middle.
3. On the next stitch, instead of carrying the top strand all the way over — drop it. Let it fall freely through your hair.
4. Pick up a fresh section of hair from above to replace it, then continue braiding normally.
5. Repeat this "drop and replace" technique as you work across toward the other side of your head.
6. Secure the end with a small elastic or a few hidden pins.

Pro Tip: Work slowly at first. Once the hand motion becomes automatic, the braid flows surprisingly fast. Practice on dry hair before trying it on freshly washed strands.

Style 03

Crown Braid Bun

✦ Intermediate · 10–15 min

This two-part style looks like it belongs in a bridal magazine, but it really just requires a bit of patience on your first try. Combine a hairline braid with a simple bun and you've got an updo that reads as truly sophisticated.

🧰 You'll Need

Hair tie  ·  Bobby pins  ·  Fine-toothed comb

How to Do It

1. Starting just above one ear, braid a section of hair along your hairline across the top of your head toward the other ear.
2. Pin the braid securely to your scalp as you go to keep the arc tight and even.
3. Gather the remaining hair at the back of your head and twist it into a bun.
4. Tuck the tail of the braid into the base of the bun so the two parts blend seamlessly.
5. Secure everything with bobby pins and finish with a light-hold spray.

Pro Tip: Use a Dutch braid (under instead of over) for the crown section — it sits more prominently on top of the head, giving the crown effect more visual impact.

Style 04

Infinity Braid

✦ Intermediate · 15–20 min

The infinity braid is one of those styles that genuinely turns heads — not because it's flashy, but because it's unusual. You won't see it on every other person, which makes it feel truly special when you wear it.

🧰 You'll Need

Multiple small clear elastics  ·  Rat-tail comb

How to Do It

1. Start with a small section of hair at the crown. Divide it into two equal parts.
2. Cross the right section over and under the left, forming the start of a figure-eight pattern.
3. Gradually incorporate new sections of hair from each side as you build the figure-eight shape downward.
4. Secure each completed "eight" with a tiny clear elastic before moving on to the next.
5. Continue until you reach the nape of the neck, then tie off the full braid with an elastic.

Pro Tip: Watch the first half-inch of your braid closely — that's where the pattern is established. If the figure-eight shape looks right there, the rest of the braid will follow naturally.

Style 05

French Twist

⚡ Beginner · 5 min

A true classic. The French twist has been a formal-occasion staple for decades — clean, elegant, and instantly elevating. It works on almost every hair type and pairs beautifully with everything from office wear to evening gowns.

🧰 You'll Need

Bobby pins (6–8)  ·  Fine-toothed comb  ·  Light-hold hairspray

How to Do It

1. Gather all your hair at the center back of your head, holding it vertically in one hand.
2. Twist the hair upward, rolling it in on itself toward your scalp.
3. Fold the twisted section back over itself and tuck the ends inward so they disappear.
4. Secure the fold along the center with bobby pins inserted horizontally.
5. Smooth any flyaways with a light mist of hairspray and your fingertips.

Pro Tip: For a modern update, leave a few wispy strands loose at the temples and nape of the neck — it softens the look and gives the classic twist a contemporary feel.

Style 06

Triple Twisted Bun

⚡ Beginner · 8–10 min

If you're tired of the standard bun but not ready to commit to a full braid, the triple twisted bun is your perfect middle ground. Three small clustered buns create a textured, artsy effect that reads as creative and intentional without requiring any advanced technique.

🧰 You'll Need

3 small hair ties  ·  Bobby pins

How to Do It

1. Section your hair into three equal parts — top, bottom-left, and bottom-right (like a triangle).
2. Twist each section individually in the same direction until the hair coils back on itself.
3. Wrap each twisted section into a small bun and secure with a hair tie and pins.
4. Position the three buns close together at the back of your head so they cluster into one cohesive shape.
5. Tuck any loose ends under and pin down. Gently loosen each bun for extra volume.

Pro Tip: This style is especially stunning on naturally textured or wavy hair. For straight hair, add a little sea salt spray first to give the twists more grip and body.

Style 07

Pigtail Braids

⚡ Beginner · 5–8 min

Pigtail braids have unfairly been dismissed as a "kids' style" for too long. Worn with intention — slightly loosened, maybe asymmetric — they have genuine cool-girl energy. They're also one of the most protective and low-maintenance options out there.

🧰 You'll Need

2 small elastics  ·  Rat-tail comb

How to Do It

1. Use a rat-tail comb to create a clean, straight part from forehead to nape of the neck.
2. Secure one half with a clip while you work on the other.
3. Braid each side into a standard three-strand braid, working downward.
4. Secure both braids with small elastics at the ends.
5. For a softer, fuller look, gently tug the sides of each braid outward to loosen and expand it.

Pro Tip: Try looping the braids back and securing the ends under the opposite side for a modern variation — it gives pigtail braids a completely fresh silhouette that works beautifully for adults.

Style 08

Twisted Low Ponytail

⚡ Beginner · 5–7 min

This is the everyday ponytail's more polished, more photogenic sibling. A few small twists along the sides add dimension and structure that make the whole look appear significantly more deliberate — even though the extra effort is minimal.

🧰 You'll Need

Hair tie  ·  Bobby pins (optional)

How to Do It

1. Starting at your temple on one side, take a small section of hair and twist it back away from your face.
2. As you twist, pick up a little more hair with each rotation to incorporate it, similar to a French braid motion.
3. Pin the twist temporarily and repeat on the other side.
4. Gather everything — including the twisted sections — into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck.
5. Wrap a small strand of hair around the elastic to hide it, and pin underneath.

Pro Tip: This style works on both straight and wavy hair. On wavy hair, skip the smoothing and let the texture breathe — it makes the twists look even more interesting.

Style 09

Rope Braid

⚡ Beginner · 5 min

The rope braid is the fastest route to looking like you know what you're doing. It's structured, modern, and holds beautifully throughout the day — yet the technique is as simple as it gets. Once you do it once, you'll wonder why it took you so long to try.

🧰 You'll Need

Hair tie  ·  Texturizing spray (optional)

How to Do It

1. Divide your hair into two even sections.
2. Twist each section individually in the same direction — both clockwise, for example — until each one is tight and coiled.
3. Now wrap the two twisted sections around each other in the opposite direction (counterclockwise).
4. Hold the tension as you work your way down to the ends.
5. Secure with an elastic. Gently tug the sides to loosen slightly for a fuller, softer finish.

Pro Tip: The key is keeping consistent tension while twisting each section. If you lose the twist in one section it unravels — hold it firmly until both sections are fully wrapped around each other.

The Takeaway

The gap between "looks complicated" and "actually is complicated" is surprisingly large when it comes to hairstyles. Most of these looks come down to one or two techniques you'll master quickly with a little practice.

Start with the styles marked Beginner and work your way up. Within a week, you'll have a whole new repertoire — and your friends will be convinced you've been secretly visiting a stylist.

Which style are you trying first? Share your results in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Questions

What hairstyles can I do myself at home without any training?

All nine styles in this guide are designed for home use. The messy side bun, French twist, twisted low ponytail, and rope braid are particularly beginner-friendly and can be done in under 10 minutes without any special training.

What tools do I need to do these hairstyles?

Most styles require just a few hair ties and bobby pins. For more structured looks like the crown braid bun or infinity braid, a rat-tail comb for clean sectioning and a few small clear elastics will help significantly.

Do these hairstyles work on short or medium-length hair?

Several of these styles — including the French twist, messy side bun, and twisted low ponytail — work well on medium-length hair. The braided styles generally require at least shoulder-length hair to get the full effect.

What is the easiest fancy-looking hairstyle to learn?

The rope braid is widely considered the easiest fancy-looking hairstyle because it only requires splitting hair into two sections and twisting. It looks structured and intentional but takes about five minutes once you understand the direction of the twists.

How do I make my hairstyle last all day?

Use a light-hold hairspray after styling, ensure your bobby pins are fully inserted and flat against the scalp, and consider applying a small amount of texturizing spray before you begin — it gives the hair more grip so styles hold longer without feeling stiff.

Hair & Beauty · Easy Tutorials

9 Hairstyles That Look Complicated But Really Aren't

From fairytale braids to elegant twists — master these looks at home in minutes, no salon required.

We've all been there: scrolling through Instagram and stopping dead at a gorgeous braid or an impossibly polished updo, immediately thinking, "There's no way I could do that." But here's the thing — most of those styles are far easier than they look.

The secret isn't professional training or hours of practice. It's knowing the right technique. Below, we've broken down 9 stunning hairstyles with clear, step-by-step instructions so you can recreate them at home, whether you have five minutes or twenty.

Quick Navigation

1. Messy Side Bun
2. Waterfall Braid
3. Crown Braid Bun
4. Infinity Braid
5. French Twist
6. Triple Twisted Bun
7. Pigtail Braids
8. Twisted Low Ponytail
9. Rope Braid

Style 01

Messy Side Bun

⚡ Beginner · 3–5 min

The messy side bun is the ultimate "I woke up like this" style — effortlessly romantic, perfectly undone, and somehow appropriate for everything from a Sunday coffee run to a casual dinner date.

The trick is to not try to make it perfect. The imperfection is the point.

Hair tie 3–5 bobby pins Texturizing spray (optional)

How to Do It

1. Sweep all your hair loosely to one side — left or right, whichever feels natural.
2. Gather it into a loose ponytail just behind your ear.
3. Twist the ponytail into a bun shape and secure it with a hair tie.
4. Tuck in any loose ends with bobby pins, but don't stress about neatness.
5. Pull a few face-framing strands free around your temples for that relaxed finish.

Pro Tip: Second-day hair is actually ideal for this style — a little natural oil and texture helps it hold shape without feeling too stiff.

Style 02

Waterfall Braid

✦ Intermediate · 10–15 min

The waterfall braid looks like something out of a fairytale — cascading strands, delicate structure, effortless beauty. Once you grasp the one simple rule that makes it different from a regular braid, you'll wonder why you ever found it intimidating.

Small clear elastic Bobby pins

How to Do It

1. Start on one side of your head, near the temple. Pick up a small section and divide it into three equal strands.
2. Begin a standard three-strand braid: cross top strand over the middle, then bottom strand over the middle.
3. On the next stitch, instead of carrying the top strand all the way over — drop it. Let it fall freely through your hair.
4. Pick up a fresh section of hair from above to replace it, then continue braiding normally.
5. Repeat this "drop and replace" technique as you work across toward the other side of your head.
6. Secure the end with a small elastic or a few hidden pins.

Pro Tip: Work slowly at first. Once the hand motion becomes automatic, the braid flows surprisingly fast. Practice on dry hair before trying it on freshly washed strands.

Style 03

Crown Braid Bun

✦ Intermediate · 10–15 min

This two-part style looks like it belongs in a bridal magazine, but it really just requires a bit of patience on your first try. Combine a hairline braid with a simple bun and you've got an updo that reads as truly sophisticated.

Hair tie Bobby pins Fine-toothed comb

How to Do It

1. Starting just above one ear, braid a section of hair along your hairline across the top of your head toward the other ear.
2. Pin the braid securely to your scalp as you go to keep the arc tight and even.
3. Gather the remaining hair at the back of your head and twist it into a bun.
4. Tuck the tail of the braid into the base of the bun so the two parts blend seamlessly.
5. Secure everything with bobby pins and finish with a light hold spray.

Pro Tip: Use a Dutch braid (under instead of over) for the crown section — it sits more prominently on top of the head, giving the crown effect more visual impact.

Style 04

Infinity Braid

✦ Intermediate · 15–20 min

The infinity braid is one of those styles that genuinely turns heads — not because it's flashy, but because it's unusual. You won't see it on every other person, which makes it feel truly special when you wear it.

Multiple small clear elastics Rat-tail comb for sectioning

How to Do It

1. Start with a small section of hair at the crown. Divide it into two equal parts.
2. Cross the right section over and under the left, forming the start of a figure-eight pattern.
3. Gradually incorporate new sections of hair from each side as you build the figure-eight shape downward.
4. Secure each completed "eight" with a tiny clear elastic before moving on to the next.
5. Continue until you reach the nape of the neck, then tie off the full braid with an elastic.

Pro Tip: Watch the first half-inch of your braid closely — that's where the pattern is established. If the figure-eight shape looks right there, the rest of the braid will follow naturally.

Style 05

French Twist

⚡ Beginner · 5 min

A true classic. The French twist has been a formal-occasion staple for decades and for very good reason — it's clean, elegant, and instantly elevating. It works on almost every hair type and pairs beautifully with everything from office wear to evening gowns.

Bobby pins (6–8) Fine-toothed comb Light-hold hairspray

How to Do It

1. Gather all your hair at the center back of your head, holding it vertically in one hand.
2. Twist the hair upward, rolling it in on itself toward your scalp.
3. Fold the twisted section back over itself and tuck the ends inward so they disappear.
4. Secure the fold along the center with bobby pins inserted horizontally.
5. Smooth any flyaways with a light mist of hairspray and your fingertips.

Pro Tip: For a modern update, leave a few wispy strands loose at the temples and nape of the neck — it softens the overall look and gives the classic twist a contemporary feel.

Style 06

Triple Twisted Bun

⚡ Beginner · 8–10 min

If you're tired of the standard bun but not ready to commit to a full braid, the triple twisted bun is your perfect middle ground. Three small, clustered buns create a textured, artsy effect that reads as creative and intentional without requiring any advanced technique.

3 small hair ties Bobby pins

How to Do It

1. Section your hair into three equal parts — top, bottom-left, and bottom-right (like a triangle).
2. Twist each section individually in the same direction until the hair coils back on itself.
3. Wrap each twisted section into a small bun and secure with a hair tie and pins.
4. Position the three buns close together at the back of your head so they cluster into one cohesive shape.
5. Tuck any loose ends under and pin down. Gently loosen each bun for extra volume.

Pro Tip: This style is especially stunning with naturally textured or wavy hair. For straight hair, add a little sea salt spray first to give the twists more grip and body.

Style 07

Pigtail Braids

⚡ Beginner · 5–8 min

Pigtail braids have unfairly been dismissed as a "kids' style" for too long. Worn with intention — slightly loosened, maybe asymmetric — they have genuine cool-girl energy. They're also one of the most protective and low-maintenance options out there.

2 small elastics Rat-tail comb

How to Do It

1. Use a rat-tail comb to create a clean, straight part from forehead to nape of the neck.
2. Secure one half with a clip while you work on the other.
3. Braid each side into a standard three-strand braid, working downward.
4. Secure both braids with small elastics at the ends.
5. For a softer, fuller look, gently tug the sides of each braid outward to loosen and expand it.

Pro Tip: Try boxing the braids back and securing the ends under the opposite side for a modern, looped variation — it gives pigtail braids a completely fresh silhouette that works well for adults.

Style 08

Twisted Low Ponytail

⚡ Beginner · 5–7 min

This is the everyday ponytail's more polished, more photogenic sibling. A few small twists along the sides add dimension and structure that make the whole look appear significantly more deliberate — even though the extra effort is minimal.

Hair tie Bobby pins (optional)

How to Do It

1. Starting at your temple on one side, take a small section of hair and twist it back away from your face.
2. As you twist, pick up a little more hair with each rotation to incorporate it, similar to a French braid motion.
3. Pin the twist temporarily and repeat on the other side.
4. Gather everything — including the twisted sections — into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck.
5. Wrap a small strand of hair around the elastic to hide it, and pin underneath.

Pro Tip: This style works on both straight and wavy hair. On wavy hair, skip the smoothing and let the texture breathe — it makes the twists look even more interesting.

Style 09

Rope Braid

⚡ Beginner · 5 min

The rope braid is the fastest route to looking like you know what you're doing. It's structured, modern, and holds beautifully throughout the day — yet the technique is as simple as it gets. Once you do it once, you'll wonder why it took you so long to try.

Hair tie Texturizing spray (optional)

How to Do It

1. Divide your hair into two even sections.
2. Twist each section individually in the same direction — both clockwise, for example — until each one is tight and coiled.
3. Now wrap the two twisted sections around each other in the opposite direction (counterclockwise).
4. Hold the tension as you work your way down to the ends.
5. Secure with an elastic. Gently tug the sides to loosen slightly for a fuller, softer finish.

Pro Tip: The key is keeping consistent tension while twisting each section. If you lose the twist in one section, it unravels — so hold it firmly until both sections are fully wrapped around each other.

The Takeaway

The gap between "looks complicated" and "actually is complicated" is surprisingly large when it comes to hairstyles. Most of these looks come down to one or two techniques you'll master quickly with a little practice.

Start with the styles marked Beginner and work your way up. Within a week, you'll have a whole new repertoire — and your friends will be convinced you've been secretly visiting a stylist.

Which style are you trying first? Share your results in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Questions

What hairstyles can I do myself at home without any training?

All nine styles in this guide are designed for home use. The messy side bun, French twist, twisted low ponytail, and rope braid are particularly beginner-friendly and can be done in under 10 minutes without any special training.

What tools do I need to do these hairstyles?

Most styles require just a few hair ties and bobby pins. For the more structured looks like the crown braid bun or infinity braid, a rat-tail comb for clean sectioning and a few small clear elastics will help significantly.

Do these hairstyles work on short or medium-length hair?

Several of these styles — including the French twist, messy side bun, and twisted low ponytail — work well on medium-length hair. The braided styles generally require at least shoulder-length hair to get the full effect.

What is the easiest "fancy-looking" hairstyle to learn?

The rope braid is widely considered the easiest fancy-looking hairstyle because it only requires splitting hair into two sections and twisting. It looks structured and intentional but takes about five minutes once you understand the direction of the twists.

How do I make my hairstyle last all day?

Use a light-hold hairspray after styling, ensure your bobby pins are fully inserted and flat against the scalp, and consider applying a small amount of texturizing spray before you begin — it gives the hair more grip so styles hold longer without feeling stiff.