18 Very Easy Hairstyles for Beginners Using Simple Ties

Finding a great hairstyle shouldn’t take hours of practice or expensive salon tools. Most of us just want something quick that looks put together before heading out the door.

Using simple ties is the easiest way to transform your look instantly. These styles require zero advanced skills and only a few seconds of your time.

If you can wrap an elastic around your hair, you can master these looks. Let’s dive into eighteen effortless styles perfect for any beginner.

1. The Classic Low Ponytail

The low ponytail is the ultimate foundation for beginner hairstyling. It keeps your hair secure and professional without requiring any complex tension or height balancing.

To achieve this, simply gather your hair at the nape of your neck and secure it with a soft elastic. Smooth down any flyaways with your palms for a sleek finish.

This style works perfectly for those days when you want a polished look with minimal effort. It is versatile enough for both casual errands and more formal environments.

2. The High Messy Bun

A high messy bun is the go-to solution for busy mornings. It provides an effortless, relaxed aesthetic that keeps your hair off your face and neck entirely.

Flip your head upside down and gather your hair at the crown. Secure it with a tie, but on the final loop, only pull the hair halfway through to create a loop.

Tug gently at the edges of the loop to create volume and texture. This style thrives on imperfection, making it impossible for a beginner to get wrong.

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3. The Half-Up Top Knot

The half-up top knot offers the best of both worlds by keeping hair out of your eyes while letting the rest flow freely. It creates a trendy, youthful silhouette.

Section off the top third of your hair, starting from just above the ears. Gather this section at the top of your head and secure it into a small bun.

Use a simple tie to keep the knot in place, allowing the remaining hair to drape naturally. This is an excellent way to manage volume while showing off your length.

4. The Side-Swept Ponytail

A side-swept ponytail adds a touch of elegance to a standard look. By shifting the focal point, you create a soft frame for your face that looks intentionally styled.

Brush all of your hair over one shoulder and gather it just behind your ear. Secure it firmly with a tie to ensure it stays positioned on the side.

You can leave this style loose and romantic or pull it tight for a sharper look. It is a fantastic variation for beginners who find center-back styles difficult to reach.

5. The Double Tucked Ponytail

The double tucked ponytail, also known as the “topsy tail,” looks much more intricate than it actually is. It creates a beautiful twisted detail using only your fingers.

Start with a loose low ponytail and create a small gap in the hair just above the tie. Lift the ponytail up and tuck it down through that gap.

Pull the ends to tighten the twist and secure the look. This simple maneuver adds a professional-looking texture that disguises the hair tie completely.

6. The Basic Bubble Braid

Bubble braids are the perfect alternative for those who haven’t mastered traditional braiding. They provide a high-impact visual look with almost zero technical difficulty involved.

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Start with a standard high ponytail and secure it with a tie. Move a few inches down the length and add another tie, then puff out the section in between.

Repeat this process until you reach the end of your hair. This style is incredibly secure and stays in place even during high-activity days.

7. The Pineapple Bun

The pineapple bun is a savior for those with natural curls or waves. It keeps the hair high on the head to prevent frizz and maintain the shape of your texture.

Lean forward and gather all your hair at the very front of your crown. Secure it loosely with a soft scrunchie or a large hair tie.

Let the ends of your hair fall forward over your forehead like a “pineapple.” This style is iconic for its comfort and its ability to protect hair overnight.

8. The Twisted Half-Up Style

This style uses two simple twists to create a romantic, bohemian look. It is one of the fastest ways to style your hair for a special event or a dinner.

Take a small section of hair from each side of your face and twist them backward toward the center. Meet them at the back of your head.

Secure the two twisted sections together with a single small tie. This creates a beautiful “V” shape that keeps your hair back while looking very sophisticated.

9. Pigtail Buns (Space Buns)

Space buns are a fun and symmetrical way to manage your hair. They distribute the weight of your hair into two sections, making them very comfortable to wear.

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Part your hair down the middle and create two high ponytails on either side of your head. Wrap the hair around each base to form two small buns.

Secure each bun with a tie and adjust them for symmetry. This look is playful and works exceptionally well for festivals or casual weekend outings.

10. The Low Loop Bun

The low loop bun is a minimalist favorite that takes literally five seconds to complete. it is the more refined, lower version of the messy bun.

Gather your hair at the nape of the neck as if you are making a ponytail. On the final wrap of the tie, leave the hair folded in a loop.

Let the ends hang naturally or wrap them around the base for a cleaner look. This is the perfect “errand-running” hairstyle for anyone who wants a clean profile.

11. The Triple Pony Tail

The triple ponytail creates a cascading effect that looks like a complex braid. It is excellent for keeping thick hair under control without using heavy clips.

Divide your hair into three horizontal sections: top, middle, and bottom. Secure the top section into a ponytail, then join that tail into the second ponytail.

Finally, join the combined tail into the third and final ponytail at the bottom. This tiered look is very secure and keeps hair from tangling throughout the day.

12. The Wrapped Ponytail

A wrapped ponytail is the secret to making a simple elastic look like a professional salon style. It hides the utility of the tie with the beauty of your hair.

Secure your hair in a standard ponytail at your preferred height. Take a small strand of hair from the bottom of the ponytail and wrap it around the tie.

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Once the tie is hidden, tuck the end of the strand into the elastic or secure it with a small pin. This tiny detail elevates the entire look instantly.

13. The Loose Side Braid

If you can do a basic three-strand overlap, the loose side braid is your best friend. It is a soft, approachable style that doesn’t require precision.

Pull all your hair to one side and divide it into three equal sections. Cross the outer sections over the middle one repeatedly until you reach the bottom.

Secure the end with a tie and gently pull the sides of the braid to make it look fuller. This style is incredibly forgiving for beginners with uneven hair lengths.

14. Sectioned Half-Down

The sectioned half-down style adds a bit of structure to a standard open-hair look. It uses two ties to create a layered effect that stays in place.

Gather the very top section of hair and tie it off. Then, gather a second section from the temples and tie it together with the first ponytail.

This double-anchored system ensures that the hair around your face stays back even if you are moving around. It is a practical and pretty daily solution.

15. The Flip-Through Pony

The flip-through pony is a variation of the tucked style but positioned higher for more volume. It creates a natural “fountain” effect that looks very thick.

Create a medium-height ponytail and loosen the tie slightly. Create a hole in the hair between the tie and your scalp, then flip the ponytail through it.

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Adjust the tension to make the twists sit flat against your head. This style is perfect for adding interest to a basic ponytail without needing extra accessories.

16. Stacked Ponytails

Stacked ponytails are the secret trick for making your hair look much longer than it actually is. It uses a clever illusion to extend the visual line of the hair.

Section your hair into a top half and a bottom half. Tie the top half into a high ponytail, then tie the bottom half directly underneath it.

The top ponytail falls over the bottom one, hiding the second tie and creating a continuous flow. This is a must-try for anyone with mid-length hair.

17. Criss-Cross Half-Up

This style uses overlapping sections to create a geometric look that is surprisingly easy. It is a great way to handle layers that usually fall out of ties.

Take a section from the left side and pull it to the right, then take a section from the right and pull it over the first.

Secure both sections together at the back with a single tie. The result is a clean, layered look that feels very secure and looks great from behind.

18. The “Donut” Bun (No Insert)

You don’t need a foam insert to get a large, rounded bun. You can use your own hair volume and a simple tie to create the same iconic shape.

Put your hair in a high ponytail and hold the ends straight up. Fan the hair out in all directions over the tie until it covers the elastic completely.

Place a second hair tie over the fanned-out hair to secure the “donut” shape. Tuck the remaining ends under the base for a clean, classic finish.

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What kind of ties are best for beginners?

Beginners should start with seamless elastic ties or fabric scrunchies. These are much gentler on the hair and provide a better grip without causing tangles or breakage while you practice your technique.

How can I make my hairstyles last all day?

To ensure your style stays secure, try to avoid using too much conditioner near the roots, as this can make hair slippery. Using a texturizing spray or a little bit of dry shampoo can help the ties stay in place.

Are these styles safe for fragile hair?

Yes, these styles are generally safe as long as you do not pull the ties too tight. Avoid using rubber bands without a fabric coating, and try to vary the position of your ponytails to prevent tension in one specific spot.

Can I do these on wet hair?

While you can do these on wet hair, it is usually better to wait until hair is at least damp or dry. Wet hair is more prone to stretching and breaking when secured tightly with an elastic tie.

How do I hide the hair tie?

The easiest way to hide a tie is to wrap a small strand of hair around it and tuck the end under the elastic. Alternatively, choosing a tie that matches your hair color will make it nearly invisible to others.

Will these styles work for short hair?

Many of these styles, like the half-up top knot or the sectioned half-down, work beautifully on shorter hair lengths. For very short hair, focus on the “half-up” variations which require less length to gather.