I'm a Beauty Editor, and These Are the Easy Hairstyles I Wear on Repeat

I may write about beauty for a living, but I'm in no way someone who enjoys spending a ton of time on her own look. That's especially true when it comes to hair (which is why I decided to cut a whole lot of mine off about three years ago, and I've been living my best lob life ever since). My hair mood is sort of this balance between looking put-together enough that no one can tell I only wash this mop about twice a week but also effortless and relaxed. Think French-girl-meets-California-girl vibes (at least that's what I'm going for).

I'm also deeply impatient and only have so many hair skills in my toolbox, so ultimately, when it comes to my everyday hairstyles, I consistently rely on about seven looks, which I switch up depending on the amount of time on my hands and the level of grease I'm working with. Regardless, each of the following hairstyles (which would also work on long hair!), takes no longer than 10 minutes to execute on my straight, fine hair. Keep scrolling to see a lazy beauty editor's seven favorite everyday hairstyles.

1. The Accessorized Wave

When my hair is on the cleaner(ish) end, this style is a signature move. I create these little waves with a flat iron by taking one-inch-thick sections of hair, and about half-way down the shaft, bending the iron in, then out, and then back in again at the ends. Add a little hair accessory or two to one side, and within five to seven minutes, you have a surprisingly legit hairstyle.

2. The Braided Updo

Don't let this image fool you—I'm generally terrible at braids. This is straight-up the *only* one I can do. This is a Dutch braid, which is like an inside-out French braid (here's a really great easy tutorial to follow), which I create on both sides of my head until I get lazy and then switch to a regular braid until I reach the back of my head. Then I either pin down the ends or secure them into little pigtails or a low pony. Then I yank on the loops of the braid to make them nice and fat, and pull out a few face-framing tendrils in front. This hairstyle works great to hide dirty hair, but you could also totally wear it to a formal event, especially if you dress it up with some flowers or a hair accessory in back. It actually holds better with some grit and dirtiness, so if my hair happens to be clean, I'll spray it with some of this Drybar's Triple Sec shown below. (But good old dry Shampoo works too!)

3. The Proper Curl

This look probably requires the most time of any on this list. To execute, I start by clipping up half of my hair. Then I use a one-inch-barrel curling iron to curl small sections of hair away from my face, making sure to leave the ends free. Once I've curled the lower section of hair, I part my hair where I want it, let down the hair I clipped up, and repeat. I finish off with some texture spray and medium-hold hairspray (Living Proof's is adjustable!), and voila—I'm an adult who did a thing to her hair.

4. The Embellished Low Bun

When my hair is looking flat beyond repair and I have legit two minutes to do it, I just go for a classic low bun (leaving some strands around my face for a more relaxed look).

If I'm feeling fancy, I like to stick an embellished hair pin in back.

5. The Relaxed Wave

I suppose I'd consider this my signature look. To create these bedhead waves, I basically do the exact same thing I did for the first style on this list, except I use my flat iron to curl just the two sections framing either side of my face away from my face instead of bending them inward. Then I apply a few spritzes of dry texture spray throughout my hair and twist a little bit of pomade into the ends for a messier, textured look.

6. The Big Bow

Ah, yes. One of my favorite way to trick people into thinking I put effort into my hair is just to stick a giant bow or statement headband on top of my head. This one from Donni has a built-in flexible wire, so you can shape the ribbon how you want and it will stay in place.

7. The Slick-Back

And when my hair is so greasy there's simply no other solution, I slick it back, which looks pretty chic despite the pure filth underneath. I'll either use a pomade, an oil, or a combination of the two to achieve this look. 

Shop a few more of my personal hair essentials below!