In a society focused on social media, corporate life and work is aestheticized. Instagram reels often project work as a fashion statement. Blazers, high heels, sunglasses, and blouses – they all seem to fill our feeds everyday.
But other than career trajectory, ‘work’ is somehow indirectly associated with fashion. After all, style does influence perception. And whether in customer service or not, your hairstyles for work speak volumes about you.
Fashion at Work Matters Because…?
I never realized how important appearance was until I applied for my first internship. I had to purchase new clothes just to look ‘presentable.’ I remember wearing a blazer, and matching the colour with black dress pants. The whole outfit cost more than $100, but I’ll be honest – I didn’t feel the most happy wearing it.
After that moment, I noticed how often style and clothing were mentioned in business school curriculums. My marketing and sales professors constantly talked about “dressing nice” and “wearing a suit.” The students also seemingly caught onto the message as well. Whenever my classmates talked about jobs, they would often say that they wanted an office job, particularly because they could dress “cute.”
But regardless of that, I later noticed how hair, other than clothes, perhaps plays a bigger role in appearances. However, hair is often perceived to be an accessory, instead of a staple. That could be the fact that most of the time, hair is hard to deal with. Unlike clothing, hair has a personality of its own: it doesn’t seem to want to cooperate.
Later on, I realized that a change in hair; whether it is a change in colour or style, can totally alter a person’s vibe.
Hairstyles for Work that Work for You
So if you want to change up your vibe for work, here are some (easy) hairstyles which you could try out:
1. Ponytail braid
Nothing screams more professional and classy compared to a ponytail braid. And the best part is that – the hairstyle isn’t too complicated: There aren’t many moving parts as expected. Start by grabbing an entire section, and shaping the hair into a ponytail. Then, start braiding from the occipital to the nape. Secure with an elastic, and you’re all set to go.
2. Side braids
This is the perfect hairstyle for you if you’re feeling cutesy and fancy. Start by sectioning two sides of the hair, near the hairline at 45 degrees. Then, braid each section and secure with an elastic. Grab another section of hair underneath each braid, and tie it with a hair ribbon. You’ll be ready to go out the door in no time.
3. Bubble braid hairstyle for work
If you’ve got a bunch of elastics lying around, it’s time to gather them together and create a voluminous bubble braid. Start by tying your hair at the top of your head, and then tying elastics around the strand of your hair. Pull the hair in between each elastic to add more volume to your bubble braid.
4. Sleek space buns
What if you’re seeking a change from your usual messy bun? Well, perhaps it’s now your chance to incorporate the space buns. First start by sectioning your whole hair into two equal parts; one on the left, and the other on the right. Grab the left chunk of your hair into a ponytail, and secure with an elastic – repeat with the right side of your head as well.
Then, twist the hair neatly into a bun and secure with a clip. You can smoothen out the ends with hair spray, or gel. And you’ll be ready to rock the look for the office.
5. Curled ponytail hairstyle for work
If you want to amp up your ponytail a notch, you can try curling your hair beforehand. Grab your curling iron, section your hair, and curl each part of your hair thoroughly. Remember to add heat protectant or volumizing mousse before curling.
After, section the money pieces at the front of your hair. Grab all the hair at the back, except for your two sections at the front, and secure it with a hair tie. Then, grab the two sections at the front and cover the hair tie.
You now have a professional looking hairstyle, for a professional workplace.
6. Twisted Half up Half down
If you’re in a rush, you can run out the door with this hairstyle in no time. Grab too small sections from the side of your ear, and secure them with an elastic. Then, turn the part of the hair, which is secured, inside out. Then, grab a section of hair below the ponytail, and secure it across the hair.
7. Easy low updo hairstyle for work
On some days, you may desire to opt for a more effortless look. Enter the low updo – which is perhaps another version of the messy bun, except in a professional context. Start by securing your hair with an elastic tie. As you’re tying your hair, leave half of your ponytail untied; similar to how you’re creating a knot in a shoelace. The rest of your untied hair will be used to secure and hide the elastic.
8. Easy hair, low-bun updo
If you’re good at patterns, you’ll pick up on this easy hairstyle quickly. You only need one elastic, and no bobby pins. You’ll first have to pull your hair upwards; use your fingers to secure the strand in a bun-like shape. Then, you’ll tie the hair you secure with an elastic. After, you can flip the hair strand downwards, and secure with the same elastic.
9. Dragon Braids
This hairstyle has definitely been trending. And it’s honestly one of the most intricate hairstyles ever – it looks like upside down hearts stacked together. But how can you recreate it? Start by sectioning hair into three sections: left, right, and centre. The left and the right section start at the top, and the centre section starts at the bottom.
The left and right section will then go over the centre section. After, tie the left and right section underneath, and split the centre section into two. You’ll continue to repeat the process until you’re ready to call it a day. Then, you’ll leave the house with amazing looking braids.
10. Cross-over lower updos
Looking for something fun? Try these crossover-braided lower updos when you have mastered the basics of braiding and updos. Start by sectioning your hair into four at the bottom: The middle two strands will cross over. Then, gather two of the strands and tie them together, which will create two ponytails.
After, braid them and tie them up in a bun. They’ll look super cute… and super fancy as well.
11. Beachy waves hairstyle for work
If your hair doesn’t feel like cooperating or being pulled together for a bun, feel free to change up the game with effortless curls. Grab a curling or straightening iron, and section the upper and bottom parts of the hair. Begin by curling the bottom parts of the hair. You can choose to section the hair unevenly, as the curls do not have to be perfect. Set your curls with hairspray so they can last the whole day.
12. Side braid
This hairstyle is probably one of the most unique, and creative hairstyles to wear on a daily basis. Start by sectioning the front of your hair, closest to your forehead, to the side. Then, section your hair at the back. Twist the front section, and as soon as your front section overlaps with the back section, separate your hair into three parts, and continue with your braid. Now, you’ll look like a Disney princess.
13. Combined braid
Similar to the ponytail braid, the combined braid is a fancier variation. Start by parting your hair in three strands, and braiding each strand. Secure with an elastic. After, you’ll combine all the strands, and braid just as if you’re completing a ponytail braid. Once you’re done, you’ll see the cool, texturized effect of the braids. You can also pull gently on the braids for a more voluminous effect.
14. 8 Strand Bubble Braid
This hairstyle looks similar to weaves on a blanket. Why? Because it’s a fancier variation of the bubble braid. Start by combing your hair into a ponytail, and then parting the top and the bottom parts of the hairstyle. Split each part into four strands; then, weave the front part to the back, and secure with an elastic. Repeat the pattern.
At the end, you can pull the strands a bit for a more voluminous effect. You’ll then be walking out with red carpet-styled hair for work.
15. Easy high pony
If you’re running out of time, or stuck in rush hour, you can recreate this easy high pony look. You’ll have to section your hair into two parts, and secure each part with an elastic. Then, you’ll tie the two parts together, and flip them inside out. Tighten the ponytail by pulling on the ends of the hair. You’ll then walk out ready to conquer the world.
16. Triple Bun
17. Parted fronts hairstyle for work
18. Bobby pin side part
What if you’re tired of the updos? Well, no worries, you can choose to opt for a bobby pin-styled side part. Similar to other steps, you’ll have to section the sides of your hair. Then for one strand of hair, you can add bobby pins in various designs. And you’ll look fashion forward for your day at work.
19. Side buns hairstyle for work
20. Combined braid and pony
What to Remember with Work Hairstyles
Oftentimes, hair has a reputation of being unforgiving and challenging. However, you can always approach hair differently.
A style does not need to be perfect, and if something does not work, you can always tweak the hairstyle or change it up. For example, if you’re finding it difficult to do dutch braids, you can change your hair into bubble braids.
And, if you do feel like spicing your hair up a bit, a secret hack is to add accessories. Instead of elastics, some of the accessories you can use are:
Claw Clips
These accessories have become trendy over the past couple of years. More people are using claw clips as part of their hairstyles, simply because they’re convenient, affordable, and accommodating compared to hair elastics. Claw clips come in multiple designs: Some are shaped as flowers, and others are shaped as animals.
Most people use claw clips for French twists. However, they can also be used for ponytails, braids, and half up and half downs.
Scrunchies for Work Hairtstyles
Scrunchies are an easy way to add more character to the hair, or rather, hide mistakes or flyaways. For example, if you find it very difficult to secure your ponytail, you can add a scrunchie for more support.
Headbands
Final Thoughts on Hairstyles for Work
Similar to clothing and makeup, hair is also an important aspect for an outfit, especially at work. If you find it difficult to change your outfits, you can try to change your hairstyles on a daily basis instead.
The best part about hair is that you can feel free to experiment around. One day, you can wear a ponytail, and the next day, you can wear a braid. Or rather, you can combine and choose hairstyles that you like.
Bad hair day or not – you’ll always look ready for work.
About the Author
Candice is currently attending school for social service work. One of her passions is helping others through my writing. In her downtime, you'll find her listening to music, watching random YouTube videos, and writing about career goals and resumes. She hopes to start freelancing for writing and obtain a leadership position in a public services sector.