Simple Hairstyles for Busy Women

Hairstyle for busy women — Photo: Yuricazac/Shutterstock

Let's face it, in today's busy world, there's simply not enough time to accomplish everything most of us have to do in a day. Women, in particular, face a tough balancing act, expected to embody the appearance of a supermodel while working as diligently as longshoremen.

For many women, compromises are necessary. Gone are the days of spending hours preparing to go out, reminiscent of crinoline-lined skirts. Nowadays, most women consider themselves fortunate if they can find time to visit their hairdressers every six weeks for a touch-up and trim, let alone drop by weekly for a Friday night hairstyle.

Yet, regardless of how hard women work or how many hours they dedicate to their careers, caring for their families, and managing household chores, the expectation to look beautiful persists. Whether it's a single woman receiving a call from her boyfriend inviting her to dinner after work or a stay-at-home mom whose husband surprises her with a night out (while she's tackling the kitchen wallpaper stained with strained peas), today's women often find themselves needing to assemble a lovely look on short notice.

I'm here to tell you that it can be done, and you don't even need a magic wand. Here are some simple remixes of old standards that will transform you from "drab" to "fab" in minutes:

The Bun:

I know, when you hear the word "bun," you might immediately think of an old schoolteacher or librarian. However, a simple bun can actually be an elegant, chic hairstyle if done correctly. Here's the trick: instead of twisting the hair into a bun at the back of the head, drop it down to the nape of the neck. Use a bit of styling product and a brush to smooth your hair flat, bringing it down and back to a gathering point at the base of the skull. Twist the hair into a bun and secure it in place with bobby pins. A touch of hairspray and a couple of gentle pats to control any flyaway strands, and you've got a sleek, chic look that's sure to turn heads.

Hair in abun at the nape of the neck — Photo: Creatas Images/Photo Images/Canva

Don't have long enough hair to create a bun at the nape of the neck? No problem! Simply opt for a sleek style by gathering the ends of your hair at the base of the skull and securing them with an elastic band. Then, use a scarf that matches your outfit to tie a bow over the small ponytail. Keep the bow size modest, just large enough to balance the look and create the illusion.

Even if your hair is too short to form a ponytail, you can still fake it. If you have enough hair to create a small knot at the base of the skull, you can achieve the same effect as with long hair wound into a bun. Simply take a small section of hair at the base of the skull, twist it into a knot, and pin it securely. Then, smooth the rest of your hair back to the base of the skull using a brush and some product, and secure it with a decorative barrette that matches your outfit.

This creates the illusion of long hair pulled back into a sleek, fashionable style. Women with hair too short for this technique typically have chic haircuts that serve them well without the need for faking it.

The Ponytail:

Stylish ponytail — Photo: Pixelshot/Canva

While not typically the first hairstyle that comes to mind when you think of "chic" hairstyles, a woman with long hair in a well-executed ponytail can look sleek and stunning (just look at Jennifer Lopez and Angelina Jolie during some of their red carpet appearances). Proper placement of the ponytail is key, and while it's easiest with an extra pair of hands, it's not required.

Using your brush, pull the hair back to the crown of your head. To determine the exact placement for the ponytail, stand in front of a mirror and turn your head to the side. Place the back of the comb against the side of your head at the top of your ear. Angle the front end of the comb to point towards the tip of your nose. The back end of the comb will now indicate the position at the crown of your head where you want to gather the ponytail.

Secure the hair with an elastic band. Having an extra hand to hold your hair in place while you attach the elastic band can be helpful. If someone is available to assist you, it makes the process much easier and increases the likelihood of perfect placement.

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