Gabrielle Ulubay
Hair looks good at every length. But longer hair gives you more room to play with colors, layers, and styles. If you're more of a lazy girl and would rather bypass fussy styles—we feel you, and we're here for you—we've rounded up a ton of inspo pics of long hairstyles and cuts that take minimal mirror time. But if you're feeling extra and want to commit to some creative play, there are plenty of cutting-edge options here as well. Whether it's trying out a temporary hair color before you go full rouge, adding a fun accessory to spice things up, or just experimenting with the latest hair trends, there's something here for every taste, texture, and skill level. Next time you're looking for a change of scenery—sorry, I mean hairstyle—look no further.
Megan Thee Stallion's Towering Topknot
We love a good topknot, and Megan's creative take on the beloved style is nothing less than inspiring! Make a high ponytail, ensuring that you comb your hair so that it's pressed against your scalp, and then wrap the hair at the end of the pony around the base. Then, gently pull a few ends out around the knot, and straighten those little pieces for a spiky, one-of-a-kind look like Meg's.
Bella Poarch's Voluminous Pigtails
Give yourself some added height with a pair of pigtails like Bella's, positioning them at the top of your head to show off your length. Be sure to use a comb so that you part the hair perfectly down the middle and, for added volume, add some quality hair extensions.
Alicia Aylies' Eye-Catching Space Buns
We love space buns, and Alicia Aylies' playful hairstyle epitomizes "the more the merrier." Make a series of tiny top knots across the top of your head and, if you want to show off your length as well, leave a few small sections hanging so you can braid them like Alicia.
Katie Holmes' Chic Messy Bun
This classic, easy updo is perfect for an afternoon out on the town, and great to pair with a busy outfit so that your long tresses don't distract from the fashion. Katie Holmes nails this look here. Simply wrap your hair atop your head quickly by essentially folding your hair into your scrunchie halfway through your ponytail routine. Or, if your hair is too long for that, make a high ponytail, braid it, and then wrap that braid around the base of the pony.
Jhene Aiko's Knotless Box Braids
Box braids, which are three-strand braids woven into your hair, are one of the most popular protective styles amongst women with natural hair. Jhene Aiko stuns in her waist-length box braids, complete with wavy ends.
Tina Kunakey's Larger-Than-Life Afro
Supermodel Kunakey looked show-stopping at the Cannes Film Festival with her natural hair on the red carpet. If you're looking for a subtle, yet noticeable difference, ask your colorist to dip the ends of your curls in color. As Kunakey proves, it creates such gorgeous dimension.
Zendaya's Textured, Slicked-Back Style
Curly girls: Since we're in 2020, let's all let go of the pressure to straighten our hair. That's an old, societal beauty standard that needs to be left in the past. Curly hair can make you feel oh-so-fancy. Look at how elegant this queen Zendaya looks rocking her natural texture. Dress your curls up a bit by reaching for a pomade that guarantees high-shine, then sweeping your hair into a glossy slick-back. Sophisticated.
Selena Gomez's Bone-Straight Strands
So much YAS for Selena and these stick-straight strands. Look at how lit that shine is. Reach for a flat-iron like GHD's Classic Styler or T3's Ionic Straightener to deliver a super-sleek finish.
Camilla Belle's '70s Style
This "long bangs, longer hair" style was über-popular in the '70s (picture legends like Joni Mitchell and Françoise Hardy), but it certainly doesn't look dated. Make sure you're conditioning regularly to maintain shine like Belle's and get regular trims (yes, even if you're growing your hair out) to avoid split ends.
Gabrielle Union's Voluminous Ponytail
Contrast is one of the coolest cards to play, whether it's an asymmetrical style or this ultra-smooth on top, massive on the bottom ponytail. Not everyone is blessed with Union's natural texture, but even with thinner, straighter hair, you can pull your hair away from elastic band and tease your hair section by section to achieve a fuller look.
Jessica Biel's Belle-esque Half-Updo
We're getting strong Beauty and the Beast vibes from this gorgeous swooping half-updo. The trick is to enhance the hair at the crown (add some height with volumizing spray, tease it, and anchor with hairspray), then wrap it back and secure behind your head. Give yourself some waves at the bottom courtesy of a few quick runs through your hair with a hot tool.
Jessica Chastain's Romantic Half Updo
Never underestimate the power of a half-updo for a night out. So simple, so classic, and it even leaves room to experiment with ear candy.
