There's no time like the weekend too embrace naturally disheveled hair and call it "messy chic". In fact, we encourage it! So, if you're wondering how to replace your polished weekday blowout with something a little more casual, check out the gorgeous off-duty looks below. Some require a little more effort than others, but they all look stunning, whatever your plans this Saturday and Sunday!
1. Messy fishtail side braid
For a beachy 'do that you can wear absolutely anywhere, try a fishtail side braid. All you need to do is flip your hair over to one side - whichever one is your favorite - then fishtail braid the lengths of your hair all the way to the ends. Don't worry if the braid is a bit wonky, it'll only add to the understated vibe of this look.
Styling tip
Spritz your finished braid with hairspray to keep flyaways at bay.
2. Messy high bun
Like a classic topknot, a messy high bun is the perfect way to deal with long hair when you don't have much time to devote to styling, or you just can't decide what to do with it in time. So, if you have a brunch to get to, throw your locks up and run!
Styling tip
Get a more full-bodied look by applying a volumizing hairspray to your hair before styling. After spritzing your mane, gently backcomb it to add volume before you pin it up.
3. Messy braided bun
If you have a knack for braids, or are down for some practice, this messy braided bun is a really cute look to try. French braid along the hairline on both sides of your face, then once you get to your ears, keep braiding all the way to the ends. Gather the rest of your hair into a ponytail and pin it into a messy bun. Then, pin the loose ends of the braids around the bun and you're good to go!
Styling tip
Before you start braiding, spritz your hair with dry shampoo to add grip and texture, both of which will make the styling process easier!
4. Slicked back bob
When you don't have time to wash and dry your hair, try hiding dirty roots in plain sight with an edgy wet look hairstyle. You don't have to go crazy with the gel, just apply enough to hold your hair in place, and to create that slick, cool-girl look. Team this 'do with your fave lipstick and you're ready to go!
Styling tip
Start with a dime-sized amount of gel and add more as needed. It's always best to build up the product, rather than over-apply it right at the beginning.
5. Messy chignon
A great option for shorter haircuts like bobs and lobs, this messy chignon updo is a quick and easy fix for disheveled, post-party tresses. To get the look, simply twist and pin chunks of hair over each other at the back until it's all up.
Styling tip
To loosen the style on top and at the sides, gently slide your fingers underneath the hair and slowly lift them upwards a little.
6. Voluminous wavy ponytail
If you curled your hair for a night out and can't face washing it the following day, recycle the look with this voluminous, wavy ponytail! Backcomb the hair at the crown to create a mini beehive effect, then gather the lengths of your hair into a low ponytail.
Styling tip
To camouflage the hair tie, take a piece of hair from underneath the pony and wrap it tightly around the base. Then, secure the hair behind the pony with a bobby pin.
7. Messy wavy updo
Short and mid-length cuts with curly and wavy textures can be pinned up and out of the way in no time with a messy updo like this one. Simply flip your head upside down, then twist and pin sections of hair up, leaving the ends loose. Once it's all up, shape and pin the ends as desired, then finish with hairspray.
Styling tip
Spray your bobby pins with dry shampoo to give them extra grip.
8. Messy ponytail
About as easy as it gets, you pretty much can't go wrong with a messy ponytail. If you can't face detangling your hair, or don't really feel motivated to wash and totally re-style it before heading out, gather it into a high pony, leaving a few pieces loose here and there to soften the look. The more disheveled, the better!
Styling tip
With tangled hair, use your fingers to work in dry shampoo to avoid pulling on any knots.
9. Tousled French braid
French braids can be kind of tricky to do neatly, but if you're going for a messy finish anyway, it doesn't matter! Plus, they're perfect for unwashed hair and do a pretty good job of keeping longer manes under control.
Styling tip
Loosen the braid with your fingers after securing it by gently pulling it out at the sides.
10. Messy waves with a headband
If you feel like your bed head or air dried hair needs a little something extra, but you don't want to do anything complicated with it, try adding a headband! It's a quick fix, but it works every time. It adds detail, color and even texture to your hairstyle and you don't have to do anything apart from place the thing on your head.
Styling tip
For added polish, try incorporating some loose waves with a 1" curling iron.
11. Tousled "with the band" hair
For a really easy, eternally chic long hair option, try some loose "she's with the band" waves. All you need to do is apply a texturizing heat protectant evenly from roots to ends, then create loose waves all around your head with a large curling iron.
Styling tip
Add texture by scrunching some flexible hold, matte gum through the lengths and ends of your hair after curling it.
12. Tousled low braid
To give beach waves a whole new lease of life, try loosely braiding them into a low braid. You can plait your mane straight down, pull it to one side or even pin it into a pretty, low bun and call it a chignon!
Styling tip
Use an old toothbrush misted with hairspray to add texture to your braid after securing it.
13. Chunky French braid
If you have especially thick hair, or need to deal with frizzy hair fast, try this chunky French braid. It's a simple style that makes a real feature out of excess volume while keeping the bulk of the hair back off the face. To soften the look in front, gently pull a few pieces look to frame your face.
Styling tip
Instead of a hair elastic, try securing the ends of your braid with a large bobby pin for a messier finish.
14. Tousled mermaid waves
Messy, tousled waves are the ultimate casual weekend hairstyle. You can get the look without heat, which is way easier when you have some extra spare time to let your mane air dry. Apply a texturizing spray to slightly damp hair, then braid it into four or five individual braids. Leave them alone to air dry, then shake your hair out and finish with hairspray.
Styling tip
If you don't have time to let your hair air dry, speed things up with your blow-dryer, making sure it's set to a medium heat.
15. Reverse French braided updo
The topsy turvy French braided detail of this style makes it look 'done' but the messy chignon at the crown keeps it firmly on messy territory. It take a little while to adjust to French braiding upside down, but we think the results are totally worth it!
Styling tip
Keep the braid as tight as you can so the detail really stands out.
