22 Hairstyles That Look Way Better on Second-Day Hair

If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

22 Hairstyles That Look Way Better on Second-Day Hair

Dirty hair, don’t care.

Laufey with her barrel waves.Laufey with her barrel waves.

@jennychohair/Instagram

Some days, we wake up with the boundless energy and productivity levels of a thousand Energizer bunnies. Most days, however, are… not like this. No, most days, we form a close bond with our alarm’s snooze button, and forgoing our morning shower seems a small price to pay for a precious few more moments swapping beauty secrets with Connie Baby (in our dreams, obvi).

On mornings like this, you have two choices: leave your second-day hair down in its dirty, raggedy glory, or take advantage of its textured state and try a cool new ‘do. We recommend the latter.

Need ideas? We’ve got 22, alongside some pro tips and tricks from hairstylists Bradley Leake and Joanna Zee. Keep scrolling for easy hairstyles that make second-day hair look amazing.

Meet the Experts

  • Bradley Leake is a celebrity hairstylist based in Los Angeles.
  • Joanna Zee is a stylist with more than 20 years of experience in the hair industry.

01of 22

Beach Waves

Greta Lee with beach waves.Greta Lee with beach waves.

@jennychohair/Instagram

Day-two hair can get a bad rep given its propensity for excess grease, limpness, and frizz, but Zee tells us not to worry: “Most people can pull off day-two hairstyles regardless of texture or thickness. [Compared to day-three or -four hair], it’s the easy messier hair day. I like to use a little dry shampoo like IGK First Class Charcoal Detox Dry Shampoo and a waving wand and tousle my hair.”

02of 22

Barrel Waves

Laufey with her hair waved.Laufey with her hair waved.

@jennychohair/Instagram

Or see how a little second-day grit can help your texture hold and try out a three-barrel iron. There’s no wrong way to wave!

03of 22

Slick Bun

Hailey Bieber with slicked back hair in two twisted buns.Hailey Bieber with slicked back hair in two twisted buns.

Getty Images

If you haven’t perfected the slicked-back bun yet… what are you waiting for?! This side-parted style is particularly cute.

04of 22

Half Bun

Bella Hadid on boat looking at camera, with long straight hair and top half slicked back into a high bunBella Hadid on boat looking at camera, with long straight hair and top half slicked back into a high bun

Getty Images

The ultimate lazy hairstyle, this half bun is perfect on any hair length. Spray some dry shampoo on your roots and rub it in with your fingers. Then, loop the top third of your hair into a mini bun and you’re done. It’s simple and so much more interesting than your go-to bedhead waves.

05of 22

Twisted Bun

Zendaya topknotZendaya topknot

Getty Images

A twisted bun is universally flattering, especially on day-two hair and beyond. Leake explains why: “Working with the hair’s natural oils allows more control and generally, there are fewer flyaways.” Although he dishes that this style works best with medium to thick manes, those with fine strands can add some extensions to feign fullness.

To get the look, you’ll want to create a ponytail at the crown of the head and then split it into two sections. Use Color Wow One Minute Transformation to eliminate any frizz and control texture before twisting and wrapping one section of hair to the right. Twist and wrap the second section of hair to the left, and pin. (FYI: This creates texture and makes your bun look fancy without very much effort.)

06of 22

Textured Ponytail

Pom Klementieff textured pony by Jenny ChoPom Klementieff textured pony by Jenny Cho

@jennychohair/Instagram

Stylist to the stars Jenny Cho coiffed this style, which is all about texture. Apply some sea salt spray to hair before tying it back into a high ponytail, slightly teasing at the crown. If you’ve got bangs, spritz them with dry shampoo before swiping to the side and dazzling with a rhinestone pin.

07of 22

Twisted Messy Fishtail

Cardi B with her messy fishtail braid.Cardi B with her messy fishtail braid.

@iamcardib/Instagram

Some fishtails are perfectly braided—this one isn’t. After all, it’s all about intentional imperfection these days. Gather your hair into a low ponytail, leaving out two face-framing tendrils. Braid your low pony into a messy fishtail, then wrap the two strands left around the hair elastic. Congratulations, it-girl status achieved.

08of 22

Low Ponytail

Susan Kelechi Watson straight low pony with side partSusan Kelechi Watson straight low pony with side part

@vernonfrancois/Instagram

Second-day hair doesn’t always have to be mussy. Granted, we love ourselves a good banana bun, but there are plenty more options to choose from. Take this chic low-slung style, for instance. Do like celeb stylist Vernon Francois and part hair to the side, pull it back into a low pony, and then tease the crown slightly for instant volume. A metallic hair cuff will add a touch of refinement.

09of 22

Topknot

Rihanna attends the 95th Annual Academy Award in glam top knot and all-black outfitRihanna attends the 95th Annual Academy Award in glam top knot and all-black outfit

Getty Images

Everyone from New York to L.A. has rocked the topknot. It’s not hard to see why: the stylish hair trend looks great on everyone. Did we mention that it takes a mere 30 seconds to style?

10of 22

Braids and Waves

Storm Reid shows off her waves and braids.Storm Reid shows off her waves and braids.

@stormreid/Instagram

Tonight on Love Island...day-two hair goes boho chic with romantic waves and decorative braids. “This hairstyle is great for those with naturally straight hair. I recommend this look for day two because if you can skip the blow-dry, you will save yourself time, and the less heat styling, the better,” comments Leake.

11of 22

Bubble Braid

Bubble braidBubble braid
Bubble Braid.

@ceciliaulanne/Instagram

This bubble braid is ideal for second- (or third-) day hair. Just spray texture spray or dry shampoo from the middle of your hair shaft to the roots, then secure clear elastics along your low ponytail, pulling each section apart to create a “bubble” effect.

12of 22

Curly Updo With Headband

Ciara curly updo with headbandCiara curly updo with headband

Getty Images

If you haven’t invested in a silk bonnet yet, what are you waiting for? Waking up to a hot mess of curls is not the “I woke up like this” vibe that you want to give off. Still, don’t distress. Just throw hair up into a messy bun and leave out a few hanging face-framing tendrils. Finish with a headband to mask that dirty mane and add some pizzazz while at it.

13of 22

Slicked-Back Ponytail

Cara Delevingne straight, slicked-back high ponytailCara Delevingne straight, slicked-back high ponytail

Getty Images

Cara Delevingne’s hair is utter perfection—even in between washes. And while she has a penchant for shocking hair transformations (shaved head painted in silver, anyone?), here, she goes for the slicked-back ponytail that is taking Hollywood by storm. Just slick back with Bumble and Bumble Sumogel, tie, and go.

14of 22

Classic Chignon

Jennifer Hudson chic low bunJennifer Hudson chic low bun

Getty Images

A chignon is a classic style that is incredibly versatile. While we are blown away by Jennifer Hudson’s chic rendition, you can also opt for an undone bun if that’s more your speed. Just use the tail of a comb or your fingers to loosen up hair at the crown and in your chignon. Finish with a scrunchie for good measure.

15of 22

Hair Scarf

Curly blonde updo with hair scarfCurly blonde updo with hair scarf

@yaaskhalifa/Instagram

Hair scarves are not only ace at protecting strands overnight but they also make for a killer second-day hair accessory. They work double-time by masking oily tresses and looking cute while at it. Consider them a mainstay in our hairstyle playbook.

16of 22

Braids

Sofia Richie double braidsSofia Richie double braids

@gregoryrussellhair/Instagram

Braids are cool, versatile, and, according to Zee, a style that transitions well from day-two to -three hair. “Simply dry shampoo to help get rid of excess oil and braid however you like,” she says. “Sleep with your braid in, the next day take it out, add a little texture paste or cream (I like L’anza Sculpting Paste), and boom: beautiful waves.”

17of 22

Pompadour

Jurnee Smollett-Bell pompadour hairstyleJurnee Smollett-Bell pompadour hairstyle

Getty Images

If you’ve got a short mane you know that (depending on your hair type), this can sometimes exacerbate day-two hair. This might manifest in the form of an unwanted hair flip or excess oil, but fortunately, that’s nothing that a pompadour can’t fix. Work in a product like SexyHair Style Control Maniac Styling Wax to slick back sides and lift limp tresses.

18of 22

Sleek, Low Ponytail

woman wearing sleek ponytail with face framing piecewoman wearing sleek ponytail with face framing piece

@justinemarjan/instagram

When in doubt, keep it simple. “You can never go wrong with a sleek, low ponytail,” says Leake. “Try adding a part to make your ponytail feel more fashionable and less like you are coming from a workout,” he adds. It’s the sleek, foolproof style we’re seeing all over Instagram.

19of 22

Pineapple

Yara Shahidi "pineapple" updoYara Shahidi "pineapple" updo

Getty Images

If you’ve got coily or curly locks, one of the best and easiest ways to style your hair is using the “pineapple” technique. Simply gather your hair into a high ponytail and let your tendrils do the rest.

20of 22

Center-Parted Messy Bun

Annie Murphy messy bunAnnie Murphy messy bun

Getty Images

If a quick and easy second-day hairstyle is what you’re after, look no further than the messy bun. “Just put your hair up in a loose ponytail and wrap your hair around the hair tie. Pull out a few pieces in front, and voilà!”, instructs Zee: instant model-off-duty hair.

21of 22

Wet Look

Tessa Thompson wet, slicked-back hairTessa Thompson wet, slicked-back hair

@lacyredway/Instagram

Updos are the bread and butter of second-day hair, but Tessa Thompson makes a strong case for letting your hair down. She owns the wet, slicked-back hair look, and as for those shaped baby hairs? They are nothing less than gorgeous.

22of 22

Half-Up, Half-Down

Gemma Chan half-up, half-down bun hairstyleGemma Chan half-up, half-down bun hairstyle

Getty Images

A half-up, half-down style is the best of both worlds. Get Gemma Chan’s look by first prepping hair with dry shampoo and then dividing it into two sections (top and bottom). Loosely gather the top section into a messy bun and pull out a few face-framing strands. Curl hair with a wand and douse with budget-friendly, yet effective, Tresemmé Premium Styling Dry Texture Finishing Spray.

Read more:

Source URL: https://www.byrdie.com/second-day-hairstyles-11812952


Analyse


Post not analysed yet. Do the magic.