It’s that season when Mother Nature herself gets a bright makeover! From the green leaves to the budding flowers, spring is an undeniable time of change. Jazz up your look with a new ‘do that’s a bit fancier than a simple braid. We’ve rounded up some styles that put a spin on these classics and are easy to pull together for a collegiette on the go. No matter your hair length, your hair texture or even the occasion, we have a fresh spring look that’s right for you.
1. Floral Pony
Go a step beyond the average hair accessory with these scattered flower clips that add a little oomph to your ponytail. Channel your inner fairy with this magical spring look that’s perfect for any formal event!
What you’ll need
- Hair tie
- Brush
- Hair spray
- Flower clips
Directions
- Starting at the ends and working your way up, brush your hair free of tangles.
- Gather your hair into a low ponytail on your preferred side.
- Lightly mist the clips with hair spray. This will prevent the clips from slipping, especially if you have fine hair. We recommend L’Oreal’s Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold UV Hair Spray ($14.99).
- Take six to eight clips and place them randomly on the side opposite the ponytail.
2. Chic Wraparound Braid
St. Paddy’s Day may be over, but this sweet, Irish-inspired look will still be sure to turn some heads. Pair it with a sundress for a picnic date.
What you’ll need
- Bobby pins
- Comb
Directions
- Start this look with day-old or wavy hair; the braid will hold better when your hair is dirty.
- Taking a comb, make a part on your preferred side.
- On one side near your part, start an inverted French braid. To do this, take three pieces of hair and alternate the outside pieces going under the inside piece. Add new pieces to the outside piece as you go.
- Continue the braid towards the back of your head, until you’re about three-quarters of the way around.
- Use one hand to hold the loose end of the braid and the other hand to gently pull the braid apart. This creates more volume and adds to the easygoing look.
- Secure the braid with bobby pins on the other side near your ear.
- Repeat steps three through six with the hair on the other side of your part.
- As you wrap the second braid around your head, carefully work your fingers up through the first braid, so you can grab the end of the second braid pulling it down through the hole.
- Secure the braid with bobby pins.
3. Easy, Wrapped-up Waves
Bright wraps and wavy hair are the epitome of spring, and this bohemian look can be done the day before. Not only does the accessory add interest to your outfit, it also helps keep your hair out of your face on windy days.
What you’ll need
- Hair ties
- Headwrap
- Bobby pins
Directions
- Before bed, divide your damp hair into six sections and make six tight braids.
- Secure the end of each braid with a hair tie.
- In the morning, unravel the braids for soft waves and finger-comb them to your desire.
- Take the headwrap and place it on your head, carefully pulling it past your hairline and onto your forehead.
- If the headwrap feels loose, secure the back of it to your head with the bobby pins.
4. Braided Pompadour
This easy hairstyle is great when you don’t have time to wash your hair and you just want to keep it out of your face. You can also try it on days you don’t feel like heading to class looking like Plain Jane—we all have those days (ours are usually on Mondays!).
What you’ll need
- Hair spray
- Bobby pins
- Hair tie
- Comb
Directions
- Use the comb to tease the crown of your head. This will add more volume to the braid.
- Lightly mist the section with some hair spray to tame the frizz. We recommend Nexxus’s Frizz Defy Frizz Protection Hair Spray ($11.99).
- Starting from your hairline, French braid the entire section straight back. This braid is simple to achieve: divide the hair into three sections and braid them with the outside pieces alternating over the inside piece. Add new hair to each outside piece as you go.
- Keep the French braid loose for more volume.
- End the braid at the center of your head and secure it with two criss-crossing bobby pins.
- Pull the rest of your hair into a messy bun and secure it with a hair tie.
5. Low Retro Chignon
This retro-inspired hairstyle is perfect for the work environment. It’s conservative yet more interesting than a boring bun. Rock this during your internship or to your next interview, and you’re sure to leave a lasting (and stylish!) impression.
What you’ll need
- Bobby pins
- Hair serum
- Brush
Directions
- Divide your hair into two sections, parting your hair near the top of your ears.
- Apply a hair serum to tame flyaways. We recommend ORGANIX’s Nourishing Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum ($7.99).
- Lightly brush the hair from the top section, sweeping it to the back.
- Taking large sections near your ears, twist the sides and pin them to the center of your crown. This creates a decorative band above the chignon.
- Gather the rest of your hair into a low ponytail and twist the length of your hair.
- Take the twisted hair and wrap it around the base of the ponytail.
- Secure the entire twist with bobby pins.
6. Rope Braid Updo
Try this glammed-up style on your next girls’ night out. It’s not as complicated as it looks!
What you’ll need
- Pomade
- Hair spray
- Bobby pins
- Curling iron
- Blow-dryer
- Heat protectant
Directions
- Blow-dry your hair and pull it into a bun for five minutes. This allows the hair to cool without getting too flat.
- Take some pomade and massage it into your roots for added texture.
- Mist your hair with heat protectant and leave it for 10 minutes. This allows your hair to fully absorb the product for the best results. We recommend CHI’s 44 Iron Guard ($14.50).
- Taking the curling iron, curl your hair to your preference.
- Do a rope braid on each side of your head, pinning the ends at the base.
- Pull your remaining hair to one side and twist it, pinning it in place as you go.
- Tuck the ends under the twist and secure them with bobby pins.
- Gently pull on the braids for more volume.
- Finish with hair spray.
7. The Margaery Tyrell
Calling all Game of Thrones fanatics! Channel the ambitious queen-to-be with this simple, rustic ‘do. This look is perfect for date night.
What you’ll need
- Bobby pins
- Pomade
- Hair ties
Directions
- Apply pomade to your damp hair and make a large braid. Do this at least two hours before you intend to wear this style. We recommend Got2b’s Playful Weightless Crème Pomade ($6.49).
- When your hair is dry, unravel the braid for loose waves.
- Take the top front section of your hair near your left ear and twist it away from your face to the back of your head.
- Pin the twist in place with a bobby pin and repeat on the right side.
- Take a larger section from the left side of your temple and twist it back.
- Pin it below the first twist and repeat on the other side.
- Take the two sections on the left side and make a ponytail with the ends using a hair tie.
- Repeat on the other side.
Say bye-bye to boring ‘dos and hello to hair heaven with these chic spring looks! Complete your makeover with a fresh face and you’ll be totally spring-ready!