From accent braids to low ponytail: 14 easy WFH hairstyles that we’re going to be wearing forever

Among the many things that have taken a backseat in 2020 are our work wardrobe (loungewear FTW!), bra, makeup, and probably our hair.

Sure, we all know a good hair day can make you feel like a million dollars but when your work desk is just 10 steps away from your bed, the chances of you chucking your hair up in a messy bun are higher than spending 45 minutes or more styling your tresses.

But now that WFH seem to likely be a regular programme in our life schedule, we strongly encourage you to take a leaf out of the following tastemakers’ books for quick and easy hairstyle inspirations that you can have fun with.

Because let’s face it, if you spend a few extra minutes styling your locks instead of throwing it into a messy bun, you may just feel better while working from home and attending all those Zoom meetings.

So go on, keep scrolling to check out our round-up of 14 top hairstyles you can easily whip up for high-payoff looks with minimal effort.

Psst… If you’re up for it, give yourself an instant mood boost with some chic manicure ideas inspired by Pantone’s 2021 Colours of the Year!

1. Easy WFH hairstyle: Low ponytail

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For the perfect “business in the front, party in the back” look, you can’t go wrong with a slick low pony combined with curls like the one Netflix’s Dear White People star Logan Browning sports. While things are super slick in the front, the party comes alive at the back with full, defined curls.

Or, put a romantic twist to it à la Blackpink’s Rosé‘s tousled low pony. The key here is to make sure that your hair isn’t pulled too tightly and to make it look more effortless, pull a couple of random sections of hair at the crown or behind the ear to frame the face.

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2. Easy WFH hairstyle: Barely-there waves

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Beachy waves that scream “I woke up like this” are always the rage, and this hairstyle is surprisingly easy to achieve too. Starting from slightly below the crown, just haphazardly run a straightener or curler through your strands for wispy waves and you’ll basically be the ultimate It-girl on your next Zoom call.

3. Easy WFH hairstyle: Padded headband

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Sometimes, the easiest way to transform your hair is by simply adding an accessory, and what could be easier than padded headbands? First seen at Prada’s Spring 2019 runway show, these headbands differ from the usual thin variants that we’re accustomed to, as they create the illusion of volume and also exude a more regal feel (in case you didn’t know, it’s Kate Middleton-approved!).

Another bonus? Padded headbands look good on both straight locks and tousled waves, as seen on South Korean actress Lee Sung Kyung.

4. Easy WFH hairstyle: Low bun

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We’re not sure about you, but the low-bun style that Killing Eve star Jodie Comer dons just has something sophisticated about it – it’s neat, simple, and interesting all at once. Tip: Be sure to tuck in any flyaways before securing the hairstyle slightly above the nape of the neck.

What’s even better about the low bun: you don’t have to hide your hair tie if that’s your prerogative. Bun it up with your favourite scrunchie and you’re good to go!

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5. Easy WFH hairstyle: Bandana headband

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Whether you like it or not, retro styles are totally making a comeback recently and bandana hairstyle is one of them. We’re not complaining though, as rocking a slightly folded bandana can totally change the vibe of your look. Just take a look at how Blackpink’s Lisa did it: it’s classic yet cool at the same time.

You don’t want to just slap on a bandana and be done with it though – give your hair some volume by slightly teasing the crown with a teasing comb and hairspray before wrapping the bandana around your head.

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6. Easy WFH hairstyle: Textured waves

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Singer-songwriter IU’s ethereal, textured waves are what we’d usually get when we’re vacationing at Bali, but just because that’s not possible now doesn’t mean you can’t recreate the style at home.

Reach for a texturising cream or spray and apply onto damp hair, beginning from the roots to the ends. Then, twist or braid hair and secure with a hair elastic. Once your hair dries, remove the elastic and scrunch your undone hair with your fingers to define the waves and add body.

Alternatively, you can try this overnight hack by Hollywood hairstylist Justine Marjan that we discovered recently: using socks to achieve supermodel-worthy curls while you sleep! Hey, if it works…

7. Easy WFH hairstyle: Half-up, half-down

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The half-up, half-down style has always been one of the easiest styles around, but just because it’s simple in nature doesn’t mean it has to look basic.

Take a note from American actress Gabrielle Union and gather a large section of hair into a top knot – you can even let a few pieces hang out the front for an edgier vibe.

For the maximalist, feel free to go ahead and accessorise your half-up, half-down look with claw clips, scrunchies, bows, beads, and jewels for the finishing touch.

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8. Easy WFH hairstyle: Accent braids

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For a low-maintenance hairstyle, it doesn’t get much better than the accent braids seen on Red Velvet’s Joy.

Also popular among social media influencers and models, you can easily recreate this look by taking two tiny sections of hair at the front on each side, and plait them in the usual three-strand style.

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9. Easy WFH hairstyle: High ponytail

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For 2021, give your ponytail an update by bringing it to the top of your crown as demonstrated by Jennifer Lopez. For a polished look, wrap a strand of hair around your hair tie and you’ll get yourself a red-carpet look for living-room meetings.

And as evidenced by What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim star Park Min Young, the gravity-defying ‘do works great for super casual ensembles too!

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10. Easy WFH hairstyle: Claw clip updo

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The humble claw clip has been one of the It hair accessories in 2020, and truthfully, it’s going to stick around for a while thanks to its easy wearability.

Whether it’s a slicked-back bun or a breezy half-updo, you can count on a beautiful claw clip to instantly fix a bad hair day and make any outfit look super chic than your usual messy bun.

11. Easy WFH hairstyle: Low braid

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The look of choice for singer-actress Krystal Jung is a low side braid that is not only cute but also functional, especially when you want an easy way to look cool.

But if you’re working this style on second day hair, do massage a generous amount of dry shampoo into the roots to add volume first so that your locks will not appear greasy and limp.

The thrown-to-the-side low braid can also look slick, as Kim Kardashian proves. For this look, pull your hair tight and sleek to the back before plaiting them on the side. Oh, and feel free to get creative with your baby hairs (if you have them).

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12. Easy WFH hairstyle: Braided top knot

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Besides messy buns, top knots have probably been in your go-to arsenal since WFH started – it’s definitely been ours.

So, why don’t you take a cue from Zendaya and jazz it up by braiding the ponytail? And after securing said ponytail into a bun, loosen up the braid a little, and pull out a few pieces here and there for an effortless-but-chic look.

13. Easy WFH hairstyle: Subtle barrettes

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If claw clips are too clunky for you, consider the pretty barrettes that are a firm favourite among starlets like Lucy Hale and Kim Sae-Ron. To make this hairstyle look sophisticated rather than childish, pin a small section of hair back to accentuate your features while showing off the length and texture of your hair.

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14. Easy WFH hairstyle: Slick and wet

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While those with short hair do take half the time to get ready, you can switch up the low-maintenance length by going for the wet look like model Hailey Baldwin did here.

Dampen – not wet – hair a little and slick it down and back before tucking hair behind the ears. Finish with a touch of gel to lock strands in place.