16 cute hairstyles with guides that you can do easily at home

Let’s chat about cute hairstyles that are good enough for any event—whether you’re heading to school, attending a wedding, or capturing travel photos. The best part about cute hairstyles is that they’re incredibly simple and can suit anyone, from kids to bridesmaids. And the cherry on top? They don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.

Take the classic ponytail with a twist, for example. This is a go-to for many of us because it’s so simple yet stylish. All you need to do is pull your hair into a ponytail, and then take a small section of hair and wrap it around the hair tie to conceal it. Voilà! In just a few minutes, you’ve got a polished look that’s applied for any casual or semi-formal occasion.

I’m excited to share a variety of cute hairstyles that are both easy to create and look amazing. We’ll explore everything from long, cascading styles to chic, short cuts, and we won’t forget about special looks for black girls. Let’s get started and find a cute hairstyle that you’ll absolutely love.

Cute hairstyles for short hair

Short hair can be incredibly cute and fun to style! Here are four adorable hairstyles for short hair, complete with detailed step-by-step instructions to help you achieve each look.

Messy bun

The messy bun is a go-to for a cute and casual look, even with short hair.

How to do it:

• Gather all your hair into a high ponytail. It doesn’t have to be perfect; a bit of messiness adds to the charm.
• Twist the ponytail around itself to form a bun.
• Secure the bun with bobby pins. Since your hair is short, you might need a few extra pins to hold everything in place.
• Slightly pull a few strands loose around your face and the bun to create a relaxed, effortless vibe.
• Add a spritz of hairspray.

Half-up top knot

Half style can keep your hair out of your face while still looking stylish.

Simple steps:

• Section off the top half of your hair, starting from above your ears.
• Gather this section into a small ponytail at the crown of your head.
• Twist the ponytail around the base to form a knot.
• Secure the knot with a small hair tie or a few bobby pins.
• Leave the rest of your hair down, and if you want, you can add a bit of wave or curl to the loose hair for extra texture.

Braided headband

A braided headband is an adorable way to add some flair to short hair.

Guides:

• Part your hair to one side.
• Take a small section of hair from the front of the part, near your forehead.
• Braid this section tightly, pulling in small pieces of hair as you go along to create a French braid effect.
• Continue braiding until you reach just behind your ear.
• Secure the end of the braid with a small, clear elastic band.
• Tuck the braid behind your ear and pin it in place with a bobby pin.
• Fluff up the rest of your hair to blend the braid into the rest of your style.

Sleek side part

For a chic and polished look, try a side part.

Simple guides:

• Freshly washed and dried hair.
• Apply a small amount of smoothing serum or styling cream to your hair to tame any frizz and add shine.
• Create a deep side part using a fine-tooth comb.
• Use a flat iron to straighten your hair, working in small sections for a super sleek finish.
• Tuck the hair on the smaller side of the part behind your ear.
• Secure the tucked hair with a bobby pin or a decorative hair clip for a touch of sparkle.
• Use a light mist of hairspray.

Cute hairstyles for long hair

These cute hairstyles for long hair are not only stylish but also easy to create. You can easily do those long, cute hairstyles with guides.

Fishtail braid

The fishtail braid is a beautiful and intricate style that looks complicated but is surprisingly easy to do.

Tutorial:

• Brush your hair to remove any tangles.
• Gather your hair into a low ponytail and secure it with a clear elastic band.
• Split the ponytail into two equal sections.
• Take a small piece of hair from the outer edge of the left section and cross it over to the right section.
• Repeat this process on the right side, taking a small piece of hair and crossing it over to the left section.
• Continue alternating sides, taking small pieces and crossing them over, until you reach the end of your hair.
• Secure the braid with another clear elastic band.
• Tug at the braid to loosen it and create a fuller look.
• Remove the elastic band at the top of the braid to finish the style.

Half-up flower bun

This romantic and feminine style is perfect for weddings, proms, or any special occasion.

Guides:

• Take a small section of hair from each side of your head, near your temples.
• Pull these sections back and secure them together at the back of your head with a small elastic band.
• Twist the secured section of hair into a bun shape.
• Secure the bun with bobby pins, making sure it feels secure.
• To create the flower effect, gently pull small sections of the bun outward to create “petals.”
• Use a bit of hairspray to hold the shape in place.
• Put small decorative pins or flowers around the bun for an extra touch of elegance.

Bubble ponytail

The bubble ponytail is a fun and playful style that’s perfect for a casual day out or a playful event.

Tutorials:

• Brush to remove any tangles and gather it into a high ponytail. Secure it with a hair tie.
• About 2-3 inches down from the base of the ponytail, wrap another hair tie around the ponytail.
• Just tug at the section of hair between the two hair ties to create a “bubble.”
• Repeat this process down the length of the ponytail, adding hair ties every 2-3 inches and creating bubbles between each tie.
• Once you reach the end of your hair, give the entire ponytail a final tug to loosen and define the bubbles.
• For an extra touch, wrap a small piece of hair around each hair tie to hide them and secure it with a bobby pin.

Cute hairstyles for school

Here are adorable hairstyles that will keep you looking stylish while being practical for a busy school day.

Double dutch braids

Double Dutch braids are cute enough for keeping your hair neat and out of your face all day long.

Guides:

• Part down the middle, creating two equal sections.
• Take one section and begin braiding from the front, near your forehead.
• Divide this section into three smaller sections and start a Dutch braid (a reverse French braid where you cross the strands under each other).
• Continue braiding down the side of your head, adding more hair into the braid as you go along.
• Once you reach the nape of your neck, continue with a regular braid until you reach the end of your hair and secure it with an elastic band.
• Repeat the process on the other side.
• To finish, pull apart the braids a little.

Half-up ponytail with a bow

This hairstyle is super cute and takes only a few minutes to put together.

Simple steps:

• Remove any tangles via brushing.
• Take a section of hair from each side of your head, starting from just above your ears.
• Pull these sections back and secure them together with a hair tie at the back of your head, creating a half-up ponytail.
• Take a small piece of hair from the ponytail and wrap it around the hair tie to hide it, securing it with a bobby pin.
• Add a cute bow or hair accessory just above the hair tie for a playful touch.

Messy top knot

The messy top knot is a go-to for busy mornings when you want to look effortlessly cute.

Simple guides:

• Gather into a high ponytail on the top of your head.
• Twist the ponytail around itself to form a bun.
• Secure the bun with a hair tie or a few bobby pins.
• Tug at the bun and pull out a few strands around your face to give it a messy, relaxed look.
• If you have any flyaways, tame them with a bit of hairspray or a small amount of styling cream.

Cute hairstyles for black girls

In this part, review some of the best cute curly hairstyles for black girls.

Two-strand twists

Two-strand twists are a timeless and protective style that looks adorable and helps keep your hair healthy.

Simple guides:

• Wash and condition hair. Then, detangle hair.
• Divide into small sections. The smaller the sections, the more twists you will have.
• Take one section and split it into two equal parts.
• Twist the two parts around each other from the roots to the ends.
• Secure the end of each twist with a small rubber band if needed.
• Repeat the process until all of your hair is twisted.
• Leave the twists hanging down or gather them into a cute updo or ponytail.

High puff

The high puff is a quick and easy hairstyle that highlights your natural curls and looks super cute.

How to do:

• Dry, stretch, or slightly damp.
• Gather your hair up towards the top of your head as if you are making a high ponytail.
• Use a hair tie, scrunchie, or even a stretchy headband to secure the hair in place, creating a puff.
• Fluff out the puff with your fingers to add volume and shape.
• Smooth down the edges with a bit of gel or edge control for a sleek finish.
• Add a cute hair accessory like a bow or headband for extra flair.

Bantu knots

Bantu knots are a fun and stylish option that also works as a protective style.

How:

• Damp and detangle.
• Divide your hair into small sections. The smaller the sections, the more knots you will have.
• Take one section and twist it tightly from the roots to the ends.
• Wrap the twisted section around itself to form a small knot, securing it close to the scalp.
• Use a bobby pin or small elastic band to hold the knot in place if needed.
• Repeat the process until all of your hair is in knots.
• You can wear the Bantu knots as a style on their own, or unravel them after a few days for a beautiful twist-out look.

Cute braided hairstyles

Want to know cute braid hairstyles? Read this part.

Dutch braids (Double braids)

Dutch braids, also known as inverted French braids, are a stylish and practical option that looks great on everyone.

Step-by-step guide:

• Part down the middle to create two equal sections.
• Take one section and begin braiding from the front, near your forehead.
• Divide this section into three smaller sections and start a Dutch braid (a reverse French braid where you cross the strands under each other).
• Continue braiding down the side of your head, adding more hair into the braid as you go along.
• Once you reach the nape of your neck, continue with a regular braid until you reach the end of your hair and secure it with an elastic band.
• Repeat the process on the other side.
• Pull apart the braids to make them look fuller and more relaxed.

Fishtail braid

The fishtail braid is a beautiful and intricate style that looks complicated but is surprisingly easy to do.

How to do it:

• Remove any tangles by brushing.
• Gather into a low ponytail and secure it with a clear elastic band.
• Split the ponytail into two equal sections.
• Take a small piece of hair from the outer edge of the left section and cross it over to the right section.
• Repeat this process on the right side, taking a small piece of hair and crossing it over to the left section.
• Continue alternating sides, taking small pieces and crossing them over, until you reach the end of your hair.
• Secure the braid with another clear elastic band.
• Gently tug at the braid to loosen it and create a fuller look.
• Remove the elastic band at the top of the braid to finish the style.

Crown braid

The crown braid is an elegant and regal hairstyle that’s perfect for special occasions or when you want to feel like a princess.

Guides:

• Part down the middle to make 2 equal sections.
• Take a small section of hair near your left ear and begin braiding it, adding more hair as you go along to form a French braid.
• Braid around the head, following the hairline, and continue adding hair until you reach the back of your head.
• Secure the braid with a small elastic band and repeat the process on the right side.
• Take both braids and wrap them around the top of your head, crossing them over each other to form a crown.
• Pin the ends of the braids in place with bobby pins, tucking them under the braids to hide them.
• Pull at the braids to make them look fuller and more even.
• Add a light mist of hairspray to hold everything in place.

The bottom line

We’ve explored some categories of cute hairstyles: long hair, short hair, styles for black girls, and braided hairstyles. Each category offers unique and adorable options to suit different conditions. If you didn’t find a hairstyle that feels just right for you, I encourage you to explore the other categories. Sometimes, inspiration can come from the most unexpected places, and you might find a long hair style that you can adapt for short hair or a braided style that works perfectly for your texture.