Mom hairstyles on busy days are lifesavers—easy, quick and stylish solutions that help moms look great with minimal effort. Let’s be real—being a mom is a full-time job. It doesn’t take you having great hair to spend hours creating it. The quickest styles are usually the best-looking ones, especially if you have your go-to perfect styles. Whether you’re heading to a casual meeting, working at home, or simply getting it done around the house, a basic hairstyle can come a long way in helping you look and feel better.
Here, you’ll find 20 quick and simple mom-friendly hairstyles that are chic, convenient, and low-maintenance. No specialist equipment or know-how required—just straightforward solutions for everyday life. From messy buns and low ponytails to braids and headband tricks, these looks are perfect for those mornings when you’re desperate to look fresh without spending an eternity in the mirror.
These hairstyles work for all hair types and lengths, so you’ll find something that suits you. Ready to spend less time on your hair and still feel great? Let’s dive into the easiest hairstyles every mom should know.
The Classic Messy Bun
The messy bun is a lifesaver when you need an effortless, quick do. Simply pull your hair up into a high ponytail, wrap it loosely around the base, and secure it with a hair tie or bobby pins. Don’t worry about a few stray and uneven strands here and there—the irregularities make the style charming. The look works well to keep hair away from your face and neck and is perfect for nutty-crazy busy days or a laid-back-but-not-completely-unkempt day.
Low Ponytail with Twist
Low ponytail doesn’t have to be boring. To give a fresh twist, grab the hair at the back of your head, loosely tie it, and wrap a small strand of hair from the ponytail over the hair band to conceal it. Secure the end using a bobby pin. This simple trick instantly takes your ponytail to a stylish level without exerting extra effort.
The One-Minute Top Knot
Rushing? Try the one-minute top knot. Catch the hair back into a high ponytail, twist it tightly, and wrap around the base of your head to form a knot. Secure with an elastic or pins. For texture, tuck out sections to slacken the knot slightly. It’s stylish, keeps the hair out of your face, and takes less than a minute to accomplish.
Sleek Low Bun
Brush hair back tidily and sweep it into a low ponytail. Twist the ponytail tightly and wind it into a bun at the nape of your neck. Secure with bobby pins and hold stray hairs in place using a bit of hair serum or hairspray. It’s perfect for work meetings and events.
Headband Hack
If your hair is oily or flat, a headband is a lifesaver. Use a wide strip of cloth or elastic headband, slide it over your hair, and brush loose strands behind it. You can headband forward slightly for a retro effect or wear it against your hairline for a smooth look. This is a speed fix to lift your hair without washing or styling.
The Lazy Day Side Braid
Side braids are easy and suitable for all hair types. Brush the hair to one side and start a simple three-strand braid close to the ear. End with a small elastic. Leave it messy or fix it up according to your personality. This look is perfect for working with hair on busy days and has a soft, feminine touch.
Half-Up, Half-Down Knot
This style combines the best of two worlds—hair out of your face but not yet up. Take half of your hair and coil it into a small knot or bun on top, pinning or securing with a small elastic. Leave the rest of your hair loose for an easy but intentional look. It’s ideal for those days when you want a boost but don’t have time to do a full-on.
Quick French Braid for Busy Moms
French braids can be intimidating, but a speedy, easy version is perfect for stressed-out mums. Start braiding from the crown of your head, taking small sections of hair as you go down. Secure with an elastic, and you’re good to go. The style keeps hair from the face and looks cool enough for school drop-off or supermarket shopping.
The 2-Minute Claw Clip Updo
Claw clips are making a comeback big time—and they should be! Take your hair into a messy ponytail or twist, and secure it with a large claw clip. Leave some loose strands for extra softness or pull everything towards the center for a neat look. This style is easy, quick, and perfect for those days when you don’t want to bother with your hair.
Twist-and-Pin Low Roll
To achieve a clean yet upscale look, try the twist-and-pin low roll. Part your hair to one side, twist the heavier side towards the back of your neck, and pin using bobby pins. Repeat on the other side if you like, and tuck and pin wayward strands. This is such a simple style and great for work or daily activities.
Heatless Beach Waves
Too busy for heat styling? No worries. To achieve effortless beach waves without using a curling iron, braid your hair when it is slightly damp before bedtime. In the morning, release the braids and run your fingers through your waves. For added hold, spray with a dollop of sea salt spray or light hairspray. This look provides volume and texture with no heat damage.
Double Buns
Double buns are playful and perfect for giving you (and your hair!) a pick-me-up on hectic days. Split your hair down the middle and create two high ponytails. Twist them into buns and secure with elastics and pins. Depending on your style, you can wear the buns tight and neat or messy. It’s a wonderful way to keep hair out of the way and add some personality.
Fast Flat Iron Flip
With a little extra time, it can give your hair a whole new look, through fast flat iron flips. Using your flat iron you can smooth your hair quickly and then flick the ends of your hair out or in for a subtle flip of style. An extremely easy way to add bounce and shape to straight hair without hours of styling.
High Pony with Volume
A high ponytail is classic, but volume takes it to a whole other level. Start by lightly teasing the crown for added volume, then brush the top over the teased area and secure your hair high on your head. You can even wrap a small section of hair around the elastic for a finished look. This is a great way to keep hair out of your face without sacrificing energy.
Easy Braided Crown
Add a romantic flair with an easy braided crown. Gather small amounts of hair on either side of your head and braid them towards the back. Pin or use a small elastic band where they intersect. Leave the rest of your hair down or put it in a low ponytail. This look will make you feel glamorous, but is quite simple to achieve.
Sock Bun Mom Hairstyles-Nothing-Fails
The sock bun is the easiest method for achieving a perfectly plump, fluffy bun with minimal effort. Cut the toe off a clean sock, roll it into a doughnut shape, and place it at the base of your ponytail. Distribute your hair evenly over the sock and tuck it under the ends- voila.
Side Swept Curls Using a Curling Wand
If you want a bit of glamour but need it in a flash, try side-swept curls. Take medium sections of hair and curl them away from your face with a curling wand. Sweep all the curls over to one side and pin loosely in place if needed. This creates volume and softness and can be dressed for special occasions or worn daily.
Styling Gel Wet Look
For a smooth, contemporary look, the wet look is edgy and simple. Apply a lot of styling gel to damp or dry hair, combing it back neatly and allowing it to set. You can wear this style by leaving all your hair down or pulling it into a low ponytail or bun. This is an edgy look, keeps hair manageable, and only takes minutes.
Lazy Day Baseball Cap + Braid Combo
For those days when you want zero fuss, grab a baseball cap and pair it with a braid. Braid your hair down one side or try a low ponytail braid. The cap hides messy roots and the braid keeps everything neat. The combo is perfect for outdoor activities or running errands on the run.
Chic Scarf Tie
This is a very easy method of transforming your appearance without consuming much time and adding that oomph to a casual look. It is very suitable for moms since it will add a splash of color or pattern while keeping hair away from face and out of the way. You may choose to use a lightweight silk or cotton scarf based on season and hair type.