8 Simple Ways To Style Your Hair That Still Look Chic

We've all had days when we're running late and only have time to toss our hair into a quick ponytail as we run out the door. Or perhaps you're just super low-maintenance and don't want to bother with an elaborate hairdo every day. As we get older, time becomes more precious, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't treat ourselves to chic looks. Even the basic pony can be jazzed up quickly with minimal effort.

Of course, it doesn't hurt to have some hair styling tools on hand. You probably have a bunch of hair ties and scrunchies, but some fancy claw clips and bobby pins are useful to keep your strands in place. Hairspray and smoothing serum are also useful, so make sure you have those in your arsenal as well. With the following tips and a few supplies, we guarantee you'll become a master at styling your hair in a matter of seconds.

Half ponytails are a great option when you want to wear your hair down but keep it away from your face. However, if you want to add a bit of flair, incorporate a couple of twists into yours. Simply secure the top part of your hair with an elastic band and create a hole right above the band with your finger. Then, loop your ponytail into the hole and gently pull it down, while tightening the elastic a bit to get it close to the base. Voilà! You've instantly upgraded the half-up, half-down style for a salon-worthy look. Bonus — this method works on full ponytails as well.

If you want a romantic hair look to try for Valentine's Day, a long braid featuring a silk scarf will have your beau swooning. Choose a scarf with a color that's not too close to your hair shade so that it stands out. One with a pretty print, like MEISEE's red floral scarf, is especially fitting for February. Make a low pony, being sure to free some face-framing strands, and then pull one end of the scarf through your hair tie until the ends are even. Holding the scarf with both hands, start making a braid until you've reached the bottom, then tie the end with another elastic band.

One simple tip to fake a voluminous ponytail if you have fine hair is to fluff it up with some bubbles. This style looks best with a super high ponytail that starts at the crown of your head. After you've secured your hair, use small clear elastic bands like these Goody hair ties to section out the rest of your ponytail along the length, while gently pulling each section to create a bubble. If you're feeling daring, you can even split your ponytail into two sections for a high-fashion effect.

Updos don't always have to be elaborate to look elegant, as long as you have some eye-catching accessories. Large claw clips are a staple that everyone should have in their beauty bag, but don't just invest in practical plastic ones. To give your 'do an elevated look, choose one in a glitzy gold color, such as Mehayi's fun-shaped metal claw clips. For a simple yet stylish chignon, twist your hair at the base of your neck in an upward direction, then clip the claw over it. Bend the remainder of your hair down toward the right side and secure the ends with a few bobby pins.

Need a fun festival 'do that'll hold up to the desert heat as you dance the night away? Look no further than half-up pigtail buns. This style is especially great if you want to combat common curly hair problems like frizz and dryness. After you split your hair down the middle and create two buns, smooth down flyaways with a blast of hairspray. For an extra cute touch, clip on a pair of butterfly barrettes for a throwback Y2K look.

Messy buns are one of everyone's go-to styles, but for a more elevated look, try rocking a super simple braided bun instead. It'll have more staying power than a loose top knot while boosting your hairstyle. All you need to do is tie your hair into a ponytail and create two same-sized braids. Tie the braids into a knot at the top, secure it with bobby pins, and then tie another knot under the bun. Tuck in the loose ends with more pins, and your elegant updo is complete.

Adorning your head with a silk scarf is a classic way to spruce up your hair. Audrey Hepburn and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis were particularly known for their love of head scarves, with both favoring styles by Hermès. You don't have to spend hundreds on a head scarf to look chic though — try a lookalike with a vintage pattern, like Dailyacc's equestrian silk scarf, or ANDANTINO's orange chain scarf. There are a myriad of ways to wear these accessories: fold yours into a triangle and knot it at the nape of your neck, or roll the scarf and use it as a headband. The options are unlimited!

Those with classic bob haircuts are limited to fewer styles than folks with medium to long locks, so a slicked-back style is the perfect answer to achieving an effortless evening look. You need to start with damp hair, followed by a generous dollop of gel or other product, like L'Oreal's Slick Back Cream. Using a large flat brush and a blow dryer, work your strands away from your face toward the back of your head until they're completely dry. Keep your hair in place with hairspray, because you don't want to mess up your handiwork, even if it only took five minutes.