As a salon stylist with over a decade of experience, I’ve curated 20 quick weave hairstyles for women that marry speed with salon-finished polish. These looks are perfect for busy professionals, moms, students, and anyone who wants low-effort glamour without sacrificing hair health. From sleek ponytails and effortless buns to quick box-braid and half-up styles, each option works with common weave techniques and a variety of textures and lengths. In this gallery I show step-by-step visuals and smart shortcuts — ideal for newly installed extensions or older weaves that need a refresh. My top styling tips: prep your leave-out with a light moisturizer, use heat protectant before hot tools, secure weaves with gentle edges gel or thread, and choose protective updos to reduce daily manipulation. Follow the image numbers to recreate each look quickly at home or bring them to your stylist for a precision finish.
Half‑Up Curly Ponytail with Cornrowed Front and Sleek Baby Hairs
This half-up curly ponytail pairs soft, defined curls with two or three small cornrows at the crown and sleek laid edges — ideal for naturally wavy to coily textures (3A–4A) and for clients using curly clip‑in pony extensions. Technique: section the top into neat cornrows or flat twists toward the crown, secure them into a high half‑up pony, then blend the remaining hair (natural or extended) into a voluminous curly ponytail. Smooth the perimeter with a light gel and an edge brush to lay baby hairs. Tools: rat‑tail comb, sectioning clips, fine tooth comb, soft bristle brush, elastic bands, bobby pins, spray bottle and diffuser (optional). Products: leave‑in conditioner, curl cream or mousse, medium‑hold gel/edge control, heat protectant (if using heat), lightweight oil or serum and a light hairspray. Difficulty: moderate — requires basic braiding skills and tension awareness to protect edges; allow 30–60 minutes depending on length/extensions. Maintenance tips: sleep on a satin bonnet or pillowcase, refresh curls with water + leave‑in or curl refresher, avoid heavy buildup, and redo edges or tighten the pony after 1–2 weeks for neatness.
Deep Side-Swept Glam Curls — Long Voluminous Waves
A polished, deep side-swept style that pairs a smooth, sleek crown with large, glossy S-curls. Suitable for natural (stretched), relaxed or chemically straightened hair, and ideal when created with long extensions or a sew-in — medium to thick textures show the best body; fine hair can still achieve this look with root-lifting products and lightweight padding. Start with a thorough cleanse and conditioning, then blow-dry smooth with a round brush (or do a quick silk-press with a flat iron). Create a defined deep side part, section hair, and form curls using a 1¼–1½ inch curling iron or hot rollers; pin each curl to cool for maximum longevity. Tools: blow dryer with nozzle, round brush, flat iron, curling iron/hot rollers, clips, bobby pins and a tail comb. Products: heat protectant, lightweight styling mousse or root lifter, smoothing serum or cream, flexible-hold hairspray and edge-control gel. Difficulty: moderate — salon-level results require sectioning, heat control and setting time. Maintenance: sleep on a silk scarf or pillowcase, rewrap or use flexi-rods to refresh curls, avoid daily heat, touch up the part and edges with a flat iron, and deep-condition weekly to preserve shine and elasticity.
Crown Halo Braid Updo for Natural and Curly Hair
Crown halo braids are ideal for 3A–4C textured hair and suit medium to long lengths; they also work on straighter hair when prepped smooth or with added feed‑in extensions for volume. Technique: create a Dutch/French braid along the hairline, incorporating hair as you go and wrapping it around the head to form a continuous crown. Secure ends with small elastics, tuck and pin with strong bobby pins, then gently pancake the braid to widen and soften the look. Tools needed: rat‑tail comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, plenty of bobby/U‑pins, edge brush and a wide‑tooth comb. Products required: lightweight leave‑in conditioner, curl cream or smoothing pomade for control, edge control for baby hairs, light oil or shine spray, and a flexible‑hold hairspray for long wear. Difficulty level: intermediate — a trained stylist can finish in 30–60 minutes; beginners may take longer. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk scarf or bonnet, refresh edges weekly, re‑pin any loosening sections, apply a light scalp oil as needed, avoid heavy buildup, and expect the style to last 1–3 weeks with proper care.
Chunky Two-Strand Twists on Natural Hair with Defined Edges
This look is ideal for natural, coily and curly textures (3A–4C) with medium to high density and medium to long length. Start on clean, detangled hair that’s lightly damp. Section hair with a rat-tail comb into large panels, apply a moisturizing leave-in, then a cream or butter-based twisting product to each section. Two-strand twist each panel, keeping tension even for a polished, chunky result; finish edges with a small amount of edge control gel and smooth with a boar-bristle brush. Tools you’ll need: wide-tooth comb, rat-tail comb, duckbill clips, microfiber towel or t-shirt, and hair ties or clips; optional hooded dryer or diffuser to speed drying. Recommended products: hydrating leave-in, twisting cream or butter, light oil (jojoba/argan) for shine, and edge control. Difficulty is low-to-medium — the technique is straightforward but takes time (30–60 minutes) depending on size. Maintenance: sleep with a satin bonnet or scarf, refresh with a water/leave-in mist and light oil, re-twist any loose sections, and avoid heavy products to prevent buildup. With gentle care, chunky twists can last 1–3 weeks.
Textured Half-Up High Pony with Loose Waves — Natural Curly Style
This elevated half-up high pony suits Type 3 to 4 textures and medium to thick natural hair, as well as those using textured clip-in extensions for added length. Start on damp, detangled hair: apply a leave-in conditioner and a curl-defining cream, then create a clean top section for the high pony, leaving the lower length loose. Smooth the crown with a soft brush or gel for hold; optional small flat-twists or cornrows at the front add structure and reduce bulk. Secure the top section with a strong elastic and conceal with a wrapped strand or a small bun. Enhance the loose lengths with a large-barrel wand or diffuser for soft, separated waves and finish by defining a few face-framing pieces and baby hairs with edge control. Tools: wide-tooth comb, soft bristle brush, tail comb, elastic bands, bobby pins, large-barrel wand or diffuser. Products: leave-in conditioner, curl cream or mousse, edge gel, light oil/serum, flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate — requires sectioning and smoothing technique. Maintenance: pineapple at night under a satin bonnet, refresh with water + curl cream spray, re-smooth edges as needed, and deep-condition weekly to retain elasticity and shine.
Side Dutch & Cornrow Braids Flowing Into a Chunky Textured Braid
This look suits medium to very thick, textured hair (natural, wavy or curly). Start with clean, detangled hair and a light leave-in conditioner to reduce frizz. Create two or three side cornrows/Dutch braids along the scalp, feeding hair back and combining the braid tails into one large three-strand or fishtail braid. Use the pancaking technique (gently pull braid edges outward) to create the chunky, textured finish seen here. Tools needed: rat-tail comb, wide-tooth comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, hair elastics and bobby pins. Recommended products: lightweight styling mousse or curl cream for definition, medium-hold edge control for baby hairs, a texturizing spray for grip, and a light oil or serum to add shine. Difficulty: Intermediate — expect 30–60 minutes depending on length and thickness; a stylist can speed this up. Maintenance: sleep on a silk scarf or bonnet, reapply a light oil to the scalp every 2–3 days, and refresh edges with a small brush and edge control. To extend wear, avoid heavy buildup and redo the outer cornrows after one week if needed.
Chunky Double Dutch (Boxer) Braids — Thick Braids for Natural Textures
This look suits medium to very textured, curly, or coily hair and works equally well on relaxed or straightened hair when you want long-lasting, low-manipulation style. Technique: start with a clean, detangled sectioned middle part; apply a lightweight leave-in and a smoothing cream. Using a rat-tail comb, create a clean center part and clip sections. Perform a Dutch braid (underhand braid) along each side, adding hair as you go toward the nape, then continue three-strand braiding to the ends. Gently pancake each braid for a fuller, chunky finish. Tools needed: wide-tooth comb, rat-tail comb, sectioning clips, hair elastics, boar-bristle brush for smoothing and a fine-tooth toothbrush or small edge brush. Products required: leave-in conditioner, cream styler or pomade for grip, edge control gel, lightweight oil or serum, optional braid mousse and light-hold spray. Difficulty: moderate — requires confident braiding technique and neat parting; allow 30–60 minutes. Maintenance: sleep on a silk/satin pillow or wrap with a scarf, refresh edges with gel, apply oil to the scalp weekly, and expect to redo or tighten after 1–2 weeks to maintain neatness.
Side-Swept Deep Waves with Cornrowed Side — Long Body-Wave Style
This look pairs deep, side‑swept waves with a neat cornrowed side for a modern, asymmetrical finish. Suitability: ideal for medium to thick natural textures (3A–4A) and relaxed hair when finished with extensions; finer hair can use body‑wave wefts or clip‑ins for the same volume. Technique: braid 3–5 small cornrows from the temple toward the crown to anchor one side, leave the rest of the hair out and create large, defined waves by wrapping hair or pre-styled wefts around a large‑barrel curling wand or rollers. Blend natural hair with extensions at the part, sweep the waves across the face and set with light mist. Smooth baby hairs with short strokes of edge control for a polished frame. Tools needed: tail comb, rat‑tail comb, sectioning clips, braiding gel, large‑barrel curling wand or rollers, extension needle & thread (for sew‑in) or quality clip‑ins. Products required: hydrating leave‑in, heat protectant, light anti‑frizz oil/serum, medium‑hold hairspray, edge control. Difficulty: medium — requires basic braiding and extension‑blending skills. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk scarf or pillowcase, refresh waves with water + curl cream, avoid heavy oils, and retighten cornrows or reinstall sew‑in every 3–4 weeks.
Side-Swept Cornrow Crown with Loose Hollywood Waves
This asymmetrical style pairs tight cornrows along one side and a voluminous cascade of loose waves on the opposite side — ideal for medium to thick natural textures or relaxed hair with added extensions. Technique: create small-to-medium cornrows starting at the hairline and feed them back into a crown or side pattern, leaving a deliberate leave-out at the part. Blend the remaining length (natural or clip/sew-in extensions) into large, soft S-waves using a 1–1.25 curling wand or deep-wave iron, then pin and cool to set volume. Tools: rat-tail comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, curling wand, heat protectant brush, wide-tooth comb and paddle brush. Products: lightweight heat protectant, smoothing leave-in, flexible-hold mousse for braids, edge control for baby hairs, shine serum or lightweight oil, and flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate — requires confident braiding and heat-styling skills to blend textures seamlessly. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk bonnet or pillowcase, lightly mist and finger-comb waves to refresh, apply braid spray weekly to scalp, retouch edges and cornrows every 2–4 weeks as needed, and avoid heavy oils that weigh waves down.
Double Dutch Braids with Soft Pulled Texture for Thick or Curly Hair
This look suits thick, textured, curly or wavy hair and works best on medium-to-long lengths. Start with detangled, lightly conditioned hair and a clean center part. Create two Dutch (inside-out) braids from the hairline, adding sections as you go; finish each braid with a secure elastic and use a pull-through or pancake technique to gently widen the braid for a soft, voluminous appearance. Tools: rat-tail comb for parting, sectioning clips, paddle or detangling brush, clear elastics, small edge brush, and a blow-dryer with a diffuser if needed. Products: leave-in conditioner or smoothing cream, small amount of gel along the hairline for sleek edges, lightweight oil or serum to add shine, and a light-hold hairspray to lock shape. Difficulty: intermediate — about 30–60 minutes depending on length and texture. Maintenance tips: sleep with a silk or satin scarf or bonnet, refresh edges with a dab of gel, mist scalp and braid with a water + leave-in spray to prevent dryness, and avoid heavy buildup by cleansing scalp gently after 7–10 days. For best results, deep-condition hair before styling.
Textured Feed-In Cornrows into Voluminous Bubble Braid
This look pairs small feed-in cornrows at the hairline with a long, voluminous bubble braid — ideal for thick, long, textured, curly or wavy hair and for clients who want dramatic length (extensions recommended for fine or short hair). Start on clean, detangled hair: create neat feed-in cornrows along the crown or side to anchor the style, gather into a high or mid ponytail, then add braiding or ponytail extensions for fullness. Form the bubble braid by securing elastic bands every 2–3 inches down the length and gently “pancaking” or pulling apart each section to create rounded volume. Tools: rat-tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, soft bristle brush, edge brush, and extension hair or crochet needle if needed. Products: lightweight leave-in conditioner, styling gel or edge control for sleek parts, setting mousse for hold, lightweight oil or serum for shine, and flexible hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate — requires clean parting and comfort with cornrows and extension blending; expect 60–120 minutes. Maintenance: sleep with a satin scarf/bonnet, refresh edges weekly, lightly oil the scalp, avoid heavy buildup, and remove after 4–6 weeks to prevent tension and protect growth.
Side-Swept Sculpted Braids — Textured Dutch to Loose Braid
This look pairs small, sculpted Dutch/French braids along the crown that feed into a large, side-swept loose braid—perfect for natural, curly, coily or wavy hair textures. Start with clean, detangled hair and a defined side part. Create one or two tight Dutch/French rows along the scalp, then transition into a three-strand or rope braid down the side. Pancake (gently pull) the braid sections to enlarge and soften the braid for a lush, textured finish. From salon experience this takes 30–60 minutes depending on thickness. Tools: rattail comb, sectioning clips, small snag-free elastics, bobby pins and a wide-tooth comb. Optional: diffuser or curling iron to add wave before braiding. Products: leave-in conditioner, lightweight styling cream or butter for hold, edge control for smooth hairline, a small amount of hair oil or serum for shine, and light-hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate—requires comfortable braiding tension and pancake technique. Maintenance: sleep with a silk scarf/bonnet, refresh edges daily, apply a light oil to the scalp as needed, and redo or tighten braids after 2–3 weeks to avoid breakage and product buildup.
Long Textured Waves with Side Cornrow Accent
This look suits naturally wavy to curly hair and medium-to-high density textures; it also works on relaxed hair when waves are created with heat or braiding. Start with clean, detangled hair and create a deep side part. Section a 1–2 inch strip along the front hairline and create one or two small flat braids (cornrows) secured with elastics or small pins. Leave the remaining hair in loose, defined waves — achieved by a diffuser on low heat, a large-barrel curling wand, or overnight twist/braid-outs for heat-free texture. Tools: rat-tail comb, wide-tooth comb, clips, small elastics, bobby pins, diffuser or large-barrel wand. Products: moisturizing leave-in, curl-defining cream or mousse, lightweight oil/serum for shine, heat protectant, and flexible hold hairspray. Difficulty: moderate — basic cornrow technique plus wave definition needed; expect 30–60 minutes depending on length. Maintenance: sleep with a silk bonnet or pineapple, refresh waves with a water + leave-in spray or curl refresher, re-tighten the small braid every few days, avoid heavy products that weigh hair down, and trim ends every 8–12 weeks to maintain shape and reduce frizz.
Natural Curly Faux Hawk with Defined Finger Coils and Tapered Sides
This polished faux-hawk updo is ideal for natural curl patterns (3B–4C) and textured relaxed hair seeking defined volume at the crown. Start on clean, damp hair: apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner and a curl-defining cream, then create neat side sections using a rat-tail comb. Secure sides with flat-twist rows or small cornrows toward the center to achieve the tapered look. On the top section, create finger coils or small two-strand twists for tight, springy definition. Air-dry or use a diffuser on low heat to set curls, then release and shape the top, pinning coils into a soft mohawk with bobby pins to control height and silhouette. Tools: spray bottle, wide-tooth comb, rat-tail comb, sectioning clips, bobby pins, small elastics, diffuser (optional). Products: leave-in conditioner, curl cream or twisting butter, light gel or edge control, and a finishing oil or shine serum. Difficulty: moderate — expect 45–75 minutes depending on curl density. Maintenance: sleep with a silk bonnet or scarf, refresh curls with a water + curl cream spritz, re-coil loose pieces as needed, and protect edges with light edge control. Re-style sides every 2–3 weeks and avoid daily heavy manipulation to preserve texture.
Textured Twisted Updo with Sleek Edges — Natural/Curly 3-4 Hair
A polished textured twisted updo that flatters type 3–4 natural curls and relaxed hair with density. Work on clean, conditioned, detangled hair: create defined parting and two-to-four flat twists or cornrows along the sides, then section the crown into larger two-strand or rope twists. Coil or loop each twist and secure into a stacked updo with U-pins or long bobby pins; set on medium flexi-rods or a low-heat wand for extra curl definition if desired. Tools: rat-tail comb, sectioning clips, medium-to-large flexi-rods or curling wand, U-pins/bobby pins, microfiber towel, diffuser (optional). Products: lightweight leave-in conditioner, curl-defining cream or custard, alcohol-free edge control, heat protectant, medium-hold hairspray and light shine serum. Difficulty: Moderate — requires basic twisting and secure pinning; allow 45–90 minutes depending on length and density. Maintenance tips: sleep with a silk bonnet or scarf, refresh with a water/leave-in mist and finger-scrunch, reapply edge control for smooth perimeter, avoid heavy buildup by clarifying every 2–3 weeks, and retwist or reposition pins as needed to retain shape.
Side Cornrow-to-Pancaked Fishtail Braid — Textured Braided Mohawk
This look works best on medium-to-thick textured hair (3A–4C) or on fine hair when braided with lightweight extension hair. Start with clean, detangled hair; create small, controlled cornrows along the sides and feed them into a raised center section to form a mohawk. Gather the remaining length and either fishtail or three-strand braid down the side, then gently pancake the braid to create width and softness. From salon experience the technique requires intermediate braid skills and takes 45–90 minutes depending on length and extensions. Tools: rat-tail comb, sectioning clips, fine-tooth comb, soft bristle edge brush, several small elastics, and bobby pins. Products: leave-in conditioner, lightweight pomade or edge control for smooth parts, a holding mousse or gel for grip, lightweight hair oil for shine, and flexible-hold hairspray. Maintenance: sleep on a satin pillowcase or bonnet, reapply edge control and a light oil to mid-lengths as needed, refresh the braid by re-pancaking and misting with water/mousse mix, and redo the cornrows after 2–3 weeks to avoid tension at the scalp. Avoid heavy products at the roots to prevent build-up.
Voluminous High Ponytail with Defined Natural Curls
This elevated high ponytail is ideal for medium to thick, naturally curly or wavy hair that needs lift and definition. It also works well on straight hair when pre-texturized with a curling wand or flexi-rods and can be enhanced with clip-in extensions for extra length and volume. Start on damp, detangled hair: apply a leave-in conditioner and a curl-defining cream, then blow-dry with a diffuser or air-dry for curl set. Create a high pony at the crown, smoothing the perimeter with a fine-tooth comb and light gel; secure with a strong elastic and wrap a small strand around the base to conceal the band. Add volume by gently backcombing at the crown or loosening the pony and pulling pieces out for shape. Tools: wide-tooth comb, detangling brush, tail comb, elastic bands, bobby pins, diffuser or curling iron. Products: heat protectant, leave-in conditioner, curl cream, light styling gel for edges, finishing spray, and a lightweight oil for shine. Difficulty: moderate (15–30 minutes). Maintenance: pineapple at night, silk/satin scarf or bonnet, refresh with water + curl cream, and avoid heavy oils that weigh curls down.
Side Crown Dutch Braid with Loose Wavy Lengths
This polished side crown Dutch braid paired with loose, soft waves suits medium to long hair and works well on naturally wavy, relaxed, or straightened textures. Start on dry, detangled hair: create a deep side part, pick up three sections at the hairline and braid a Dutch/inside-out braid following the hairline toward the crown, adding small sections as you go. Secure the braid at the back with a small elastic and discreet bobby pins, then gently pancake the braid for width. Finish by creating loose waves through the mid-lengths to ends with a 1–1.25 curling wand or large-barrel iron, alternating directions for a natural look. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, elastic bands, bobby pins, curling wand, paddle brush. Products: heat protectant, light-hold styling cream or mousse, a small amount of edge control or pomade, texturizing spray for grip, and lightweight shine serum. Difficulty: moderate — 20–35 minutes depending on practice. Maintenance: sleep on a silk/satin scarf, refresh waves with a water–conditioner mist or quick reheat with a wand, smooth flyaways with a dab of serum, and redo the braid every 2–3 days to maintain neatness.
Sleek Side Dutch Cornrows Flowing Into Chunky Pancake Braid
This sleek side Dutch cornrow style flows into a chunky pancaked braid — a polished protective look suited to medium-to-thick, textured or natural hair. It’s ideal for clients who want long-lasting control with soft volume; synthetic or human extension hair can be added for extra length and fullness. Technique: start on clean, detangled hair with a lightweight leave-in. Create neat Dutch (inside-out) feed-in cornrows from the hairline toward the crown, then combine the sections into one large three-strand braid. Pancake (gently pull) each braid segment to widen and soften the finish, and secure with a small elastic. Tools: rat-tail comb for parts, sectioning clips, boar-bristle brush, small elastics, optional extension hair and a tail comb for crisp lines. Products: leave-in conditioner, a light styling gel or edge control for clean parts, setting mousse or braid spray for hold, and a lightweight oil or serum for shine. Difficulty: intermediate — expect 45–90 minutes in-salon; beginners should book a stylist. Maintenance: sleep on a silk scarf/pillow, mist braid spray and oil the scalp every 2–3 days, refresh edges weekly, and remove or redo after 4–6 weeks to avoid tension damage.
Side‑Swept Deep-Volume Curls — Glam Waves for Natural & Relaxed Hair
This elegant side-swept deep curl look works beautifully on medium to thick textures, including natural coils, relaxed hair and extensions. Start with clean, detangled hair and create a deep side part. Smooth the smaller side back with a light-hold gel or edge control and pin it behind the ear for a sleek contrast. On the larger side, section hair and form large, defined curls using a 1–1.25 inch curling iron, hot rollers, or flexi-rods for heat-free styling. Release each curl and set it with clips until cool for long-lasting volume; gently finger-comb or brush with a paddle or boar-bristle brush to blend into glossy waves. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, curling iron or rollers, bobby pins, brush. Products: heat protectant, lightweight setting lotion or mousse, smoothing serum or argan oil, flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: medium — requires precise sectioning and setting for uniform curls. Maintenance: sleep on a satin bonnet/pillowcase, refresh with water + leave-in or a light mist, smooth ends with a dab of oil, and touch up any loosened curls with the curling iron as needed.
As a final note, quick weave hairstyles should be stylish and safe. Rotate between updos and loose styles to avoid constant tension on the same edges, and always detangle and moisturize your natural hair at install and between styles. I recommend sleeping on a silk scarf or bonnet, using lightweight oils on the scalp, and keeping install appointments every 6–8 weeks depending on hair growth. Limit daily heat, use a thermal protectant when needed, and avoid overly tight elastic bands. If you feel pulling or soreness, loosen the weave or consult your stylist — preserving your natural hair is priority number one. Use the 20 images in this post as a visual cheat-sheet; pick styles that complement your face shape and lifestyle, practice quick techniques at home, or book a touch-up in salon for a polished result. — Lena, Professional Hairstylist