Im Lena, a professional hairstylist with over a decade in busy salon chairs. In this gallery youll find 24 modern, wearable hairstyles for women—from blunt bobs and layered cuts to textured lobs, soft waves, vibrant balayage, elegant updos and low-maintenance styles. Each look was chosen to suit different face shapes, hair textures and lifestyle needs: short, long, fine, thick, curly and straight. I’ll highlight which styles soften a square jaw, add height for round faces, or minimize a long face. I also include quick styling tips—the right products for hold and shine, simple blow-dry tricks, and heat-free options for busy mornings. Whether you want a dramatic change or a subtle refresh, these 24 images are designed to inspire and provide practical guidance so you can communicate your vision confidently with your stylist.
Long Textured Layers with Face‑Framing Curtain Bangs and Loose Beachy Waves
Salon-friendly long layered cut with soft face-framing curtain bangs and textured ends. Best suited to medium-to-thick hair and natural waves; fine hair can wear this look with added layering and root-lifting products, while very curly hair should adapt layer placement to work with the curl pattern. In the salon, remove bulk with long graduated layers and point-cut the ends for movement, then shape a soft curtain fringe on dry hair to control length and fall. At home, apply a volumizing mousse to towel-damp hair, scrunch in a sea-salt or texturizing spray, then diffuse-dry or air-dry for a lived-in finish. Use a 1–1.25
Textured Side Braid with Voluminous Side‑Swept Waves
products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root lifter, texturizing spray or sea‑salt spray, light‑hold hairspray, smoothing serum for ends. Difficulty: intermediate — expect 20–35 minutes once you’re comfortable with braiding and wave shaping. Maintenance: sleep with the braid loosely tied or use a silk scarf to reduce frizz; refresh texture with dry shampoo and a spritz of texturizing spray. Re‑pancake the braid and retouch a few wave pieces with your curling iron each day; trim ends every 8–12 weeks to keep the style looking polished. For extra hold, hide a few bobby pins at the crown and add a decorative thread or small chain through the braid for a salon finish.
Textured Romantic Updo with Curtain Bangs — Soft Volume & Loose Curls
This textured romantic updo with curtain bangs is ideal for medium to long hair and works well on fine, medium or gently wavy hair; very thick hair benefits from strategic thinning and light layering to reduce bulk. Start with a smooth blowout for the bangs and a loose, textured curl base: section hair and wrap mid-lengths to ends around a 1 curling iron, alternating directions for natural movement. Tease the crown lightly and gather curls at the crown, arranging and pinning small loops with strong bobby pins to create soft volume and visible curl shapes; leave a few face-framing tendrils and style bangs with a round brush or flat iron for a soft curtain effect. Tools needed: 1 curling iron, blow dryer with round brush, teasing brush or comb, sectioning clips, bobby pins, and a tail comb. Products: heat protectant, light volumizing mousse or spray, texturizing salt spray, smoothing cream for bangs, and a flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate — allow 30–45 minutes. Maintenance tips: refresh with dry shampoo, re-curl loose pieces as needed, sleep on a silk pillowcase, and secure loose areas with extra pins for longevity.
Textured Messy Updo for Red Hair with Face-Framing Tendrils
Best for medium-length to long hair with natural wave or loose curl; adaptable to fine hair with padding and to thick hair by removing bulk. Start on second-day hair: apply heat protectant and a light texturizing mousse, then use a 1 curling wand to create loose bends for movement. Lightly backcomb the crown for lift, then twist small sections and secure with bobby pins, alternating directions to build a soft, tousled silhouette. Leave a few face-framing tendrils and define them with a quick curl for a romantic finish. Tools: 1 curling wand, tail comb, teasing brush, sectioning clips, bobby pins and a small elastic. Products: heat protectant, texturizing spray or dry shampoo for grip, light-hold hairspray and a smoothing cream for flyaways. Difficulty: moderate — expect 20–35 minutes once familiar with the technique. Maintenance tips: refresh texture with dry shampoo or spray, retuck pins as needed, reshape tendrils with a curling wand, sleep on a silk pillowcase, and use color-safe, UV-protective products to preserve red tones.
Textured Messy Bun with Soft Face‑Framing Pieces for Wavy to Straight Hair
This relaxed, textured messy bun suits medium to long hair and works best on wavy or slightly textured straight hair; fine hair benefits from added volume products, while thick hair may need more pins to secure. Start on towel-dried hair with a lightweight volumizing mousse at the roots and a heat protectant throughout. Blow-dry with a round brush or diffuse to enhance natural wave. Create loose bends with a 1–1.25 curling wand on random sections to build movement, then apply a sea-salt or texturizing spray for grip. Lightly backcomb the crown for lift, gather hair into a loose high bun, and secure with an elastic and strategically placed bobby pins—leave several face‑framing strands out and define them with a small amount of styling cream or wax. Tools needed: blow dryer (diffuser optional), round brush, curling wand, tail comb, elastics, bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, texturizing spray, light-hold hairspray, small pomade. Difficulty: easy–intermediate. Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo and texturizer, retuck pins as needed, sleep on a satin pillowcase or loosen bun to preserve shape, and trim face‑framing pieces every 6–8 weeks.
Textured Side Fishtail Braid with Loose Face‑Framing Layers
This textured side fishtail braid with loose face‑framing layers is ideal for medium to long hair and suits straight, wavy or slightly curly textures; thicker hair gives the fullest effect while fine hair benefits from added texturizing. To create it, rough‑dry hair with root lift, establish a deep side part and lightly backcomb the crown for volume. Gather hair to one side and work a loose fishtail braid from ear level, then pancake the sections by gently pulling them apart to widen and soften the braid. Leave a few face‑framing pieces out and secure the end with a small elastic and discreet bobby pins to shape the crown. Tools: blow dryer (plus round brush or diffuser), tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins and a 1 curling or flat iron to create extra texture if needed. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, sea‑salt or texturizing spray, flexible‑hold hairspray and a light shine serum for ends. Difficulty: intermediate, about 20–35 minutes. Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo and texturizer, retighten or redo after 24–48 hours, sleep on silk and trim ends regularly to control frizz.
Boho Braided Halo with Loose Textured Waves
This romantic braided halo with loose textured waves suits medium to long hair and works well on fine, medium or thick textures when enhanced with product. Start on towel-dried hair: apply a volumizing mousse at the roots and a salt spray or texture spray through the mid-lengths to ends. Blow-dry with a round brush for lift, then create a soft Dutch/French braid along the hairline (or a 3-strand crown braid), gently pancaking the sections for width. Curl remaining lengths with a 1 curling wand, alternating directions for a natural look, then finger-comb to soften. Pin the braid into place at the back or side with bobby pins and conceal elastics. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, 1 curling wand, paddle/round brush, bobby pins, small clear elastics. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root lift, texturizing/salt spray, medium-hold hairspray, lightweight shine serum. Difficulty: intermediate (about 30–45 minutes). Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely wrap, refresh texture with dry shampoo and a spritz of salt spray, and re-pin or re-curl any flattened pieces for longevity.
Soft Messy Bun with Wispy Curtain Bangs
This relaxed, textured messy bun paired with wispy curtain bangs suits fine to medium hair and can be adapted for thicker or naturally wavy hair. Start on towel-dried hair: apply heat protectant to bangs and a lightweight texturizing spray through mid-lengths and ends. Blow-dry bangs with a round brush or smooth with a flat iron for a soft curve; leave face-framing pieces slightly longer. Rough-dry the remainder, add a salt or texturizing spray for grip, then loosely gather hair at mid-to-high nape, twist into an undone bun and secure with an elastic and a few bobby pins, pulling small pieces free for softness. Finish with light-hold hairspray and a dab of smoothing serum on flyaways. Tools needed: hairdryer, round brush, flat iron (optional), elastic, bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, texturizing/salt spray, light-hold hairspray, smoothing serum or cream, dry shampoo for refresh. Difficulty: easy–medium — quick for everyday but requires practice for balanced bangs. Maintenance: trim bangs every 4–6 weeks, refresh volume with dry shampoo and re-texturize mid-week, sleep with a loose silk scarf to reduce friction and preserve shape.
Textured Side Fishtail Braid with Soft Face-Framing Tendrils
This relaxed side fishtail offers a romantic, textured look suited to medium-to-long hair and medium to thick textures; fine hair can achieve the same silhouette with light teasing or clip-in extensions. Start on second‑day hair or prep freshly washed hair with a volumizing mousse at the roots and a heat protectant. Create soft lift at the crown by backcombing small sections, smooth the top layer, then gather hair to one side and braid a loose fishtail or rope braid, pulling gently on sections to pancake for width. Leave a couple of face‑framing tendrils and touch them with a 1 curling iron for soft waves. Tools: tail comb, teasing brush, 1 curling iron, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, root‑lift mousse or spray, sea‑salt or texturizing spray, flexible hold hairspray, light serum for ends. Difficulty: intermediate — expect 15–30 minutes. Maintenance tips: refresh volume with dry shampoo and texturizer, re‑pin loosening pieces, re‑curl tendrils as needed, and sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely pin the braid to preserve shape overnight.
Textured Messy Curly Updo with Curtain Bangs
Suitable for wavy to curly hair and medium–fine textures, this relaxed textured updo with curtain bangs delivers soft volume and face-framing movement. For straight hair, add body with a curling wand before pinning. Begin on towel-dried hair with a volumizing mousse and heat protectant; diffuse or blow-dry while lifting at the roots. Use a 19–25 mm wand to create random mid-length to end curls, then gently separate with fingers for a lived-in texture. Backcomb the crown lightly for lift, gather hair into a loose high bun or chignon and secure with U-pins, leaving a few tendrils and bangs out to soften the look. Shape curtain bangs with a small round brush or a 25 mm iron for a soft bend. Tools: dryer with diffuser, curling wand, round brush, tail comb, elastics and pins. Products: volumizing mousse, heat protectant, sea-salt/texturizing spray, lightweight flexible hairspray and dry shampoo. Difficulty: moderate — requires basic curling and pinning skills; 20–35 minutes. Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo and salt spray, re-curl pieces as needed, sleep on silk and trim bangs every 4–6 weeks.
Long Tousled Layers with Face‑Framing Waves
This look is a long, tousled layered haircut with soft face‑framing waves — ideal for medium to thick hair and natural wavy textures. Fine hair can achieve similar volume with strategic layering and a root‑lifting product; very curly hair will need a relaxed blowout first. Start with a layered cut using long, blended layers and subtle face‑framing pieces; texturizing shears or a razor at the ends removes bulk and creates movement. To style, apply a heat protectant and a volumizing mousse to damp hair, then blow‑dry with a round brush lifting at the roots for body. Use a 1–1.25
Textured Crown Braid Updo with Face‑Framing Strands
This soft, romantic crown braid updo suits medium to long hair and flatters fine, medium or thick textures—fine hair benefits from added texture, while thicker hair may need slightly stronger pinning. Technique: create a loose Dutch/French braid along the hairline (crown to crown), pancake the braid for width, then gather the remaining length into a low twisted bun or pin into a tucked chignon. Pull out a few face‑framing tendrils and lightly tousle for an undone finish. Tools needed: tail comb for parting, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, plenty of bobby pins, a 1
Textured Double Braids with Curtain Bangs — Boho High Pigtails
Salon-friendly textured double braids paired with curtain bangs create a relaxed boho look thats flattering on many hair types. Best suited for medium to long hair with natural wave, loose curls or straight hair that can hold texture; fine hair benefits from volumizing products, while thick hair will give fuller braids. Technique: Part down the center and create two high ponytails at the crown. Working from each ponytail, create a slightly loose Dutch or three-strand braid, secure with a small elastic, then pancake (gently pull) the braid sections to widen and soften. Leave a few face-framing strands and style curtain bangs with a round brush or flat iron for a soft finish. Tools: tail comb, paddle brush, small elastics, bobby pins, round brush or flat iron, and a blow dryer. Products: heat protectant, sea-salt or texturizing spray, lightweight styling cream or pomade for flyaways, dry shampoo for lift, and flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate — requires basic braiding and pancaking technique. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase or in a loose braid, refresh texture with dry shampoo and texturizing spray, retighten roots as needed, and trim ends every 8–10 weeks.
Textured Messy Topknot with Wispy Curtain Bangs — Purple Balayage
Suitability: Best for medium to thick hair and loose waves; fine hair can achieve the look with texturizing products or a small bun donut; very curly hair may need light smoothing for the face-framing bangs. Styling technique: Rough-dry with a blow dryer, apply texturizer at the roots, backcomb the crown lightly for lift, then twist hair into a loose high topknot leaving face-framing pieces out. Smooth or shape wispy curtain bangs with a round brush or flat iron for soft separation. Tools needed: blow dryer (diffuser optional), round brush, flat iron or small-barrel curling iron, tail comb, hair elastics, bobby pins, and small sectioning clips. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root-lift spray, sea-salt or texture spray, dry shampoo, light-hold hairspray and a smoothing serum for ends. Difficulty level: Intermediate — 10–20 minutes for pros, 20–30 for beginners. Maintenance tips: Refresh volume with dry shampoo and a quick tease, rework loose strands with texture spray, trim bangs every 4–6 weeks, and use sulfate-free, color-safe products plus a weekly purple mask to maintain the balayage tone.
Boho Half-Up with Relaxed Side Fishtail Braid and Loose Waves
This relaxed boho half-up combines soft, face-framing waves with a low, loose fishtail braid for an effortlessly romantic finish. Best suited for medium to thick hair and natural waves; straight or finer hair will benefit from added texture with a sea-salt spray or light backcombing. Technique: create soft curls with a 1–1.25 curling wand, tease the crown lightly for volume, gather the top half into a slight pouf and secure with pins, then fishtail braid a low side section, pancake the braid for width and pull a few pieces free for softness. Tools needed: curling wand, tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins, and a soft brush. Products required: heat protectant, texturizing/salt spray, light-hold hairspray, and a small amount of smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty: moderate — about 20–40 minutes depending on length and skill. Maintenance tips: sleep with a loose silk scarf or low braid, refresh with a mist of leave-in spray or dry shampoo at the roots, and re-pancake the braid each morning to restore shape. For longevity, avoid heavy oils at the roots and refresh curls with a quick touch-up using the wand.
Textured Crown Braid Updo with Face‑Framing Tendrils
Soft, textured crown braid updo with loose face‑framing tendrils. Suitable for medium to thick hair and for straight to wavy textures; fine hair benefits from light texturizing or clip‑in extensions, while curly hair should be smoothed slightly before braiding. Technique: prep hair with light blow‑dry or air‑dry for natural texture, create a deep side part, pick up a section at the hairline and Dutch‑braid (or French braid) along the crown, pancake each stitch for width, continue to the opposite side and secure ends into a low, twisted bun. Tug pieces to loosen and pull out two to three soft tendrils around the face. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins, 1 curling wand (for shaping tendrils), and a brush. Products: heat protectant, texturizing spray or dry shampoo for grip, flexible‑hold hairspray, smoothing serum for flyaways, and optional shine mist. Difficulty: moderate — salon‑level results in 25–40 minutes. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh grip with dry shampoo, re‑pin loosened sections, and mist lightly to keep texture without stiffness.
Half-Up Twisted Braid with Loose Beachy Waves for Long Layered Hair
This romantic half-up style pairs loose, beachy waves with a twisted rope braid pinned at the crown — ideal for long, layered hair and medium to thick textures. It also works on fine hair with light extensions for added volume. Start on clean, towel-dried hair: apply a heat protectant and a lightweight mousse or sea-salt spray to add grip. Section hair and create 1–1.25 barrel curls with a curling wand, alternating directions for natural movement; gently brush or finger-comb through curls for soft waves. Take a small side section, create a loose rope or three-strand twist, pancake slightly for width, and secure at the back with bobby pins, leaving face-framing pieces. Tools needed: curling wand, tail comb, sectioning clips, paddle or boar-bristle brush, bobby pins and small clear elastics. Products: heat protectant, texturizing spray, light-hold hairspray and a few drops of smoothing serum for ends. Difficulty: moderate — basic curling and braiding skills required. Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo and a light mist of salt spray on day 2, re-curl any flattened pieces, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to preserve the waves.
Textured Messy Topknot Updo with Curtain Bangs and Face‑Framing Tendrils
This relaxed, textured topknot with soft curtain bangs and wispy face‑framing tendrils suits medium to thick hair and works well on naturally wavy or slightly curly textures. Fine hair can achieve the same effect when prepped with volumizing and texturizing products. Start on towel‑dried hair: apply a root lifter and sea‑salt or texturizing spray, rough‑dry while lifting at the crown, then loosely gather hair into a high ponytail and twist into a messy bun, securing with an elastic and strategically placed bobby pins. Release a few front sections to frame the face and add soft curls with a 1–1.25
Textured Tousled Wavy Bob — Chin-Length Layered Cut
This chin‑length textured wavy bob works best on fine to medium hair and on naturally wavy or relaxed curl patterns; thick hair benefits from internal thinning and dense layering to reduce bulk. The salon technique uses a blunt or slightly rounded base with soft, face‑framing layers cut with point‑cutting or a razor for movement. To style: towel‑dry, apply a lightweight mousse or sea‑salt spray and a heat protectant, then diffuse while scrunching for natural texture. For more defined pieces, wrap random 1–1.25
Textured Short Blonde Bob with Side-Swept Fringe
This softly textured short bob with a side-swept fringe suits fine to medium hair and works well on naturally straight to loose-wavy textures; very thick hair will benefit from interior thinning to reduce bulk. Stylists cut graduated layers around the crown and soft, face-framing pieces to create movement. To style: towel-dry, apply a root-lifting mousse, then blow-dry with a medium round brush to lift the roots and sweep the fringe to the side. Use a 1-inch curling wand or flat iron to create loose bends through the ends, alternating directions for a lived-in finish. Tools needed: blow-dryer with nozzle, medium round brush, 1-inch curling wand or flat iron, sectioning clips, fine-tooth comb. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or spray, lightweight texturizing spray or sea-salt spray, flexible-hold hairspray, and a small shine serum for ends. Difficulty: easy–medium — approachable for daily styling, salon skills recommended for the initial cut. Maintenance: schedule trims every 6–8 weeks, use purple shampoo if the blonde is color-treated, deep-condition weekly, and refresh shape with dry shampoo and a quick re-texturizing spray between washes.
Soft Messy Low Updo with Face-Framing Wisps — Textured Bridal/Everyday Style
This soft, textured low updo with loose face-framing wisps suits straight to wavy hair and works best on medium to thick densities. Fine hair can achieve the same look with light texturizing spray, root volumizer or small clip-in pieces for added body. Technique: rough-dry with a root lift, create loose waves with a 1
Textured Short Bob with Soft Waves and Curtain Fringe
Suitable for straight to wavy hair and fine-to-medium density, this chin-to-collarbone bob with soft internal layers and a curtain fringe flatters most face shapes and can be adapted for thicker hair by removing bulk with thinning. Technique: cut a clean blunt line with subtle point‑cutting on the ends and short face-framing layers around the fringe. Blow-dry with a medium round brush to lift the roots and shape the bangs, then create opposite-direction, loose waves with a 1 curling wand or a flat iron on low heat. Finger-comb and finish with a light texturizing spray for a lived-in look. Tools needed: professional hairdryer, medium round brush, 1 curling wand or flat iron, sectioning clips, sharp salon scissors and a fine-tooth comb. Products required: heat protectant, lightweight volumizing mousse or root-lift, salt/texturizing spray, light-hold hairspray and a small smoothing serum for ends. Difficulty: beginner–intermediate — cutting is best left to a stylist, but daily styling is quick. Maintenance: trim fringe every 3–4 weeks and the bob every 6–8 weeks, refresh with dry shampoo, reshape waves with a quick touch-up, and deep-condition weekly to keep ends healthy.
Textured Short Curly Pixie with Voluminous Side‑Swept Waves
This short textured pixie is ideal for natural waves and soft curls but can be adapted for fine or thicker hair. The cut features tapered sides and nape with longer, layered length on top to create a voluminous, side‑swept quiff and finger waves. To style: start on towel‑dried hair with a light leave‑in heat protectant, then apply a volumizing mousse at the roots. Blow‑dry using a small round brush or diffuser while lifting the crown; set larger S‑shaped waves with a 3/4–1 inch curling iron or Marcel iron around the front and top panels. Loosen with fingers and work a pea‑sized amount of texturizing paste or lightweight pomade through the ends to define pieces. Finish with a flexible hold hairspray for movement and a shine serum if needed. Tools: professional scissors/thinning shears, round brush, blow dryer with nozzle, small barrel curling iron, clips, tail comb. Difficulty: moderate — requires basic thermal styling and shaping. Maintenance: trims every 4–6 weeks, refresh with water or a light mousse between washes, use sulfate‑free products and sleep on a silk pillowcase to preserve shape.
Textured Wavy Asymmetrical Short Bob with Side‑Swept Fringe
This modern asymmetrical short bob with textured, loose waves suits fine to medium hair and works well on naturally straight or softly wavy textures; very thick hair can wear this look if layered and thinned by a stylist, while tight curls will need to be relaxed or stretched. Cutting technique: precision bob with long, face‑framing side fringe and razor/point‑cut layers to create movement and reduce bulk. Styling technique: towel dry, apply a root‑lifting mousse, blow‑dry with a medium round brush to lift the crown, then create loose, alternating‑direction waves with a 1″ curling wand or small barrel iron; finger‑comb and finish by scrunching with a light texturizing spray. Tools needed: hairdryer, medium round brush, 1″ curling wand (or flat iron), sectioning clips, and a fine comb. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, sea salt or texturizing spray, light pomade for piecey ends, and a flexible hairspray. Difficulty: moderate — salon cut is essential; daily styling takes 10–20 minutes. Maintenance tips: trim every 6–8 weeks, use lightweight conditioner to avoid weigh‑down, refresh with dry shampoo between washes, and deep‑condition weekly if chemically treated.
As a stylist, my goal is to help you find a hairstyle that fits your hairs natural behavior and your daily routine. After browsing these 24 images, pick 2–3 favorites to show your stylist—noting length, texture and color cues that appeal to you. For maintenance: use a sulfate-free shampoo, a lightweight conditioner suited to your porosity, and a weekly deep treatment for dry or colored hair. Protect hair from heat with a thermal spray and limit styling at the highest temperatures. For fine hair, try root-lifting mousse and a round brush blowout; for thick or curly hair, seek layered shaping and humidity-resistant products. Book a consultation to discuss face-shape adjustments, growth plans, and color upkeep. With the right cut and care, you’ll enjoy a manageable, flattering style that grows out gracefully—and I’ll be here to guide you through each step.