The look: Side-swept pony Works best for: Shoulder length, thick, straight hair
Step 1: Start by applying a light weight shine serum to dry hair like Clio Shine On, $6.99.
Step 2: On the crown of your head, section out a circle of hair about 4 inches in diameter and lightly back comb the underside with your brush. Two or three strokes down the shaft of your hair should give you all the lift you need.
Step 3: Create a side part and leave about two inches of face-framing hair hanging on that side out as you loosely brush hair back into a neat, mid-height pony.
Step 4: Secure pony with a thick elastic that matches your hair color and won't slip out (try Goody StayPut Thick Elastics, $3.99).
Step 5: Secure some of the hanging front section of hair behind you ear with a bobby pin -- you want a few wisps to remain hanging.
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Roxy Olin
The Look: Sophisticated side braid Works best for:Long hair, any texture
Step 1: Haphazardly create a side part in dry hair using a wide tooth comb (try Sephora Wide Tooth Comb, $4). Step 2: With your hands, pull hair around to side opposite your part. Step 3: Section hair into three parts and braid them, securing at the ends with a clear elastic. For more braid inspiration, check out these celebrity braided styles or watch this easy how-to braiding video. Step 4: Pull out a few face-framing pieces of hair to soften the look.
The office is a magical place. It's where all sorts of interesting people come together to learn, grow and build better businesses. Oh, who are we kidding? Work is a 9-5 (if we're lucky) grind that pays the bills so that on weekends we can live our lives with the people we love. Most of us work to live and not vice versa, so the thought of racking your brain in order to pick the perfect office hairstyle sounds about as thrilling as reading a memo about new printing practices. That's why we picked nine flawlessly polished, easy-to-do hairstyles that are perfect for your place of work. Hopefully they'll give you one less thing to think about as you're rushing out the door in the am.
While we know it sounds like more fun to find the perfect party hairstyle or the best hot date hair, now would be the time to inform you (NOT via post-it note) that, while seemingly boring, it is important to find a hairstyle that works for the office ... strike that, a hairstyle that works for YOU while you're working at the office. And one that requires minimal effort (aka takes less than 10 minutes out of your hectic morning to achieve), and keeps you feeling confident and professional until your rush hour drive home.
And though these looks are simple, they are slightly formal hairstyles. Wear them and your co-workers won't ever gossip about your bad hair choice or your hair color mishap at the water cooler. Instead they'll talk about how you kicked butt on your big presentation. With a simple twist here, a hair accessory there, these celebrity hairstyles will allow you to walk out the door with confidence every Monday thru Friday no matter what hair length or texture you have.
Also, if you don't have a job, sport these hairstyles when you want an effortless, polished look. And if you're job searching, these looks can work for you too -- but consult these tips on how to look hirable first.
Celebs inspiring these office looks: Elizabeth Banks, Roxy Olin, Jada Pinkett Smith, Michelle Williams, Alicia Keys, Kristen Bell, Kate Beckinsale, Debra Messing, and January Jones.
