7 Cute Mom Hairstyles to Look Great Fast

A recent Allure survey revealed that 76% of women feel more confident after doing their hair. That’s not just vanity—it’s power. Feeling put together helps us show up better for ourselves and our families. And we believe every mom deserves that power, no matter how chaotic her day starts.

So we’ve rounded up 7 cute, low-maintenance hairstyles that are not just mom-approved—they’re made for moms. These fast, functional styles will have you out the door looking chic in no time, whether you’re headed to school drop-off or tackling a never-ending to-do list.

Let’s dive into the easy-peasy hair inspiration you didn’t know you needed!

1. Messy Bun with a Twist

Let’s start with a classic—but with a modern flair. The messy bun is practically the unofficial hairstyle of motherhood. But adding a twist (literally) elevates this look from “I haven’t showered” to “I woke up like this—and I look fabulous.”

This style works wonders for medium to long hair and requires zero heat tools. Simply pull your hair into a high ponytail, loosely twist it, and secure it into a bun. But here’s the magic trick: before pinning it down, leave a few face-framing pieces out and give the bun a gentle tug to create volume and softness.

Got second- or third-day hair? Even better. This hairstyle thrives on texture, so it’s ideal when you’re stretching your wash days. Add a dry shampoo spritz at the roots for a fresh look, and you’re done.

To add some flair, use a scrunchie in a fun print or a decorative clip. Suddenly, your messy bun isn’t just practical—it’s Pinterest-worthy.

2. Braided Crown Ponytail

Looking for something that’s equal parts pretty and practical? The braided crown ponytail is a winner. It’s cute, secure, and keeps hair out of your face, which means no interruptions when you’re chasing after kids or focusing on your work-from-home hustle.

Start by creating a French braid on one or both sides of your head, starting near the temples. Once the braid reaches the nape of your neck, gather all your hair into a low or mid-height ponytail. Secure it with a hair tie, and boom—you’ve got a braid-meets-ponytail look that appears far more complicated than it is.

This style is ideal for clean or slightly dirty hair, and it works on all textures. What makes it mom-friendly is that it stays put for hours, meaning you can go from playdate to dinner prep without fussing over your hair.

Dress it up with a ribbon or down with a basic elastic. Either way, you’ll look like you put effort in—even though it only took five minutes.

3. Sleek Low Side Bun

When you need to look polished—whether it’s for a meeting, a school event, or just because you want to feel a little glam—the sleek low side bun has your back. It’s one of those low-maintenance hairstyles that looks high-effort but takes mere minutes.

Start by parting your hair deeply on one side. Smooth your hair into a low ponytail, pulling it just behind the ear on the opposite side of your part. Twist the ponytail into a coil and secure it with bobby pins or a chic clip.

The key to making this look feel sleek? A smoothing serum or light gel to tame flyaways and keep your part clean. It’s especially great for moms with straight or relaxed hair, but it also works for textured hair with a little prep.

Add a bit of flair with a pearl pin or metallic hair accessory. Whether you’re in yoga pants or a work blazer, this hairstyle adds instant elegance without eating into your morning routine.

4. Half-Up Top Knot

Want to keep hair out of your face but still show off your length? The half-up top knot is your perfect middle ground. It’s casual, trendy, and wildly mom-appropriate.

To achieve this look, separate the top third of your hair—think temples and up—and pull it into a small bun at the crown of your head. Let the rest of your hair fall naturally, or add some dry shampoo and scrunch for texture.

This is one of those hairstyles that’s as comfortable as a messy bun but feels a bit more intentional. It’s also a great option for those growing out bangs or dealing with postpartum hair regrowth. It keeps those awkward front pieces tucked away without committing to a full updo.

This hairstyle is particularly versatile. You can wear it to a parent-teacher meeting, the grocery store, or even on a casual date night. Throw on some hoops and lip gloss and suddenly, you’re not just surviving motherhood—you’re thriving in style.

5. Side French Braid

French braids are timeless, but the side French braid brings a playful twist while keeping your hair neat and managed. It’s especially handy for moms with thick, long, or hard-to-tame hair.

Begin on one side of your head near the part and start braiding toward the opposite shoulder, picking up pieces along the way. Once you reach the end, secure it with a clear elastic or wrap a strand of hair around the base for a polished finish.

The side French braid is perfect for days when your hair just won’t cooperate. Got bedhead or waves going in ten directions? This braid smooths it all out while looking totally chic. Bonus: It’s comfortable under hats or beanies, making it great for fall and winter.

Accessorize it with a floral pin or a patterned scarf for a boho mom look that’s as functional as it is fabulous.

6. Quick Curl-and-Pin Look

This hairstyle gives off soft, romantic vibes—and it takes less than 10 minutes. Perfect for moms with layered or shoulder-length hair, this style involves curling just the front sections of your hair and pinning them loosely back.

You don’t need to curl your whole head. In fact, curling 4–6 face-framing strands is enough. Use a curling wand or flat iron if you have time, or braid damp sections overnight for a heatless alternative.

Once curled, gently twist and pin the strands back with bobby pins. Let the rest of your hair hang loose or toss it into a low ponytail or bun for added polish.

It’s a great “mom glam” style—easy enough for the school run, but fancy enough for a dinner out. Plus, it flatters every face shape and gives your look a little soft edge, perfect for when you want a touch of elegance without going full red carpet.

7. Claw Clip Chic

Claw clips have made a serious comeback—and moms everywhere are rejoicing. Why? Because they’re fast, functional, and fashion-forward. This style is the epitome of low effort, high reward.

To achieve the claw clip look, gather your hair into a twist and clip it vertically at the back of your head. Leave some strands out for that effortlessly undone vibe, or smooth it all back for a sleeker look.

Claw clips work on all hair types—from straight to curly—and you can adjust the placement to suit your comfort level. Plus, you don’t need a mirror to throw your hair up. It’s the kind of hairstyle you can do while walking to the car with one kid in your arms and the other hanging off your leg.

Stock up on a few in different sizes and colors, and keep one in your purse, car, or diaper bag. Trust us—future you will be thankful.

Conclusion

You don’t have to trade style for efficiency. These 7 cute mom hairstyles prove that with just a few minutes and minimal effort, you can transform your hair from frazzled to fabulous. Whether you’re wrangling toddlers, managing a Zoom call, or heading out for a rare date night, these styles will have you looking—and feeling—your best.

Remember, beauty doesn’t require hours in front of the mirror. It’s about choosing what works for you. So tomorrow morning, when time is tight and you’re tempted to throw on a baseball cap, try one of these instead. You’ll be surprised how much better your day goes when you start it feeling just a little more put-together.