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Home · Hair

45 Low Key Hairstyles That Still Look Fabulous

Need to get out the door in a flash? From crown braids to wash-and-go curls, this celeb-inspired guide has you covered.

By Nicole Marie Melton · Updated October 27, 2020
01
French Braids

Add extra sizzle to your crown braid by pairing it with chandelier earrings and a bold, bright lip.

45 Low Key Hairstyles That Still Look Fabulous
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02
French Braids

We just can’t get enough of the many ways Tracee wears her crown braids!  She has truly mastered this look.

45 Low Key Hairstyles That Still Look Fabulous
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03
French Braids

Eva Marcille wore her hair in prairie plaits for a recent outing — so fresh and pretty for the spring!

45 Low Key Hairstyles That Still Look Fabulous
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04
French Braids

Selita Ebanks looks red-carpet ready wearing prairie braids. This protective style is definitely a fan favorite!

45 Low Key Hairstyles That Still Look Fabulous
05
French Braids

Nia goes for a classic crown French braid style. We are feelin’ this look because it can be dressed up or down. Add a jeweled barrette or hair pin in the back of the do to make it your own look at home.

45 Low Key Hairstyles That Still Look Fabulous
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06
French Braids

Tamera Mowry-Housley added full bangs to her french braided hairstyle which adds versatility to this style.

45 Low Key Hairstyles That Still Look Fabulous
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07
French Braids

Here’s a look at Tamera’s pretty plaits from the back.  This look is also great as a low-maintenance protective style.

45 Low Key Hairstyles That Still Look Fabulous
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08
French Braids

Add volume and length to your French braids with a single pack of jumbo braiding hair from the beauty supply store.  This is totally a style that you can do on any budget!

45 Low Key Hairstyles That Still Look Fabulous
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09
French Braids

We’re used to seeing Teyonah Parris wear fabulous natural updos, but this pretty plait is just as stunning!

45 Low Key Hairstyles That Still Look Fabulous
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10
Sleek Edges

Not only does slicking your hair back save you time, but it’s the perfect style to bring full attention to your beautiful facial features.  Take your cues from Kelly Rowland in this simple and clean look.

45 Low Key Hairstyles That Still Look Fabulous
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11
Sleek Edges

From any angle, this sleek style will have you fabulous in a flash.

45 Low Key Hairstyles That Still Look Fabulous
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12
Sleek Edges

Tamera Mowry-Housley shows off her pregnancy glow in this smooth chignon accented with a center part.

45 Low Key Hairstyles That Still Look Fabulous
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13
Sleek Edges

Not only did Ciara manage to keep her hairstyle simple, but her overall beauty and style is very clean and classic, too.  A barely-there makeup look compliments her easy hairstyle perfectly.

45 Low Key Hairstyles That Still Look Fabulous
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14
Sleek Edges

A style with smooth edges is not only easy, but it looks chic, too!  Take your cues from Ciara who sported this laid back style on the red carpet.

45 Low Key Hairstyles That Still Look Fabulous
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15
Sleek Edges

Sleek edges can save the day when you need to look polished in a pinch.  Kelly Rowland’s half up/half down hairstyle is a great option for when there aren’t enough hours in the day.

45 Low Key Hairstyles That Still Look Fabulous
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16
Wash-and-Go Curls

Lianne La Havas is all smiles while sporting her naturally carefree curls.  Protect your wash-and-go from frizz by keeping curls moisturized and sleeping on a satin pillowcase at night.

45 Low Key Hairstyles That Still Look Fabulous
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17
Wash-and-Go Curls

If you’d rather protect your hair from daily maintenance, a curly weave is the perfect option.  Kinky extensions like Kelly Rowland’s offer a ton of versatility while protecting your natural hair.

45 Low Key Hairstyles That Still Look Fabulous
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18
Wash-and-Go Curls

Kelly’s full curls look even more cute from the back.  We love how bouncy and beautiful they are!

45 Low Key Hairstyles That Still Look Fabulous
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19
Wash-and-Go Curls

Teyonah Parris’ kinky afro showcases her full curls in their natural glory.  Ladies with kinky, type-4 curls may find that their wash-and-go’s have shrinkage.  To avoid this, twist your hair into sections and stretch the sections with a ponytail holder overnight.

45 Low Key Hairstyles That Still Look Fabulous
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20
Wash-and-Go Curls

Jordin Sparks loves rocking her natural curls on the red carpet.  She switched things up here by pinning up her tendrils with a few face-framing curls.

45 Low Key Hairstyles That Still Look Fabulous
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21
Wash-and-Go Curls

The key to mastering wash-and-go curls is finding the right product.  It may take a while to discover what works for your hair type, but once you do, the styling options are endless!

45 Low Key Hairstyles That Still Look Fabulous
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22
Wash-and-Go Curls

Ladies, here’s a great styling option for those days when your wash-and-go isn’t quite acting the way you’d like.  Pin up pieces on the sides to create a beautiful updo like Tamera Mowry-Housley.

45 Low Key Hairstyles That Still Look Fabulous
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23
Wash-and-Go Curls

The back of Tamera’s style is totally cute, too! 

45 Low Key Hairstyles That Still Look Fabulous
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24
Topknots & Buns

Tracee Ellis Ross is our ultimate hair crush even when her full curls are pulled away from her face.  This simple bun looks effortless and still chic!

45 Low Key Hairstyles That Still Look Fabulous
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25
Topknots & Buns

Even from the side, this easy topknot looks fabulous for both day and night.

45 Low Key Hairstyles That Still Look Fabulous
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26
Topknots & Buns

Zendaya took her topknot to new heights in this polished and elegant look.  Recreate this style at home by slicking your hair into a very smooth high ponytail. Next, twist hair into a bun and secure with pins. (The messier the better!)

45 Low Key Hairstyles That Still Look Fabulous
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27
Topknots & Buns

Rihanna’s frayed bangs add a new twist to her messy topknot.  As the ultimate hair chameleon, we love seeing Rih Rih in this simple style.

45 Low Key Hairstyles That Still Look Fabulous
Jon Kopaloff/ Getty
28
Low Ponytails

A low ponytail doesn’t have to be boring.  Jazz up this simple style by adding lush curls like this look by Teyonah Parris.

45 Low Key Hairstyles That Still Look Fabulous
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29
Low Ponytails

To create volume in your pony, place the ends into large two-strand twists at nighttime.  Untwist in the morning and fluff to perfection.

45 Low Key Hairstyles That Still Look Fabulous
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30
Low Ponytails

Kelly Rowland sported her low pony with loads of volume and fluffy curls.  If your hair isn’t long enough for this look, add hair extensions to your pony for an easy upgrade.

45 Low Key Hairstyles That Still Look Fabulous
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31
Low Ponytails

Another styling option for your low ponytail is to leave a few loose hairs behind your ears like this glam hairstyle worn by Kerry Washington.

45 Low Key Hairstyles That Still Look Fabulous
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32
Low Ponytails

Here’s a look at Kerry’s pony from the back. It’s simple, chic and still stylish, wouldn’t you agree?

45 Low Key Hairstyles That Still Look Fabulous
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33
Low Ponytails

A pretty ponytail will never go out of style.  Take your cues from Garcelle Beauvais who sported this classic style on a recent red carpet.

45 Low Key Hairstyles That Still Look Fabulous
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34
Low Ponytails

Garcelle Beauvais rocked her low pony with a mini pompadour.  Add volume to your own style by teasing your hair slightly at the roots throughout the crown before pulling it back into a ponytail.

45 Low Key Hairstyles That Still Look Fabulous
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35
Low Ponytails

If you ever thought a ponytail was too simple for a black-tie affair, think again! Ciara styled her ponytail with cascading pieces of hair all over for added dimension.

45 Low Key Hairstyles That Still Look Fabulous
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36
Low Ponytails

Ciara tucked in the ends of her ponytail which offers another styling option for low ponytails.  There are so many different ways to wear this look.

45 Low Key Hairstyles That Still Look Fabulous
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37
Low Ponytails

Here’s another example of Kerry Washington pulling off a fuss-free look on the red carpet. As a busy wife, mom and career woman, we can’t blame her for wanting simple, beautiful hairstyles!

45 Low Key Hairstyles That Still Look Fabulous
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38
Low Ponytails

Even from the back, Kerry’s pony is pretty awesome. Another bonus of wearing a low ponytail is that it will draw attention to the back neckline detailing of a stylish top or dress.

45 Low Key Hairstyles That Still Look Fabulous
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39
Easy Pin-Ups

Regina King transformed her pin-up into an elegant look perfect for the red carpet.  A side-swept bang finishes off the look.

45 Low Key Hairstyles That Still Look Fabulous
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40
Easy Pin-Ups

Here’s another view of Regina’s pretty pin-up.  To keep edges sleek, apply an edge control gel, smooth with a paddle brush, and tie with a silk scarf at bedtime.

45 Low Key Hairstyles That Still Look Fabulous
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41
Easy Pin-Ups

Be sure to examine your pin-ups from the back using a handheld mirror.  You’ll want to make sure you haven’t missed any flyaways or random pieces of hair (hey, it happens!).

45 Low Key Hairstyles That Still Look Fabulous
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42
Easy Pin-Ups

Kerry Washington’s simple and easy pinned-up style is another example of how this hair trend can work for just about any occasion. 

45 Low Key Hairstyles That Still Look Fabulous
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43
Easy Pin-Ups

Tracee Ellis Ross gave her hair a retro feel with this pretty roll-tuck-and-pin hairstyle.  If this looks complicated to do, head over to YouTube to find tutorials for similar styles you can recreate at home.

45 Low Key Hairstyles That Still Look Fabulous
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44
Easy Pin-Ups

There’s no need to spend hours in the mirror to look great. Be inspired by Tracee’s carefree curls to just pin it up and go!

45 Low Key Hairstyles That Still Look Fabulous
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45
Easy Pin-Ups

Kerry Washington can do no wrong in our book, and we love this fuss-free pin-up style.  You can wear this year round, for day and night.  Simply fantastic.

45 Low Key Hairstyles That Still Look Fabulous
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46
Easy Pin-Ups

The best pin-ups are created on the fly.  You don’t always have to have sleek edges or every hair perfectly in place.  Embrace the perfectly imperfect!

45 Low Key Hairstyles That Still Look Fabulous
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