We'll be the first to admit it: We feel a little old using TikTok, sitting here with our side parts and wearing our skinny jeans. But after discovering what a wealth of information this app really has, we feel a little better about it — especially after finding our way to #HairTok — which has all the tutorials about how to make our hair game stronger, even as busy moms who have limited time to think about hairstyles every morning.
As moms, hair is usually the last thing on our list. Beyond washing it, styling it isn't always possible — it's just the way it is. But a spare five minutes is honestly all it takes to do a lot of these TikTok styles, and the end result really does look polished, if not professionally done. Even those who are totally clueless about styling hair can do these 'dos.
From messy buns to complicated-looking styles that actually only took less than 10 minutes, here are super cute hairstyles and tips that have shown up on TikTok. It feels like we've struck gold with these!
Low Pigtails
Pigtails are not just for kids, and this video is all the proof we need of that! Here, this TikTok user makes doing these upgraded low pigtails look super easy, and despite the style's reputation, it's definitely suitable for moms of all ages!
The Fastest Curls
Love the look of freshly curled hair, but don't have the time? This TikTok shows a hack for curling in less than half the time it usually takes, and it all starts with something as simple as a ponytail. This could definitely be a game changer in the mornings!
A Cute Half Updo
This cute look is created with just a few minutes and a couple of clear elastics — seriously, that's all it takes. The end result looks like it took way longer, though, and this simple style is something we could wear for the day or even for a fancier night out.
Faux Locs
Want to try out the look of locs without the commitment? This tutorial explains how to quickly create faux locs that look like the real thing — and it only takes a few minutes (and maybe a couple of purchases to prepare ahead of time) to make it happen.
Bun Without a Hair Tie
We've all been caught in a situation where we want or need to put our hair up but don't happen to have a hair tie handy. This TikTok explains how to do a messy bun that's cute, functional, and doesn't require any kind of hair tie at all. Practice this one a few times, and it'll be ready next time a quick bun is needed.
Hairstyle With a Twist
Here's another easy half updo, and according to this TikTok user, it takes less than five minutes to complete, which is usually all the time we have for hair! A simple twist is all it takes to create a totally elevated look that's simple at the same time.
Another Perspective
One of the hardest parts of doing our own hair is not being able to see behind us while we're doing it, but this video solves that! Style it all under the chin, and then flip it back to create a look that seems like it took forever but really took less than 10 minutes.
The Perfect Top Knot
Many of us have tried (and failed) to perfect the top knot — including buying products that are supposed to make it look like we have all the volume going on — but this video pretty much solves our problems. Here's how to create a perfect top knot in seconds.
A Quick Boho Look
After trying out that curling hack, add this style in to give it that little something extra. It just requires knowledge of a basic braid, and the rest takes care of itself. Another awesome option to pull hair out of our faces while also looking super cute.
Leveling Up
This one is for moms with short hair! Even if we're just leaving it down that day, curled or not, this TikTok video shows how to do a couple of twists on the side that add something extra to our look without taking too much time out of our busy day.
Braided Bun
Looking for a more formal updo that's still easy? This braided bun is quick, simple to do, and doesn't require any special products at home other than elastics and bobby pins. This hairstyle would be perfect for date night or even something a bit fancier, like a wedding.
Different Braids
In this TikTok, we can see several different ways of styling braids, which is pretty handy for moms who need to keep their hair out of their face (and out of the tiny, grabby hands of babies and toddlers who have recently learned how to pull).
A Fancy Low Pony
Worried about looking like a founding father when throwing that hair into a low pony? With this style, worry no more! This adds a little oomf to that low pony, making it perfect for work or even a fancier event — or even just staying home, honestly.
An Elevated Bun
Need to make that bun something a bit cuter? This technique is easy to learn after a little practice. After putting hair in a low bun, just tuck it through a hole behind the bun, giving hair a little twist that makes it look like a much more complicated updo.
So Many Options
This video features several different easy hairstyles, and by easy, we mean they take less than five minutes. An elevated pony, a side braid — all of it ends up looking way cuter (and a lot neater) than just letting our hair down without styling it when the situation calls for it.
A Flip Braid
Want to feel just like Elsa from Frozen (or have a kid with long hair who does)? This braid tutorial couldn't possibly be simpler, and this hairstylist also uses them on clients for weddings and special occasions, so it's totally legit and super easy.
A Waterfall Braid Hack
Waterfall braids are so cute, but they can be so confusing and time-consuming, especially when we try to do them on ourselves. This shows how to get the look of a waterfall braid without actually doing one. Where has this video been all our lives?!
Cat Girl
Need an adorable hairstyle that's super fun, too? Try out these braided cat ears. They're a lot easier than they look, and the finished product is seriously impressive for all those cat ladies out there. Definitely something we can do on our daughters, too!
A Cute Messy Bun
Looking to give the usual messy bun an upgrade? This professional hairstylist offers up the way she does her hair on most days, and it's simple enough that we can definitely copy her technique. Messy buns don't have to look bad, after all!
Flat Iron Curls
This technique can take a little practice to get the hang of it (especially for those of us who aren't coordinated enough to perfect that wrist flip on the first try), but flat iron curls are definitely faster than curling iron curls, and this video shows how quick and gorgeous they can be.
A Perky Pony
Not all ponytails are created equal — some of them are sad and look flat against our heads. This tip helps combat that issue, showing how to add a little volume to hair and give that ponytail the perkiness we were hoping from all along. This is a game changer!
Fake Bangs
Want to try out the look of bangs without actually cutting anything? Or, as this TikTok suggests, hide a big forehead (it happens, y'all)? This is an easy hack to make hair that's left down look like an actual style, and it takes minimal effort.
Jaw Clip Styles
In case anyone hasn't heard, jaw clips are back, y'all — and they're something every mom needs to have on hand. We need to keep our hair out of our faces most of the time, and we only have a few minutes to make it happen. This clip couldn't make it any simpler!
A Curly Updo
Looking for a way to manage thick, curly hair? This ponytail is easy, super cute, and takes a matter of minutes to complete — and can be done with or without the crystals this TikTok users adds at the end, though they definitely are a fun touch to the finished look.
