Are you succeeding in people’s first impressions of you? If you’re not sure of the answer, it might be time to reflect on your professional look, starting from the top. For all you know, a bad hairstyle may be sabotaging your career.

Successful women know that an unflattering hairstyle can have a negative impact on an overall look. It’s one of the first things that people can notice about you, even before your designer shoes or bag. Granted, you may be dressed to the nines for a day’s work, but unkempt hair can mess with your entire look.

Now before you make a panicked trip to the salon, we have some great news. We’ve curated hairstyles inspired by powerful and successful women who just like you are busy, multi-tasking every day. And in addition, we have vetted some budget-friendly products and tools you can use to achieve professional-looking hairstyles for work.

In essence, this article will show you that you can sport elegant hairstyles without spending too much time in front of the mirror each morning, and inspire you to look put-together and feel confident to take on the day.

Let’s dive in!

The classic Lob with full bangs

It’s clean, timeless, and effortless. The classic lob looks great for almost any face shape and age. It can also mellow down a tired face. It’s an uncomplicated hairstyle that can make you look more posh and confident.

But a lob cut can also look boring and outdated. Well, yes, classic haircuts tend to have that Achilles heel. But it’s very easy to spice up a regular bob and still look professional. Adding full bangs to your classic bob can make it look modern and edgy but it will look work-ready.

Easy Half up half down style

This is a perfect style if you are having a bad hair day but would still want to wear your hair loose. And if you have thick wavy hair, wearing your hair down can be a challenge. You do not want to be fixing your hair in front of your client every time the wind blows. But sometimes, wearing your hair up may make you look more mature than you are. 

The half-up half-down hairstyle is perfect for work and lets you enjoy the best of both worlds. You’ll still look professional by keeping your stray hair in place. At the same time, you’ll still feel confident and feminine because you’re still wearing your hair down. 

The wavy updo bun style with side part

This is an alternative to the classic bun style. If you have medium-length hair, you can nail this hairstyle by adding volume to your end using a curling iron.

Also, if you have a heart or a square-shaped face, a mid-part will not be flattering for you. A wavy updo with a side part, on the other hand, can frame your face very well.

This style can make your hair look ultra-sleek and regal. That’s why it’s one of our favorite hairstyles for interviews, work travel, or when you meet with big clients.

The charming ponytail with soft bangs

Nothing can ease off a bad hair day more than a ponytail. But a ponytail does not always have to be boring. You can make it look professional and daring at the same time, too. Instead of settling with the usual middle part, grab a few strands of your long bangs and give them a soft wave for that face-framing look.

Your bangs will soften your cheekbones while your ponytail still makes this hairstyle more defined. Not to mention, you’re far from looking like you’re just about to head to the gym but instead more ready for the boardroom.

The effortless dreamy big bun 

If you want work-appropriate and no-fuss hairstyles for your long hair, a big bun never fails. This style never ceases to demand attention. It’s uncomplicated but looks regal at the same time. You can make it look modern by braiding your tresses first before bunching them up in a bun. 

This is a very easy yet chic way of getting all your hair out of your face. And if you have bangs, this is a great look to flaunt them!

The chic low bun

A low bun is the epitome of the classic hair bun. Bunching up your hair while keeping its volume can make the overall style look softer. And if you have delicate features, the low bun may work for you better than a classy high bun.

This classic look makes a busy woman’s hairstyle look professional and work-ready. After all, neat hairstyles are the more appropriate ones for work. Whether you can spare some minutes to volumize your hair or are only able to pull a quick knot, this hairstyle flatters your features in more ways than one. 

The sexy wavy Lob

This is one of the fun, elegant hairstyles that still make you look appropriate for work. A lob mixed with loose waves exudes a lot of confidence. This is a great choice if you want to make a few heads turn. All you have to do is run your tresses through a curling iron.

What we love about this look is it can give a feminine touch to more structured silhouettes such as when you’re wearing a blazer with slacks.

If you want to switch it up, you can dye your ends light brown or a few shades lighter for the ombre hair color that still maintains that professional look.  

The headband updo

This headband updo allows you to wear a headband to work without being mistaken for a child. But the key here is choosing the right headband for work. Casual headbands may compromise your professional look. That’s why you have to choose headbands that don’t have a shocking color and design. They should not be too metallic either.

That’s why neutral shades such as black and brown will work best. And ditch the one with those big ribbons and laces. Headbands are a great way to keep stray hairs from your face. Especially if you have those baby hairs that do not want to be pulled back even with a styling mousse, a headband can perfectly hide them.

To finish off a more professional look, wear your hair up in a pony or low bun. 

Don’t forget to choose headbands that are not too tight or too tough. And be careful not to choose fabric and elastic headbands as these are more suited for working out.

Remember this when choosing a style…

You can sport chic and edgy hairstyles that look great for work. But you also have to choose the style that flatters your face shape the best. And choosing the proper accessories is also key to keeping your look work-ready. If you need bobby pins or headbands to secure stray hairs, always go for neutral shades, with black being the better option. After all, black accessories always go well with any outfit.

Budget-friendly Products & Tools to Achieve Elegant Hairstyles for Work

When it comes to hairstyles for work, you want to look refined and polished on a budget without sacrificing the health of your hair. There are plenty of brands that offer professional quality products at an affordable price point, allowing you to achieve the look you desire.

Here are some of our budget-friendly recommendations you can use to elevate your professional look:

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• Shampoo & Conditioner

Of course, having an elegant hairstyle must start with clean tresses. To ensure that your hair stays healthy and able to withstand regular styling, use sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner free of parabens and pthalates—chemicals known to irritate skin and cause illness.

Also, skip the daily shampoo and conditioner lather and stick to using both on alternate days to give way for your hair to develop its natural oils, unless of course your hair accumulated too many products or developed a foul smell from sweat or smoke.

• Hairspray

The best hairsprays to use when styling your hair for work are those that don’t leave a sticky residue on your hair. The spray should also be light enough that it doesn’t weigh down your hair but still hold strong to last your hairstyle all day. If you live somewhere humid or hot, chances are your hairstyle might get messed up by sweat or rainwater at some point, so look for a product that can withstand this as well!

• Hair Straightening Iron

A hair straightener is a must-have for any woman who wants to look polished and professional at work. It’s a relatively inexpensive investment that will help you achieve sleek, smooth hair in no time at all.

The hair iron tool is also great for making curls and waves, as well as taming flyaways and frizz. You can even use a brushless straightener if you’re looking to go more natural or don’t want to damage your hair or choose between different sizes depending on the length or type of your hair.

• Hair Curling Iron

For some women with naturally straight hair, a curling iron can help make your tresses appear fuller and more voluminous. Further, this tool not only helps create curls that look polished and stylish on their own, but it’s also a good base to create updo bun styles or add volume to a French chignon. With the clever use of a curling iron, achieving the perfect hairstyle for work need not require a bi-weekly trip to the salon.

• Volumizer

Hair volumizers can be used to add volume to your hair on days you want to look like you had a salon blow-dry. Moreover, it’s a hair product must-have when you want to add more body to your elegant hairstyle. Since it’s a styling tool, it’s important not to use too many products at once—just a small amount on the roots can give your hair a much-needed lift.

• Dry Shampoo

Dry shampoo is a staple grooming item for those with oily hair or for working professionals who have busy schedules. This product absorbs excess oil to help you skip a wash and is versatile enough that the powder can be used to add texture and volume when applied post-blow-dry. It’s perfect for those who are always on the go to give their hair a refreshed, clean look during the day or between washes.

• Hair Serum

The best hair serums are made out of a lightweight, non-greasy blend of oils and waxes that help tame frizz, smoothen hair strands, and add shine to your locks. It can also help define natural curls and waves and can be a good alternative to hairspray to leave room for soft, bouncy hair.

• Hair Treatment (Cult favorites!)

Some hair products become a viral sensation among hair care enthusiasts and celebrities alike that it’s a clear standout in their own category. When it comes to hair care and achieving the perfect style, products that have proven to deliver on their promise deserve a spot on any woman’s must-try list.

Final Thoughts

With these easy and elegant hairstyles tips inspired by successful women, you now have more options under your belt to elevate your professional work look. And by using the budget-friendly products and tools presented here, achieving a polished look is more than possible without breaking the bank.

Remember as a professional, first impressions matter. So tie up some loose ends (pun intended) and refine your hair routine so you can feel more confident and ready to attract more business!

READ MORE: Classic Everyday Work Makeup (Reels + Lookbook)

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What’s the hairstyle you’ve been wanting to try this season? Leave a comment below or hit us up on Instagram to share your hair care stories!