20 Effortlessly Chic Relaxed Hairstyles for Any Occasion

When it comes to hairstyling, sometimes less is more. Relaxed hairstyles have become a go-to choice for those who want to look effortlessly chic without the hassle of elaborate styling routines.

Whether it’s soft waves, half-up twists, or playful braids, these hairstyles embody a laid-back elegance that’s perfect for any occasion.

In this article, we’ve curated a list of 20 relaxed hairstyles that strike the perfect balance between style and simplicity.

From romantic half-up curls to bohemian-inspired twists, each look offers a unique way to embrace effortless beauty.

Relaxed Hairstyles

1. Side-Swept Shoulder-Length Waves

This look features shoulder-length hair styled in soft, loose waves that sweep slightly to one side. The side part gives a casual yet polished vibe, perfect for both everyday wear and semi-formal events.

To achieve this, use a curling iron on low heat to create gentle waves, and lightly tousle with your fingers for a relaxed texture. Finish with a light texturizing spray to keep the waves intact while maintaining natural movement.

2. Long, Loose Curls with a Center Part

This style showcases long, flowing curls with a classic center part, ideal for a laid-back yet chic appearance. The soft curls frame the face, enhancing natural beauty with a touch of elegance.

For this style, start by applying a heat protectant, then use a large-barrel curling wand to create loose curls. Finger-comb through the curls for a more relaxed finish and set with a flexible-hold hairspray.

3. Braided Pigtails with Ribbon Ties

This playful hairstyle involves two braided pigtails secured with simple ribbon ties at the ends, adding a charming touch. It’s a youthful, fun style that works well for casual days or outdoor gatherings.

Divide the hair into two sections, braid each one, and tie off with a ribbon for a finishing touch. The ribbons bring a pop of color and whimsy, making this style both stylish and easy to recreate.

4. Loose Waves with a Statement Bow

This romantic look features loose, cascading waves adorned with a statement bow at the back, perfect for special occasions or a relaxed, vintage-inspired look.

To achieve this, curl the hair loosely from mid-lengths to ends, then gather the top half into a loose half-up style. Secure with a large bow accessory to complete the look, creating a soft, effortless charm with a bit of flair.

5. Sleek Low Bun

A sleek low bun is a classic, relaxed hairstyle that’s both elegant and easy to achieve. Perfect for any occasion, this style keeps hair neatly gathered at the nape, creating a polished yet relaxed look.

To achieve this, comb your hair back and secure it into a low ponytail. Twist the ponytail into a bun and secure with pins. Use a bit of shine serum for a smooth finish, and set with a light hairspray to control flyaways.

6. Loose Beachy Waves

Loose beachy waves offer a relaxed, effortless style, ideal for casual outings or a laid-back day look. To create this look, use a curling wand on low heat to add gentle waves through the mid-lengths and ends of your hair, leaving the roots untouched for a more natural effect.

After curling, use your fingers to separate the waves for added texture. Finish with a texturizing spray to maintain the waves and add volume.

7. Relaxed High Ponytail with Face-Framing Layers

A relaxed high ponytail with loose, face-framing layers is perfect for a quick, stylish look that’s effortlessly chic. Begin by gathering your hair into a high ponytail, leaving a few strands loose at the front.

Use a curling iron to add a slight wave to these face-framing pieces for added softness. Secure the ponytail and pull it slightly for a relaxed lift, giving the style a carefree finish.

8. Half-Up Twisted Crown

The half-up twisted crown hairstyle combines elegance with a relaxed, bohemian vibe, making it perfect for both casual and semi-formal settings. To create this style, take two sections from the front, twist them back, and secure them at the back of your head with pins, creating a half-up style.

Let the rest of your hair flow naturally or add soft waves for extra texture. This look is simple to create yet gives an intricate, stylish effect.

9. Floral Embellished Bubble Braid

The floral embellished bubble braid combines a classic braid with a playful, voluminous effect, enhanced with colorful flower clips. Ideal for outdoor events or casual gatherings, this look adds personality and charm.

Start with a regular braid, adding small elastic bands at intervals down the length. Gently pull sections between the bands to create rounded “bubbles,” then attach floral clips for decoration. This adds both volume and style, creating a laid-back yet eye-catching look.

10. Twisted Low Bun

A twisted low bun is a timeless, relaxed hairstyle that’s suitable for both formal and casual settings. It features a softly twisted bun that sits at the nape, adding sophistication to the style.

To achieve this look, create a low ponytail, then twist the hair and wrap it around the base, securing it with bobby pins. Leave a few face-framing strands loose for a soft touch, adding a bit of hair serum for smoothness.

11. Sleek Top Knot

The sleek top knot is a minimalist style that’s perfect for keeping hair off the face in a relaxed, elegant way. This look is great for both day and night, offering a clean and polished vibe.

Start by gathering the hair into a high ponytail, twisting it tightly, and wrapping it around the base to form a knot. Secure with pins, and use a bit of styling gel for a smooth finish, taming any flyaways for a sleek look.

12. Half-Up Twisted Knot

The half-up twisted knot hairstyle combines soft waves with a simple twist for a laid-back yet refined look. This style is perfect for casual or semi-formal settings, adding a touch of elegance to loose hair.

To create this, section off the top half of the hair, twist it, and secure it in a small knot at the back, leaving the rest of the hair flowing. Add soft waves to the remaining hair for added texture and volume.

13. Soft Twisted Half-Up Waves

The soft twisted half-up waves style combines elegance with a relaxed, romantic vibe, perfect for events or casual outings. This look features soft waves cascading from a twisted half-up style, adding volume and texture.

To create this, take small sections from each side, twist them back, and secure with a bobby pin. Leave the rest of the hair loose and use a curling iron to create gentle waves, enhancing the soft, flowing look.

14. Beachy Half-Up Twist

The beachy half-up twist is a casual and relaxed style, ideal for outdoor settings or everyday wear. This look involves twisting sections from the front, securing them at the back to create a half-up style that flows into soft, tousled waves.

To achieve this, twist each side and pin them together at the back. For added texture, use a texturizing spray and gently scrunch the waves for a natural, beach-inspired finish.

15. Subtle Twisted Half-Up with Loose Curls

This subtle twisted half-up with loose curls style combines understated elegance with a relaxed look, suitable for both formal and casual events. To achieve this, part the hair in the middle, take two small sections from the front, twist them, and secure them together at the back.

Curl the rest of the hair in loose sections and let the curls flow naturally. Finish with a lightweight setting spray for a soft hold.

16. Voluminous Half-Up Twisted Waves

The voluminous half-up twisted waves hairstyle is a glamorous yet relaxed look, perfect for a night out or special occasion. This style features a twisted half-up section, with the rest of the hair flowing in soft, voluminous waves.

Start by twisting the top sections back and securing them with pins, then curl the remaining hair with a large-barrel curling iron. Use a volume spray at the roots and finger-comb through the curls for added fullness.

17. Twisted Half-Up Curls

The twisted half-up curls hairstyle is a romantic and relaxed look, ideal for both casual and semi-formal occasions. This style features soft curls with two twisted sections at the crown, adding texture and elegance.

To achieve this, curl the hair loosely, then take two sections from the front, twist them back, and secure with pins at the back of the head. Let the remaining curls flow naturally to enhance the look’s softness and volume.

18. Floral Half-Updo

This floral half-updo combines loose curls with a gentle half-up style accented by a floral clip, perfect for weddings or outdoor events. Start by curling the hair to add texture, then pull back the top section and secure it with a clip or pin.

Add a floral accessory for a delicate touch. This style is both effortless and charming, offering a natural, bohemian-inspired vibe.

19. Bubble Half-Up Ponytail

The bubble half-up ponytail is a playful and relaxed hairstyle that adds volume and dimension. This look is ideal for casual outings or a fun event.

To achieve it, pull back the top section into a half ponytail and secure with an elastic. Place additional elastics at intervals down the ponytail and gently pull each section to create “bubbles.” Finish by curling the ends for added texture and a youthful look.

20. Side Braid with Loose Waves

A side braid with loose waves offers a relaxed, bohemian look that’s perfect for festivals or beach days. This style combines a simple braid at the side with loose waves, adding both structure and softness.

Begin by creating a loose side braid and securing it at the back, then curl the remaining hair for a wavy finish. Use a texturizing spray to keep the style in place while maintaining a natural, carefree feel.