Raise your hand if your "hair routine" sounds a little like this lately: Snooze. Snooze. Snooze. Dry shampoo. Topknot. In the dead of January, it's hard enough to drag yourself out of bed — let alone wash and style your hair. But wearing the same hairstyle every day can feel as uninspiring as putting on the same puffy winter coat every morning. We're here to help.
We rounded up 29 easy ways to break out of your hair rut in 2016. Whether you're looking to switch up your colour, add a few tweaks to your existing style, or finally get that dramatic cut you've been eyeing, we've got you covered. Check out our ideas, ahead.
Get A Low-Maintenance Fringe
Want a fringe, but aren't willing to give up your sleep to style it each morning? Great news: This season, it's all about the easy, cool fringe — curls, cowlicks, and tiny imperfections included.
PHOTO: VICTOR VIRGILE/GAMMA-RAPHO/ GETTY IMAGES.
Master A New Wave
A little salt spray (hydrating cream if you have curly hair), some scrunching, and a 1-inch flat iron are all you need to get this look.
PHOTO: MONICA SCHIPPER/FILMMAGIC/ GETTY IMAGES.
Go Shorter
We love this curly crop (seen on Teen Vogue 's beauty director Elaine Welteroth).
PHOTOGRAPHED BY ANNA-ALEXIA BASILE.
Or At Least Fake It
Not ready to make the commitment to a big chop? No problem. You can fake it with this easy faux-bob, involving just an elastic and a few pins.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY BRIANNE WILLS.
Change Your Brows
An easy way to make your blonde strands stand out (without an additional highlighting appointment)? Go darker with your brows. It's one of our favourite looks.
Heard PHOTO: MATT BARON/BEIMAGES.
Add Layers
Not willing to part with the long hair you've been growing for so long? We don't blame you. Just switch things up with a few expertly placed layers around your face to make your strands appear fuller and bouncier.
PHOTO: DAVID FISHER/REX SHUTTERSTOCK.
Layers are a great addition for those with curly tresses, too. Here, they add dimension and lightness to her gorgeous coils.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF SHAI AMIEL.
Actually Do Your Hair
The most surprising hair trend of 2016? Giving a shit. After seasons of model-off-duty strands, hairstylists have dusted off their curling irons to create some gorgeous looks.
PHOTO: CATWALKING/GETTY IMAGES.
Bust Out The Shine Spray
The easiest way to fake healthy, freshly washed hair? A generous dose of shine spray. Lightly mist it over curls or a sleek ponytail for a pretty, reflective sheen.
PHOTO: MCV.
Invest In Easy Colour
The right hair colour can make any style look instantly more polished — but that doesn't mean you have to refresh it every month. This lived-in blond, with expertly placed highlights, lasts up to six months.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF JOHNNY RAMIREZ.
Or Walk On The Wild Side
While it's definitely more high-maintenance than the lived-in blond, what could be more fun than rainbow-coloured opal hair in 2016? If you're feeling it, we say go for it.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF AURA FRIEDMAN.
Give Your Ponytail New Life
Got a few extra elastics lying around? Then you can pull off this easy segmented ponytail.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY LAUREN PERLSTEIN.
Update Your Braid
The tiniest styling tweaks can make the biggest difference — as evidenced by this Dutch braid, which came to life when it got pulled apart. "This adds serious thickness and texture," says hairstylist Sarah Potempa.
Get That Big Cut
Is there a style you've always been wanting to try — but were too afraid to take the plunge? Well, 2016 is the year to do it. Shaving her head has helped make model Grace Bol's career.
Photo: TAYLOR HILL/FILMMAGIC/GETTY IMAGES.
Add Some Bling
Hair accessories don't have to be expensive. At Alberta Ferretti, hairstylist Guido wrapped coils of gold wire around the hair for an ethereal look.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF REDKEN.
Or A Black Headband
The coolest way to update a style this season? Add a stretchy black headband. In an instant, it can make your hair look sporty or chic. (Or, in this case, both.)
PHOTO: VIA @SUNO.
Get Inspired By Nature
Still in a rut? Take a hike. That's what Blake Lively and her hairstylist Rod Ortega did — resulting in this beyond beautiful rope braid.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF ROD ORTEGA.
Change Your Definition Of Gym Hair
Not only is this gym hairstyle a thousand times cooler than a messy bun or ponytail, but you can wear it to drinks after spinning — sweat and all — and no one will be the wiser.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY ATISHA PAULSON.
If that's a little ambitious go for this easy-to-do low twist bun.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY ATISHA PAULSON.
Become A Blowout Pro
Save your £40 — you can pull off a great blowout at home, too. You'll just need some serum, a round brush and some targeted air.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY BRIANNE WILLS.
Get The Bob You've Always Wanted
So, you're ready to go shorter? Welcome to the club.
Photo: BEN GABBE/GETTY IMAGES.
Or At Least The Lob You've Always Wanted
The bob's grown-out sister is one of the most versatile cuts you can get this winter. Check out three totally new ways to style it here.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY MOLLY CRANNA.
Leave Out The Ends
You can go ahead and kiss your bobby pins goodbye. This season at Nicholas K, hairstylists updated loops and chignons by leaving the ends loose. It's an easy trick we like to call the "bunny tail."
PHOTOGRAPHED BY MARK VON HOLDEN.
Rethink Your Hair Straighteners
If you're just using your hair straighteners to straighten your hair, you're seriously missing out. Hairstylist Jennifer Yepez created waves, crimps, and even an updo with two hot plates. Check them out here.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY LAUREN PERLSTEIN.
Try A New Updo
Updos don't have to be stuffy or complicated. This waterfall style — ideal for those with tight curls — couldn't be easier to do at home.
If your hair is straight or wavy, add some texture to your updo with a braid or a headband. This style, created by hairstylist Sarah Potempa, is a variation of the headband chignon.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY WINNIE AU.
Swing Low
If you want to switch up your everyday pony, try pushing it a few inches lower. With some glossing spray and careful combing, you can turn a messy style into an impossibly chic one.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF ROBIN BLACK.
Try A New Braid
This season, braided parts are all the rage. At Hervé Léger, hairstylist Orlando Pita braided the hair toward the front for a cool update to a classic look.
Photo: @herveleger.
Skip The Blowdryer
If you can get away with it during the winter (i.e. you live in Miami), skip the blowdryer and try styling your hair wet. Not only will it save you time, but it'll add a graphic edge to a normally fussy style like this French twist.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY CHRISTINE HAHN.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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