21 Days of Trendy Hairstyles

Day 1

I’m not usually experimental when it comes to my hair. I know what I like, and I like straight. My hair is naturally curly, so I’m a slave to the flatiron, but I stick with what I think looks best on me.

Time: 25 minutes* Tools: CHI 1" Ceramic Flat Iron

* Washing and drying time not included.

Day 2

Ashley Olsen or Prohibition flapper? Maybe neither, but I get so many compliments on my jeweled headband that I calculate how often I can wear it without overwearing it—math usually reserved for my favorite handbag. Maybe I can get into this hair thing after all.

Time: 6 minutes Tools: Jennifer Behr Braided Headwrap

Day 3

At L’Wren Scott, Odile Gilbert dusted colorful eye shadow in each model’s part, so I do the same, dabbing a shadow brush dipped in loose powder along the line for instant funkiness. As expected, I get awkward looks on the subway.

Time: 10 minutes Tools: Make Up For Ever Star Powder in Celadon

Day 4

Clip in these fun colorful streaks and you’ll forget they’re even there—until your coworker asks if you’re dealing with suppressed teenage angst. For the record, I’m not.

Time: 1 minute Tools: Put On Pieces 16" Color Strips in Red

ON ELLE: Best Products for Your Hair

Day 5

A classic French twist is pretty and sophisticated, but too bridal for every day.

Time: 10 minutes Tools: Scünci Bobby Pins

ON ELLE: Best Celebrity Hairstyles

Day 6

The Givenchy-inspired pigtails are a far cry from my grade school go-to, but my friend’s Little House on the Prairie jokes get old fast. Tip: Back-comb hair for extra texture before starting the braids.

Time: 15 minutes Tools: John Frieda Luxurious Volume Bountiful Body Mousse

Day 7

The slick Gucci chignon is a chic alternative to an everyday ballerina bun—and just as easy. Create a low pony, divide hair into two sections, twist each, and then twist together, letting the hair coil. Pin down and you’re out the door.

Time: 2 minutes Tools: Goody hair tie and pins

Day 8

I loved the sweet, whimsical braids seen at Erdem, but my at-home attempt was too milkmaid. I book an emergency appointment at my salon on my way to a wedding, and the handiwork of hairstylist Fabrice Gili is perfect: Downtown Girl Does Garden Party.

Time: 5 minutes Tools: Fabrice Gili of Frédéric Fekkai Salons

Day 9

I have major ScarJo envy. Her bob has me pondering a cut, but for now, a faux bob will do. Divide hair in half horizontally, securing the bottom length at the nape, and repeat with the top section. Loosen front pieces if you wish.

Time: 5 minutes Tools: Scünci Bobby Pins

Day 10

Whatever you’re probably thinking when you see this picture is the reaction I received. (“Umm...what is that?”) My response—“It’s Alexander Wang, people!”—didn’t seem to clear up the confusion. File this under Never Again.

Time: 5 minutes Tools: Bumble and bumble Hair Powder in White

Day 11

I have a new appreciation for the headband. Running late with no time for an elaborate style, I grab a silk scarf and tie it at the nape of my neck. I’m digging the retro vibe, and it adds a pop of color to my black outfit.

Time: 30 seconds Tools: My own silk scarf

Day 12

A forecast of rain drains all motivation to style my hair, so I embrace my natural ringlets and let them air-dry. Wow, that was easy. “It’s so pretty!” says one coworker with pin-straight, frizz-free strands. The grass is always greener, right?

Time: 1 minute Tools: Kérastase Nutritive Oléo-Curl Mist

Day 13

Soft waves are always in style, so I divide my hair into small sections and grab my curling iron. The curls quickly fall, most likely because I straightened my hair first to nix frizz, but I’m happy with the subtle movement they create.

Time: 12 minutes Tools: Hot Tools 1" curling iron

Day 14

The beachy-boho scarf-braid from my fave Hermès ad is so chic—great for an upcoming weekend trip to Miami. I give the look a test run, securing a fabric scarf to the base of a low ponytail and using it as one of the three braid sections. So simple, but best saved for vacation.

Time: 5 minutes Tools: My own scarf

Day 15

A heavy fringe is so rock ‘n’ roll, but so high-maintenance. Luckily, clip-in bangs are simple, and as long as you can find them in a perfectly matching shade, nearly foolproof.

Time: 20 seconds Tools: HairDo Dancing With the Stars Bango Tango Bangs

For the rest of the Trendy Hairstyles, click here