10 versatile relaxed hairstyles that’ll inspire you to be more playful with your styling routine

Let's get straight to it with these on-trend styles for relaxed hair.  

If you’ve just got your hair chemically relaxed, you’re probably wondering what you can do with your new, sleeker strands. Finding cool relaxed hairstyles to try is one of the best things about getting your hair straightened, especially when you’re able to try looks that you wouldn’t usually be able to pull off.

Click through our gallery to find out some of our favourite hairstyles for relaxed hair and read on for our top tips. It’s time to start having fun with your look!

10 hairstyles for relaxed hair that show just how versatile it actually is

woman with golden brown relaxed straightened hair wearing red lipstick
Make the most of your relaxed hair by keeping it sleek and smooth. Credit: Instagram.com/toogroovytexture

1. Seriously sleek

Before we go crazy and start showing you all of the elaborate looks you could try with relaxed hair, let’s take it back to basics.

Make the most of your straightened locks by wearing your hair straight and sleek. Not only will straight hair always be in style, it’ll also make your hair look longer, so you’ll be able to show off all that fabulous length! Credit: @toogroovytexture

TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Heat Protect Spray Front of bottle

Editor’s tip: Make sure to look after your hair by using a heat protectant before you go over it with the straighteners. The TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Heat Protection Shine Spray will defend your hair against the heat and also boost shine.

girl with short relaxed hair in a wavy french bob style, wearing a green striped commes des garcons tshirt
The French girl bob trend is within your reach. Credit: Instagram.com/eristheplanet

2. Wavy bob

The French girl bob, the Chanel haircut, call it what you like but there’s no denying short wavy bobs are one of the hottest looks in hair right now.

Give your own hair the Parisian girl treatment by using a curling wand to add loose waves through your hair before brushing to make them softer and less defined. Credit: @eristheplanet

woman wearing a sleeveless black top with her relaxed hair in tight high top knot
Twisted top knots = major red carpet vibes. Credit: Instagram.com/zimasa_caleni

3. Turn up top knot

If you want to go full-on glam, this slick top knot will do just the trick!

This style will really make your facial features stand out and it’s really just a case of tying your hair into a bun. It’s no more difficult to do than a regular bun except you should take some extra care to make it a bit neater and more evening appropriate. Credit: @zimasa_caleni

Editor’s tip: Neatness is key to this look, so be sure to have a gel, like the VO5 Mega Hold Gel Spray, on standby to slick down any rebellious strands that escape.

You can also finish up your style with an allover spritz just to lock the look in place and provide some extra protection.

close up shot of a woman with a textured relaxed pixie cut
Shorter styles can work just as well, take this pixie for example. Credit: Instagram.com/_iamandreab_

4. Statement pixie

Prefer a shorter style? We’ve got you. Pixie cuts are one of our favourite relaxed hairstyles because they’re easy to style and can still be worn in different ways by playing around with texture. Feathered, wet look or even spiked-up, the world is your oyster here! Credit: @_iamandreab_

girl with relaxed and curled natural hair wearing a leather jacket and stripy rainbow roll neck standing in front of a hedge
These big, glamorous curls add vintage flair. Credit: Instagram.com/karinabaileyrae

5. Hollywood curls

Just because your hair is relaxed that doesn’t mean you can’t still go curly if you feel like it – and honestly, who can resist Hollywood curls?

If you’re concerned about using heat on your hair, there are plenty of ways you can create curls without it – think flexi rods and braid outs. So just play around with the different methods until you find the curls you like best! Credit: @karinabaileyrae

Editor’s tips: Curled your hair but feel like it’s missing that special something? Get that film star finish with a touch of shine spray (the TONI&GUY Finishing Shine Spray is a great one) for dazzlingly, glossy curls.

woman wearing a sporty gym jacket with her long dark relaxed hair in a sleek low ponytail
When your workout hair looks this good it would be a shame to hide it away in the gym! Credit: Instagram.com/mariahnicole_16

6. Lush low pony

Into your fitness and need hairstyles for relaxed hair that’ll hold up in the gym? Ponytails are the quickest and easiest way to get your hair out of your face while you’re working up a sweat.

Plus, by just adding some shine spray or a metallic accessory it can easily take you from day to night. So while it’s low key it’s actually super versatile! Credit: @mariahnicole_16

woman with relaxed hair styled in a low bun with loose face-framing strands hanging loose
The epitome of undone chic. Credit: Instagram.com/amymaxine

7. Undone bun

Instead of your standard messy bun, next time try this low, undone take on the go-to look. It’s soft and feminine thanks to the face-framing sections of hair left loose around the face, so it’s a great balance between “I woke up like this” and you still put some effort in. Credit: @amymaxine

woman with long relaxed hair in a side fishtail braid with a beanie hat
Style it to the side with a pretty fishtail plait. Credit: Instagram.com/chonnanatural

8. Romantic fishtail braid

Braids are always bound to get the compliments flooding your way and this side-swept fishtail variation is a little more unusual than the regular 3-strand. It looks beautiful but there’s a practicality to it, too, which is why we love it so much. Credit: @chonnanatural

woman with relaxed hair styled into a vintage twist and pin updo hairstyle
Go old school with a vintage pin-up updo. Credit: Instagram.com/withlove_lisa

9. Vintage updo

Updos take a bit more time and patience to create than some other styles but they’re worth the extra effort. This pin-up girl inspired twisted look is absolutely stunning and screams old-school glamour. Credit: @withlove_lisa

woman with rich brown medium length wavy relaxed hair with a black wrap headband
Don’t forget about the accessories! Credit: Instagram.com/p.hairjourney

10. Headband details

It’s easy to get stuck in a rut with your hair but all you really need to reignite your love with your mane is a new accessory!

This twisted headband adds a real boho vibe to this Instagrammer’s style, as well as acting as a great concealer for frizzy roots – clever, no? Credit: @p.hairjourney

 

Sign up to our newsletter and get exclusive hair care tips and tricks from the experts at All Things Hair.

Subscribe