Easy 5-Minute Twisted Hairstyle for Long Hair (No Heat Required!)

Thank you to Pantene for sponsoring this post. All opinions are my own.

Mornings are chaotic enough without spending 30 minutes styling your hair! Whether you’re rushing to work, getting the kids ready or simply hitting snooze one too many times, sometimes you need a cute hairstyle that’s quick and effortless. Enter my favourite easy 5-minute twisted hairstyle for long hair! This romantic, heatless hairstyle takes just three simple steps, works beautifully on second-day hair and instantly makes your everyday look feel a little more put together.

How to Create an Easy Twisted Hairstyle in 3 Steps

The best part about this quick hairstyle for long hair? You don’t need a curling iron, straightener or fancy styling skills. All you need is a hairbrush, a few bobby pins and your favourite hairspray. You can create this look on straight, wavy or previously curled hair, making it perfect for those mornings when you’re short on time.

Step 1: Part Your Hair and Create a Twist

Start by gently brushing through your hair to remove any tangles. You can part your hair down the middle or to the side, depending on your preference. Since I usually wear a middle part, I decided to switch things up with a side part for this tutorial. Next, take a 1–1.5-inch section of hair near the front of your face. Divide it into two smaller sections and twist them around each other until you have a defined rope twist. Keep the twist fairly snug for now because we’ll loosen it later to create that pretty, voluminous finish.

Step 2: Wrap and Secure Your Hair Twist With Bobby Pins

Now that you’ve created your twist, gently bring it around the side of your head toward the back. Position it wherever you prefer, then secure the end with two or three bobby pins. I like to overlap my bobby pins in an X shape to help keep everything in place throughout the day. If you have thick or heavy hair, you may need a few extra pins for added support. Try tucking the pins underneath the twist so they’re less visible. The goal is to create a soft, romantic hairstyle that looks effortless while still feeling secure.

Step 3: Loosen the Twist for Extra Volume

Here’s my favourite part! Once your twist is secured, gently tug at the outer edges to loosen the sections and create a fuller appearance. This technique gives the hairstyle that soft, effortless look I absolutely love. Don’t worry about making every strand perfect. A slightly undone finish adds to the charm! If you accidentally loosen the twist too much, simply add another bobby pin to secure it. Finish with a light mist of your favourite hairspray to help your style last throughout the day. And that’s it! You’ve officially created a cute twisted hairstyle in under five minutes.

The Finished Look: A Cute Everyday Hairstyle

Voilà! How cute is this hairstyle?! I love that it looks like you’ve put in way more effort than you actually have. This simple side twist is perfect for busy mornings, casual weekends, brunch dates, work or school. You can wear it with naturally straight hair, loose waves or even second-day curls. If you love easy hairstyles that don’t require heat, you’ll also want to try my 5-minute heatless hairstyle for long hair. It’s another adorable option for days when you want something a little different without spending forever in front of the mirror.

Bonus Hair Hack: How to Keep Your Hair Fresh Between Washes

Let’s talk about one of my favourite beauty goals: making my hair look fresh between washes! I typically wash my hair a couple of times a week, so finding products that leave it feeling clean, soft and manageable is a must. After all, nobody wants to spend their entire morning washing, drying and styling their hair when a quick refresh will do. One ingredient I was excited to try when I originally created this tutorial was activated charcoal. At the time, Pantene had introduced its Charcoal Collection, including a shampoo and conditioner formulated with activated charcoal. The collection was designed to help cleanse hair and remove impurities while leaving it feeling soft and refreshed. I loved the fresh scent and how shiny my hair looked after using the duo. The products featured a blend of pro-vitamin B5, activated charcoal and antioxidants, and the original formulas were marketed as free from silicones, parabens and dyes. Since this was an earlier collaboration, the collection’s current availability and ingredients may have changed.

My Favourite Tips for Refreshing Second-Day Hair

You don’t need an elaborate haircare routine to make your hair look more polished between washes. If your roots are looking a little oily, try applying a small amount of dry shampoo and brushing it through after following the product instructions. You can also refresh your ends with a lightweight leave-in conditioner if they feel dry. And when all else fails, a cute heatless hairstyle like this side twist is an easy way to give your hair a little extra personality. If you have colour-treated or bleached hair like me, you’ll also want to check out my five easy ways to bring damaged hair back to life. I share some of my favourite tips for caring for dry hair, minimizing heat styling and keeping long hair looking its best.

More Easy Hairstyles for Long Hair

Looking for more quick and cute hairstyles you can recreate at home? Girl, I’ve got you covered! Here are a few more of my favourite Mash Elle hair tutorials:

• Two Easy Braided Hairstyles for Long Hair — Simple braided styles for busy mornings and second-day hair.
• Easy 5-Minute Heatless Hairstyle — A playful hairstyle using clear elastics and simple twists.
• Easy Heatless Hairstyle for Spring — A pretty faux-braid look that doesn’t require hot tools.
• Easy Fishtail Braid Tutorial — A classic braid you can dress up or down.
• Double Dutch Braids for Beginners — A fun hairstyle for days when you want your hair out of your face.
• My Everyday Hair Routine — How I style my signature loose waves and keep them looking beautiful.