Since the 1980’s, women have become a powerful presence in the business world. While early powerful women felt the need to downplay their sexuality with their hair; modern working women are embracing their smarts while getting creative with their look. It’s easy to keep it professional while still maintaining a sense of style and confidence with these 20 professional hairstyles for work.
Hairstyles for Girls Who Run the World
True lady always finds some time in the morning to transform her usual weekday into a good hair day. These hairstyles are classy, fashionable and easy-to-implement. Save them for inspiration and creative mood!
1. French Twist
Up-do hairstyles are a favorite among working women who don’t have the energy to deal with long locks. These were made famous by business women in the ’80s–a french twist is always beautiful and classic.
Instagram / @tashaelysse.hair
2. Side Part Bob
This style is a more modern take on the asexual political bob of days past. Add some flair to your look and give your short bob hairstyles a sleek side part like our favorite female co-host, Kelly Ripa.
Instagram / @salsalhair
3. Blow Out
Amal Clooney has put blow out styles on the map for the modern, confident woman. You don’t have to hide your luscious locks in the workplace but rather accentuate them. The key to this look is keeping it sleek and not messy.
Instagram / @shearsandroses
4. Braided Low Bun
Pulling your hair back for that power lunch doesn’t have to be boring. Try adding a simple, pretty side braid to an easy low bun to look both fresh and stylish.
Instagram / @kayleymelissa
5. Big Bun
Speaking of buns, the most popular trend in updos is definitely the big bun. Fortunately, it’s work appropriate thanks to it’s sleek, no fuss style. This look is perfect for long or medium length hairstyles and doesn’t include the hassle of complicated styling. Pull hair into a ponytail, add a braid and then twist into a bun and finish off with hair spray.
Instagram / @hairdreams_
6. Loose Waves
This style simply makes hair look ‘finished’ without pins and prodding and a lot of effort. For women with limited time, this style can last a few days with just a touch up or a bit of dry shampoo in the morning.
Instagram / @sarahgossetthair
7. Blunt Bob
The bob is a crowd favorite when it comes to short hairstyles for women. Keep it professional by wearing a sleek style. Apply hair serum and blow it out straight for a completely smooth finish.
Instagram / @dasilva_hair
8. Sleek Fishtail
Once again, cleanliness is key in the workplace. Almost any style can be pulled off if it’s simple enough–even braided hairstyles. A minimal fishtail is perfect for the working woman on the go.
Instagram / @lyons_mane_hair
9. Simple Ponytail for Straight Hair
What a low ponytail lacks in creativity it makes up for in ease and appearance. It’s always clean and stylish for a confident woman on the go.
Instagram / @_hairbygabrielle
10. Low Ponytail with Braid
Are you in a rush to make that morning meeting? Pull hair back and add a bit of braid to make your hair look done. Nothing says I mean business more than a low ponytail and the extra braid detail is just the kind of look a confident woman would wear.
Instagram / @taylor_lamb_hair
11. Feathered Pixie Cut
Adding texture to short hair is a quick and easy way to add style in the workplace. A feathered pixie is a simple, and yet professional way to wear more natural hairstyles for work.
Instagram / @scout.hair
12. Straight Bob with Side Swept Bangs
A bob hairstyle is on trend and the sleek, straight look is appropriate for any work situation or social endeavor. Side swept bangs add just the right amount of style and character.
Instagram / @sanoardor_clyon
13. French Braid Crown
This crown braid hairstyle is perfect if you don’t wash your hair for a few days. It’s an easy style to achieve with the help of the natural oils your hair has produced over a few days of not washing. It also adds a touch of femininity to your hair.
Instagram / @cosmo_camee
14. Slicked Back Hair
In most work environments–the polished look is key. Slicked back hair is an easy way to clean up your hair style while still keeping it trendy. This look is ideal if you like to keep your hair straight and simple.
Instagram / @graceful.beauty_
15. Half-Up Knot
A great way to wear your hair down while still keeping it out of your face is with a half-up style. Gathering hair into a knot behind the head takes the look from somewhat plain to interesting. If you’re looking for half-up style inspiration this gallery might be a good place to start.
Instagram / @nicoledrege
16. High Ponytail
Another fun updo option is a high ponytail. The height lends an air of power, while adding a simple braid shows creativity and a bit of style.
Instagram / @hairbyrjm
17. Ringlets with Layers
Powerful women with naturally curly hair don’t need to hide their beautiful curls from the world. Wear your style with layers for shape and keep ringlets smooth (not frizzy) for a polished look.
Instagram / @rodrigovizu
18. Wavy Lob
The lob haircut is not only easy to maintain but it’s trendy and cool. Adding a bit of intentional wave with a curling iron or hair straightener transforms this hairstyle into polished desk-to-date look.
Instagram / @salontrue
19. Long and Straight
Once again, polished is key in the professional world, so long hair should be no exception. Rub a sleek serum onto hair and blow dry it straight to maintain a business-like image. You can use a straightener, but blow drying helps this straight look maintain its volume.
Instagram / @hairbymarissasue
20. Angled Bob
This style is great for confident women of any age. A sleek, angled bob is professional yet still very modern. Curl it under slightly for a polished look that is excellent in the workplace. You’ll be sure to impress your co-workers and your boss with this chic style.
Instagram / @establishmentla
The most important thing for strong, confident women to remember is that you don’t have to sacrifice personal style to maintain a professional air. There are hundreds of options for that morning meeting, brainstorming session or killer job interview that women all over the world can embrace. It’s not hard to find a hairstyle that will fit both your personal and professional life–you’ll feel confident enough to talk “business” without sacrificing your style.
