6 Lightning-Fast Hairstyle Ideas for Finals Week

The semester is winding down, and, unfortunately, so is the motivation to look anywhere near put together for class. As busy students, we often try to get as much sleep as possible in place of having enough time to put actual effort into our look—and as finals week approaches, this becomes truer every single day. So whether you just pulled your third all-nighter in a row or you simply can’t find the energy to care about your hair between your 18 hours of classes, here are six quick and easy hairstyles that you can do without even glancing up from your flashcards.

half up half down hair
PHOTO: @jenneeeeeee_

Half up, half down

The half-up, half-down hairstyle is one of the easiest ways to hide your bedhead. To achieve this style, start by adding a small dollop of Ouai Haircare Matte Pomade ($24) into the ends of your hair and the top section to add texture to the overall look. Then, separate your hair into two sections, securing the top section with an elastic and leaving the bottom half of your hair down.

topknot
PHOTO: @jeanettedelmar

The topknot

When all else fails, throw your hair into a topknot. Pile your hair up on the top of your head, twist into a bun, and secure with elastic or bobby pins. Nothing’s worse than trying to read your notes through uncontrollable flyaways, so keep your hair from falling with a couple spritzes of Bed Head Masterpiece Shine Hairspray ($23) to complete the style.

low pony
PHOTO: @thatchiclex

The low pony

For a sophisticated, understated vibe, go for a classic low pony. Work some Drybar “Detox” Dry Shampoo ($13) into your roots to soak up any oil, then part your hair in the middle and secure it all with an elastic at the base of your neck. This look can be dressed up or down, so you can rock it even if you’ve succumbed to living in your sweats for the remainder of the week.

space buns
PHOTO: @edithloise

Space buns

Sick of studying? Perk yourself up with these space buns that are anything but boring. Simply part your hair down the middle and pull a section of hair on each side of your head into a high pigtail. Twist each one into a bun and secure with a bobby pin. Spray with Verb Strong Hairspray ($16) for an out-of-this-world look that won’t budge.

high ponytail
PHOTO: @queenhalpal

The high ponytail

Class it up at your next study sesh with a sleek high ponytail. Need to skip the shower this morning? Start by spraying Living Proof Full Dry Volume Blast ($15) throughout your hair to give it a tousled, volumized look. Then gather your hair into a ponytail at the crown of your head, tie an elastic around it, and pull it apart to tighten it. If you have some extra seconds to spare, take a few strands and wrap them around the elastic of your ponytail; secure underneath with a bobby pin.

slick back hair
PHOTO: @sydneyhelphenstine

The slick-back

This hairstyle is perfect for second- or even third-day hair, which is great when you haven’t left the library all week. Ditch your dry shampoo for Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Grooming Pomade ($18) and simply comb the product back through your hair. Who says you can’t be high fashion and have a high GPA at the same time?

What are your favorite hairstyles for finals? Let us know in the comments below!

Featured photo by @sydneyhelphenstine.

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