5 Easy Hairstyles For Your Next Houseparty Or Zoom Meeting

Right now, there is a lotta temptation to live in your cosy pyjamas and send your make-up bag and hair straighteners on a sabbatical. But getting ready for the day, and forming some sort of structure and routine, has been proven to help boost motivation levels and increase production. So, whether it’s a slick of lippy or a quick tong of the hair, now is the time to embrace the fun of getting made up – especially when there’s a Zoom, Skype or Houseparty on the horizon.

‘When we’re talking about hair that looks good on Zoom or Houseparty – it’s about making the front look that little bit more done up,’ explains Zoe Irwin, celebrity hair stylist and ghd ambassador. A bit like that tracksuit bottom and cashmere jumper combo, you can leave the sides and back of the hair undone, and just focus your attention on the front. From top knots to 70s waves, Zoe shares her top tips to create 5 effortless but chic at-home styles…

1. Cool girl bouncy blow-out

When: For your 7pm, wine o’clock, Houseparty

Why: ‘A 70s big blow out is perennially cool,’ states Zoe, ‘and looks great with a high-neck top or dress’

How: All you need is a round or oval bristle brush, a root lift spray and a hairdryer like the brand new (and pretty amazing) ghd Helios hair dryer, £159. ‘Take the fringe section first and wrap it around your brush before blasting with a hair dryer. The trick is to always lift the brush from underneath the hair and elevate it to get that bounce.’ Next? ‘Move on to the sides, taking the brush under the hair and the dryer nozzle on top.’ For extra oomph, try misting a root lift spray at the roots and working it in with fingertips.

2. Super sleek hair with a strong parting

When: For your 9am morning Zoom meeting

Why: ‘This was very much the hair do for Spring/Summer’20, and it looks amazing paired with a hoodie’

How: ‘Done up hair with luxury sportswear is a great combo,’ says Zoe, ‘for spring/summer’20 we saw all these street style shots of models leaving shows with polished hairstyles wearing a tracksuit – they looked great.’ And whilst we won’t be running from shows anytime soon (or running anywhere for that matter) there’s no time like the present to get in those comfy two-piece tracksuits.

To recreate the ‘do, blow dry hair with an oval or paddle brush before using straighteners. ‘Move the irons down the hair and bend them slightly inwards at the end to create a soft, rounded finish.’ To get that super strong parting (Zoe recommends a centre or low side) use a pin-tail comb or, failing that, ‘try a Kirby grip – running it back to the crown.’ Finish with a dose of polish – ‘spray your brush with hairspray and run it over the top of your hair to tame any unruly fly-aways and give some extra shine.’ This style works particularly well for shorter cuts like Kaia Gebers enviable bob.

3. The sideways swoop

When: It’s been a month in lockdown, and you need a haircut

Why: ‘Kicking the hair to one side is a really easy way to add fullness at the front and cheat volume’

How: ‘Blow dry your hair in the opposite direction to your natural parting,’ advises Zoe, ‘then flop it back over and you get a really cool texture.’ For more movement, ‘take a tong and curl the mid-lengths of the hair, leaving the ends straight. To add fullness at the front, tong the first section of hair around your face backwards, away from the face.’

4. The top knot

When: for your one walk a day

Why: ‘the top knot is definitely back on trend, and the good news – it’s so easy to do’

How: ‘First up, take the hair into a high ponytail and add a texturiser product like Sam McKnight’s Easy Up Do, £25. Next, softly braid the hair in 3 strand plait. Then wrap it around itself into a top knot and secure with a Kirby grip.’ For a soft, romantic finish, ‘spray the palms of your hands with hairspray and rub them all the way around the sides, teasing out some hairs in the process.’ It’s a weather-proof look that’s great for second-day hair.

5. The half-up, half-down do

When: for your afternoon Zoom meeting if you want to make a bit of effort

Why: ‘this is the hair from Chanel Autumn/Winter’20 – it’s Parisian cool-girl hair’

How: ‘Start by twisting the hair using a tong or ghd’s Glide, £139, to get a gentle wave. For the top section, apply a dry shampoo from the crown towards the front hair line and tease the roots with a wide-tooth comb. Next, take a brush and smooth the whole section backwards, away from the face. Secure the top section with a tiny band before wrapping a chic black ribbon around it.’ The finished look should have a soft, undone quality to it.

READ MORE: How To Cut Your Own Fringe, An Illustrated Guide