31 Professional Hairstyles That Are Perfect For Work

Finding the right hairstyle for your workday beauty look can be a bit tricky. Whether you head into an office or are working from home, it’s always smart to have a few professional hairstyles in your beauty repertoire. After all, making the right impression is the key to success, and it always helps to look the part. It’s easy to think that a professional-looking hairstyle is strictly bound to safe and practical options, but you can totally amp up your look while making a stylish statement.

From curly hair to straight hair to coily hair and everything in between, there are various professional hairstyles that will help you look work-appropriate while showing off your personality. Keep reading for the 31 best professional hairstyles for women.

10 BEST PROFESSIONAL HAIRSTYLES FOR SHORT HAIR

There are plenty of professional hairstyles that will complement your short locks perfectly. Consider our 10 options below.

1. CLASSIC BOB

Classic looks are popular for a good reason, and the bob hairstyle is a true winner. This timeless hairstyle provides your mane with a straight-across length that sits right at your jawline. The standout look is also perfect for all hair textures.

2. LAYERED BOB

If layered haircuts are more your style, then we need to put the layered bob on your radar. It gives you free rein to flaunt different lengths throughout your mane for a chic spin-off to the traditional style. Not to mention, the added body and movement provides your mane with just the right amount of edge to turn heads.

3. CHOPPY BOB SHAG

Retro professional hairstyles are a cool way to add some flair to your look. The choppy bob shag flaunts thick layered ends that add texture and edge to your style with the cool-girl aesthetic in mind. This shaggy haircut is ideal for anyone who wants to rock a chic hairstyle with a modern spin.

4. SLEEK PIXIE

Professional hairstyles that give you a sharp and chic appearance are always a good idea. So, it’s no surprise that the sleek pixie cut continues to make waves in the beauty world. The pixie hairstyle offers a slick and sleek look that’s sure to help you leave a stylish mark. Best of all, it’s super easy to style. Apply a touch of hair gel, like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Clean Style Gel to your roots. Brush your strands toward the back of your head and add more product if needed.

5. SIDE-SWEPT PIXIE

There is always a way to amp up your pixie style, and the side-swept variation is a solid pick. This style is a snazzy alternative for anyone looking to keep their short strands out of their face. Using a rattail comb, start by parting your hair on either side. Next, spritz your strands with a strong hold spray, like the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray Strong Hold, to keep your locks in place. And that’s all there is to it.

6. TEENY WEENY AFRO (TWA)

Calling all natural hair gals. If you’re on the hunt for the best professional natural hairstyles, you should definitely add the TWA (teenie weenie afro) to your must-try list. It’s a stunning way to flaunt your texture without the extra work in your routine. This look allows you to flaunt your true texture without putting too much work into your mane, so you can make your routine nice and simple.

Editor’s note: While it’s easy to feel a little uneasy about flaunting your natural texture in the workplace, we’re here to tell you that there is no need to have any reservations. After all, there is nothing unprofessional about the natural texture that grows from your scalp. So, prepare to flaunt your natural texture with style and grace.

7. TAPERED NATURAL CURLS

Super-short textured strands are a style in their own right. That’s why we love the look of tapered natural curls. This style features short sides that gradually build to fluffy curls on top. To really make your curls the star of your look, add a healthy amount of curl mousse, like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle CURVE IT Elastic Curl Mousse to your damp strands, scrunch, and call it a day.

8. ASYMMETRICAL BOB

Angled haircuts are another professional hairstyle we can’t help but swoon over. One of our favorites is the asymmetrical bob. It consists of long strands on one side with short hair on the other for a hairstyle that’s filled with movement and body. What’s not to love?

9. LOW BUN

There are chic professional hairstyles that can keep your locks stylishly tucked away, and the low bun is a tasteful choice. This style frames your face and highlights your features for a professional and elegant touch. Pull your hair back into a low ponytail and secure with a clear elastic. Wrap the length of your hair around the base, and secure it with bobby pins.

10. THE FRENCH TWIST

If you feel confident when you wear an elegant and put-together professional hairstyle, the French twist will suit your needs. This classic and on-trend style is a nice option for those looking to step it up on the updo hairstyle front. Learn how to pull this Parisian-inspired look together with our step-by-step tutorial, How to Create a Classic French Twist.

10 BEST PROFESSIONAL HAIRSTYLES FOR MEDIUM HAIR

Medium-length hair has its share of hairstyles you can choose from, and we have proof. Below, we’re sharing 10 professional hairstyles that will make the process oh-so-easy.

11. CHIGNON

Updo hairstyles are a sophisticated option that speaks to the professional aesthetic, and the chignon is one fabulous variant. This look focuses all the attention at the nape of your neck for a simple and stunning bun hairstyle. It also makes a lasting impression both for days when you’re in the office and when you’re working from home. Click through our article, How to Master a Chignon Hairstyle in 5 Easy Steps, to transform your locks.

12. CURLY AFRO

Ah, the beloved curly afro! Known as one of the best professional natural hairstyles, this look allows you to flaunt your true texture without spending hours in front of the mirror. We also love that this style gives your hair shape and movement for a seriously chic ‘do.

13. BLOWOUT LOB

Smooth, healthy-looking strands can be the star of your professional look with the blowout lob. This number is all about flaunting your length with a shiny and bouncy finish that’s a spin-off of the trendy bob hairstyle. You can also pull this look together all on your own. Visit our article, How to Blow Out Your Hair at Home, for some pointers.

14. MINI LOB

There’s no denying that lobs are the hairstyle of the moment. However, if you’re in the mood to spice up your strands just a bit more, the mini lob will fulfill your needs. This look consists of textured strands that fall just below the chin line for a mane that brings a taste of the catwalk into the office. Amp up your texture with a volumizing mousse, like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT Volume Inject Mousse. Apply an egg-sized amount to damp strands and scrunch.

15. HALF-UP HALF DOWN

The half-up, half-down hairstyle is a sassy look that can give your mane the best of both worlds. It gives you the opportunity to keep your strands away from your face and lets your hair hang free. And you can experiment with everything from top knots to buns for a gorgeous look.

16. LOW PIECE-Y BUN

When it comes to professional hairstyles for medium-length hair, a low piece-y bun is a great style to try. This style combines the elegance of a bun style with chic front pieces to give your look a playful spin. Start by parting your hair down the center, from your hairline to the middle of your head. Apply hair gel to your roots, except for the pieces you want to leave loose in the front. Brush your hair toward the back of your head and create a ponytail. Wrap the ends of your ponytail around its base and form a bun, making sure to secure it with bobby pins.

17. NATURAL CURLS

The days of spending hours to style your natural locks are over. Instead of worrying about straightening your strands, you can rock your luscious curls to perfection. Start by washing your hair with the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Shampoo and the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Conditioner. Once complete, add a dollop of cream-gel like the L’Oréal Paris EverCurl Sculpt & Hold Cream-Gel to keep your curls smooth, defined, and hydrated all day long.

18. HIGH PUFF

Professional natural hairstyles that play with height are a notable way to show off your personality. And this is where the high puff comes into play! This topknot-inspired hairstyle features slick edges and a voluminous textured ponytail that highlights your texture perfectly. Start by applying a dime-sized amount of hair gel to your roots, brush your hair toward the middle of your head, and secure with a hair elastic. Once complete, mist hairspray over your hair and fluff your curls. 

19. TUCKED BRAIDED UPDO

It’s always a great idea to flaunt two hairstyles in one, and the tucked braided updo makes for a stylish alternative to the timeless style. It combines the look of a beautifully woven pattern with a tucked bun hairstyle for a classic-meets-modern style. We also like that you can wear this style for video conference calls on days when you’re in the mood for a dose of glam. Check out our article, How to Create a Tucked Braided Updo, to master the trend.

20. BUBBLE PONYTAIL

Speaking of versatile and eye-catching hairstyles, you may want to add the bubble ponytail to the professional’s hairstyle mix. This look takes volume to the next level for a stylish switch-up from traditional ponytail hairstyles. To start, pull your hair into a high ponytail as you normally would. Next, tie clear hair elastics down the length of your ponytail about two inches apart. Gently tug at the section you created to turn up the volume and create a bubble. Spritz your strands with hair spray, and your work is complete.

11 BEST PROFESSIONAL HAIRSTYLES FOR LONG HAIR

It’s only right that we incorporate professional hairstyles for long hair into the mix. Find your long hair match below!

21. CRISS-CROSS PONYTAIL

Ponytails are a beloved staple hairstyle, but that doesn’t mean you can’t switch things up from time to time. That’s why we are fans of the criss-cross ponytail. As the name suggests, this style provides everything you love about the classic style with a stylish criss-cross twist for chic detailing. Try this professional hairstyle with our article, How to Create a Criss-Cross Ponytail Hairstyle.

22. SLEEK PONYTAIL

Make your ponytail style as easy as can be with a sleek and professional touch. It’s a straightforward way to flaunt a well-put together look without the fuss and extra time spent in the mirror. Head on over to our article, How to Create a Sleek Ponytail, for a look that’s anything but boring.

23. BALLERINA BUN

Now that you have polished hairstyles on the top of your mind, we had to introduce you to the ballerina bun. Much more than a classic dance class hairstyle, this chic number sports an ultra-smooth look that will surely give you the professional vibe you’re looking for. Check out our article, How to Do a Ballerina Bun, for all the deets.

24. VOLUMINOUS CURLS

Voluminous curls and long hair pair perfectly together like peanut butter and jelly. It combines shiny, healthy-looking locks with volume and length for an unforgettable look. Grab a wide-barrel curling iron, hair spray, and visit our article, How to Create Voluminous Curls on Any Hair Type, to try it.

25. FRENCH BRAID

The French braid is one look that we’ll never get tired of seeing. This style is another fashionable way to keep your strands away from your face sans the classic updo with a polished feel. You can also create the French braid with ease. Check out our article, Braiding Basics: How to French Braid Your Hair, to learn how to create a gorgeous woven pattern.

26. FISHTAIL BRAID

Let’s stick with braids for a moment. If you prefer to take your braid game up a few notches, it may be worth trying out the fishtail braid. This coveted style flaunts a super-stylish braid pattern that’s always on-trend. While it does require a bit more work than the standard three-strand braid, it’s not too hard to master. Visit our article, How to Do a Fishtail Braid to learn how to perfect the style.

27. BOX BRAIDS

Protective styles have become one of the most fashion-forward hairstyles, and box braids make for the perfect introduction. This option protects your hair from the elements without having to sacrifice style and elevates your look. You can also opt for really long braids for a dramatic touch. Read through our article, How to Create Box Braids, to hop on the trend.

28. TEXTURED LOW PONYTAIL

Textured strands are a fresh style that looks sensational when worn in an updo and with loose locks. And we love the idea of the textured low ponytail for your professional hairstyle repertoire. It lends sophistication and poise to your look with length to play with for an ultra-chic style. Apply a generous amount of curl mousse to damp strands, scrunch, and let air dry. Once dry, gather your locks at the nape of your neck and create a ponytail. Fluff your strands, and you’re done.

29. MIDDLE PART

In case you haven’t noticed, you can create an unforgettable look just by switching up your hair part. And if face-framing styles are up your alley, the middle part will rise to the occasion. This style is a favored pick, and you’ll be able to create your look in just a few minutes. Simply use a rattail comb to create a perfectly straight middle part to complement your long strands.

30. SIDE-SWEPT DUTCH BRAID

Side-swept Dutch braids may be a flirty style, but that doesn’t mean you can’t rock them in the office. It’s a clever way to give your strands a romantic touch and disguise second-day hair in the process. Head on over to our article, How to Dutch Braid Your Hair to learn everything you need to know.

31. TWIST OUT

Shake up your professional hairstyles with a glorious twist out. This hairstyle involves installing twists throughout your hair and leaving them in overnight to reveal a textured pattern. It brings your desired texture to life, all while testing out the heatless curl trend. Get the lowdown on the style with our article, How to Do a Twist Out on Natural Hair, to master the trend.

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