These 8 Ridiculously Easy Scandi-Girl Hairstyles Are Perfect for Busy People
It's no secret that Scandi girls know a thing or two about how to look cool. Their penchant for colour and a laid-back aesthetic makes for one hell of a chic recipe. Everything from their clothes to their skincare oozes effortless, and I want in. In fact, I've been scribbling notes on how to replicate Scandi-girl style for years, but it seems as though things are easier observed than done. When it comes to nailing Scandi fashion, I have to admit defeat.
What I have learned, however, is that a key part of any Scandi-girl look is a no-fuss, low-maintenance hairstyle—the kind that looks like you just sort of chucked it up and it just fell that way. And whilst I'm all too aware that effortless-looking hairstyles are some of the most difficult to execute, it seems that Scandi girls have struck the perfect balance between chicness and ease. And I've finally cracked it. Though my sartorial skills are lacking, I've got the Scandi-girl hair look down to a fine art, and it's changed my life.
Forget spending hours clutching a curling tong. Nowadays, I wake up, twist up my lengths, and I'm good to go in a matter of seconds. My current hair looks are so good (if I may say so myself) that I'm convinced everyone has something to learn from the Scandi way. So whether you consider yourself a lazy girl when it comes to hair or simply find yourself stretched for time on the daily, keep scrolling for the eight Scandi-girl hairstyles that will change the game. And I promise they won't take any longer than five minutes.
1. Claw Twist
If you have mid-length hair, a claw clip couldn't be easier to use. Part hair in the middle and use the clip to scrape it back and secure it at the nape of the neck. Pull some strands out at the front for a super laid-back look.
My favourite style note when it comes to claw clips? Instead of reaching for hairbands, secure buns and twists with a pretty claw at the back.
Those with long hair don't have to sit out on the claw-clip trend. Gather your hair at the back, twist it up and snake the lengths back down into the clip—it's that easy.
Shop the Look:
This chunky claw clip is strong enough to hold longer, thicker styles.
2. Low Bun
When your curls need a slurp of extra nourishment, apply an oil treatment or hydrating mask, slick lengths back into a low bun and secure.
On particularly windy days, always pack a hairband in your bag so that you can pull your hair back into a twisted low bun like this one.
Proving that a low bun works for every occasion, a slicked-back knot makes for the ultimate office-appropriate hairstyle.
Shop the Look:
Use this rich hair oil to slick down flyaways and keep your low bun looking polished.
3. Slide Clips
Amplify your usual down 'do by adding a row of jazzy clips to just one side.
A chic slide clip that acts as a pretty piece of hair jewellery and keeps your hair off your face? Count me in.
Slide clips in clashing colours look great on bright, neon or pastel tones.
Shop the Look:
There isn't a single look that this colourful Gucci hair clip can't elevate.
4. Ponytail Plait
The ponytail plait is a Scandi-girl classic, and for good reason. Just pull your hair back into a ponytail, secure with a band, plait the lengths and secure again for a pretty update on the classic pony.
Plaited ponytails look particularly great with balayage as they showcase the ribbons of blonde through the lengths.
Shop the Look:
Blast some texturising spray into lengths before tying up your hair to give your ponytail plait a lived-in look.
5. Scarves
I love the idea of matching your silk hair scarf to your shirt. The scarf acts as a great way to disguise second or third-day roots.
Nothing says summer quite like a bandana-style headscarf and some big, retro shades.
Shop the Look:
This silk hair scarf from Burberry goes with just about everything.
6. Texture
Perhaps my favourite Scandi-girl hair trend is what I like to call the laissez-faire effect. Leave your hair well alone and embrace whatever wave, curl, texture or parting comes naturally.
If you have a natural wave to your hair, spritz in a salt spray and let nature run its course.
Curly girls, put the straighteners down. The Scandi way is all about embracing your natural curl pattern.
Shop the Look:
Work this nourishing cream through lengths and allow hair to air dry—you'll be left with soft but defined waves.
7. Bubble Braid
Similar to the ponytail plait but so very different, the bubble braid hit the big time this year thanks to Scandi-girl love for the style. For a minimalistic approach, wear your bubble braid low at the nape of the neck.
Whilst clear bands can be used to create your bubble braid, statement black bands look just as great against blonde strands (as do blonde bands against brunette).
Shop the Look:
This pack of mini elastics will last years, and they're perfect for a bubble braid.
8. Oversized Scrunchies
To add a fashion statement to your ponytail or bun, opt for an oversized scrunchie. Matching the colour of your scrunchie to your outfit will make this style look even more sophisticated.
If you want something a little more fun, add a flower-shaped scrunchie for the ultimate Scandi-girl hairstyle. I'm obsessed with this look for summer.
Shop the Look:
This oversized broderie scrunchie from Boden is the quickest and easiest way to upgrade your hairstyle.
Next Up: Lazy People, Rejoice—25 Chic-Looking Messy Buns to Copy
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
Shannon Lawlor is a renowned beauty journalist and has contributed to Who What Wear’s beauty content since 2020. As a leading beauty editor, expert and brand consultant, she has over eight years of experience working for some of the industry’s most esteemed titles, including Who What Wear (of course), Glamour UK, Stylist, Refinery29 and Fabulous.
Having also worked behind the scenes with some of the industry’s biggest brands and retailers, Shannon has a unique insight into what people really want from their beauty routines. Understanding that beauty lovers seek honest, open and responsible advice, she has it made her mission to demystify the intimidating world of beauty, taking a no-frills approach to the most relatable topics.
While Shannon is the first to admit she doesn’t hold the answer to every beauty question out there, she is dedicated to sharing her expert insights in a bid to help. As a self-proclaimed lazy girl, Shannon has an affinity for easy-to-use, foolproof beauty products and has made it her mission to scope out the best of the best.
When she’s not working, Shannon is likely soaking in the bath or giving no-holds-barred beauty reviews on Instagram from her bathroom floor.
-
Leave It to Zoë Kravitz to Provide Endless Hair Inspo—5 Styles to Try
They're too good.
By Maya Thomas
-
The Internet Is Obsessed With Emi Jay—My 10 Fave Hair Accessories From the Brand
It puts the "fun" in functional.
By Kaitlyn McLintock
-
9 Hair Trends Celebs and Fashion People Will Be Wearing Nonstop This Spring
We can't wait to try them.
By Maya Thomas
-
For Gen Z, '90s Beauty Trends Still Reign Supreme—Here's Why
What a throwback.
By Maya Thomas
-
The Coolest Fashion People Are Getting a Jump-Start on These 6 Hair Trends
We're taking notes.
By Kaitlyn McLintock
-
Hailey Bieber Just Endorsed Emi Jay's Angelstick for an A+ Slicked-Back Bun
No wonder it's an internet favorite.
By Kaitlyn McLintock
-
The Stacked Bob Is This Year's Most Unexpected Short Hair Trend
It's not what you think.
By Eleanor Vousden
-
6 Mistakes You're Probably Making With Hair Rollers, According to a Hair Pro
For Velcro and heated rollers.
By Eleanor Vousden