5-Minute Hairstyles for Medium-Length Hair

With a busy schedule, you have more important things to do in your day than spend hours primping. You don't have to sacrifice beauty, style or gorgeous hair because you are short on time. Luckily, some timeless looks can be penciled in when you have five minutes to get your hair ready for prime time.

The Flip

Medium-length hair is perfect for many hair styles, as it's often adaptable for both short and long styles. For a fun, easy-to-do style, plug in a flatiron as you shower or go about your morning routine. When it's hot, get ready to do this style that should take right at five minutes. Brush your hair and part it as desired. Use a flatiron horizontally on the ends of your hair to curl the ends under. This gives your hair extra body and an uncommon style that draws eyes to you throughout the day. Be sure to spray the ends so that they stay in place and looking beautiful throughout the day.

Chic Braids

Wearing braids does not have to mean that you just came in from the prairie or second grades. Braids can actually be chic, modern and quite grown-up. Drew Barrymore, Rachel McAdams, and Jessica Simpson are only some of the celebrities that recently sported a braided 'do. An added plus of this style? If you braid your hair when it's at that point when it's almost dry but still slightly damp, you'll have a beautiful, wavy style when you take down the braids.

Try braiding pony tails, which looks intricate yet it takes under five minutes if you only do two on each side of your hair or one big braid that encompasses all of your hair. To do the braid, first pull your hair into either a pony tail or pig tails with a rubber band. Divide the hair of each "tail" into three equal sections, alternating the three one at a time. Pull the hair snugly as you go for a neat, tight braid; for a messier look, allow the hair to flow more loosely as you go.

The Side Swipe

Now this is a romantic, sophisticated-looking 'do with minimal effort required! Brush your hair thoroughly, then implement a dramatic side part. Pull most of your hair to one side, letting it then flow loosely. Spray the crown of your head at the part so that it stays in place, but keep the products on the rest of your hair to a minimum. Use only a shining spray or gel as needed.