8 Fast Braided Hairstyles for When Every Second Counts

Some mornings you barely have time to brush your teeth, let alone do your hair.

These eight fast braided styles take under five minutes but still leave you looking put-together and ready to face the day.

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1. The Emergency Side Braid

Step by step

1. Sweep all hair to one side in five seconds.
2. Divide into three sections quickly.
3. Braid without worrying about neatness.
4. Secure with the nearest hair tie.
5. Done in two minutes flat.
6. Messy is better than not done.

Picture this: You’re running out the door with a side braid, keys in hand and coffee in the other, looking like you tried even though you barely had time, acceptable and functional.

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2. The Speedy Pony Braid

Step by step

1. Flip your head upside down.
2. Gather hair into a high ponytail.
3. Braid the ponytail roughly.
4. Secure with an elastic.
5. No mirror needed.
6. Done in three minutes.

Picture this: You’re in the car doing your hair at red lights, braiding quickly between stops, the ponytail secure enough for work, practical and fast.

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3. The One-Braid Wonder

Step by step

1. Gather hair at your neck.
2. Create one simple braid.
3. Don’t part, just grab and go.
4. Secure at the end.
5. Takes ninety seconds.
6. Keeps hair contained.

Picture this: You’re running late for class with a single back braid, looking neat enough for attendance, the braid keeping hair off your face, simple and adequate.

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4. The Fast Half-Up Twist

Step by step

1. Grab the top half of your hair.
2. Twist it roughly.
3. Secure with a clip or elastic.
4. No braiding, just twisting.
5. Under one minute.
6. Better than nothing.

Picture this: You’re rushing to a meeting with a half-up twist, looking somewhat styled, the twist keeping hair out of your eyes, quick and acceptable.

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5. The Emergency Headband Braid

Step by step

1. Braid a tiny section from one side.
2. Pin it across your head.
3. Takes two minutes.
4. Looks like you made an effort.
5. Covers greasy roots.
6. Lifesaver style.

Picture this: You’re on day three hair with a quick headband braid, hiding the oil and looking presentable, the braid saving your morning, clever and fast.

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6. The Speedy Pigtails

Step by step

1. Part hair with your fingers roughly.
2. Braid each side simply.
3. Secure with any elastics you find.
4. Uneven is fine.
5. Under four minutes.
6. Classic and fast.

Picture this: You’re dropping kids at school with speedy pigtail braids, looking like a mom who has no time but tries anyway, practical and maternal.

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7. The Rush Bun Braid

Step by step

1. Braid your hair loosely.
2. Wrap into a bun immediately.
3. Secure with pins or a stick.
4. Messy bun is the goal.
5. Two minutes maximum.
6. Done and dusted.

Picture this: You’re arriving just in time with a rushed braided bun, hair up and out of the way, the style messy but acceptable, functional and finished.

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8. The Literal Last-Minute Braid

Step by step

1. Grab all your hair.
2. Braid as you walk.
3. Secure with whatever you have.
4. Don’t look in a mirror.
5. Done in sixty seconds.
6. Hope for the best.

Picture this: You’re walking into work braiding the last few inches, hair finally secured after a chaotic morning, the braid imperfect but done, surviving and thriving.

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Fast braided hairstyles are for the days when time is not on your side.

These styles prove that even when you’re rushing, you can still look somewhat put-together.

Better a quick braid than no braid at all!