You see them all over your feed: stunning, glamorous hairstyles that look like they came straight off a red carpet. From sleek, glass-like ponytails to bouncy, voluminous curls, these looks are total goals. The only problem? They often seem way too complicated to even attempt at home. We’ve all been there, watching a tutorial with a dozen complex steps and thinking, "I could never do that."

But what if you could? Achieving a glam hairstyle doesn't have to take hours or require professional-level skills. With the right techniques and a few key products, you can create gorgeous, event-ready looks right in your own bedroom. Forget the intimidating tutorials. Here are three glamorous hairstyles you’ll actually be able to master.

The Sleek, High-Shine Ponytail

There is something undeniably powerful about a sleek, high ponytail. It’s chic, sophisticated, and instantly makes you look put-together. This style is all about creating a smooth, bump-free base and a glossy, glass-like finish. It's perfect for a night out, a special event, or any time you want to feel polished and in control.

What You'll Need:

  • A boar bristle brush
  • A strong-hold hair gel or pomade
  • A fine-tooth comb
  • A bungee hair tie or a strong elastic
  • A flat iron
  • Shine spray or hair serum

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Start with Straight Hair: For the sleekest possible look, it’s best to start with straight hair. If your hair is naturally wavy or curly, run a flat iron through it first. This creates a smooth canvas.
  2. Section and Gel: Part your hair horizontally from ear to ear, creating a top and bottom section. Clip the top section away. Apply a generous amount of strong-hold gel or pomade to the roots of the bottom section. Use your boar bristle brush to smooth the hair upward toward the crown of your head.
  3. Brush and Secure: Unclip the top section and apply gel to those roots as well. Now, use the boar bristle brush to brush all of your hair back into a high ponytail. This type of brush is amazing for smoothing down flyaways and creating a tight, clean base.
  4. Create the Ponytail: Gather your hair at the crown of your head. Use a fine-tooth comb to go over any bumps for a perfectly smooth finish. Secure the ponytail tightly with a bungee hair tie or a strong elastic. Bungee ties are great because they allow you to get the ponytail extra tight without disturbing your smooth base.
  5. Wrap the Base: Take a small, half-inch section of hair from the underside of your ponytail. Wrap this piece around the base of the elastic to hide it. Secure the end by tucking it into the elastic with a bobby pin.
  6. Add Shine: Run your flat iron through the length of the ponytail one more time to make it extra sleek. Finish by misting the entire style with a high-shine spray or applying a drop of hair serum to the ponytail for that coveted glass-hair effect.

Big, Bouncy Hollywood Curls

Nothing says "glamour" quite like a head full of soft, voluminous curls. This classic Hollywood-inspired look is timeless and beautiful. The key to achieving this style is creating curls that are uniform and then brushing them out to form soft, flowing waves. It might look high-maintenance, but it's surprisingly achievable.

What You'll Need:

  • Heat protectant spray
  • A 1-inch or 1.25-inch curling iron
  • Hair clips
  • Hairspray
  • A wide-tooth comb or paddle brush

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Prep Your Hair: Start with dry hair. Liberally spray a heat protectant all over to protect your strands. Section your hair, clipping the top half up and out of the way.
  2. Curl in the Same Direction: Take a 1- to 2-inch section of hair from the bottom layer. Clamp the curling iron near the root and wrap the hair around the barrel, making sure all sections are curled in the same direction—away from your face. This is the secret to getting those uniform Hollywood waves.
  3. Pin the Curls: After holding the curl for about 10-15 seconds, gently release it from the iron. While it’s still hot, roll the curl up and pin it to your head with a hair clip. Pinning the curls while they cool helps them set, which makes them last much longer.
  4. Repeat, Repeat, Repeat: Continue this process, working your way through the bottom section and then the top section of your hair. Remember to curl every single piece in the same direction.
  5. Let Them Cool: Once all your hair is curled and pinned, let it cool down completely. This is a great time to do your makeup. The cooling process is crucial for long-lasting volume.
  6. Brush Them Out: Once your hair is cool to the touch, remove all the clips. At first, you’ll have tight, ringlet-style curls. Don’t panic! Take a wide-tooth comb or a paddle brush and gently brush through the curls. They will magically transform into soft, connected, glamorous waves.
  7. Finish with Hairspray: Flip your hair upside down for extra volume and mist with a flexible-hold hairspray to keep everything in place without feeling stiff.

The Effortless-Chic Updo

An updo is a go-to for any formal occasion, but they can often seem complicated. This simplified version gives you an elegant, romantic look that appears much more intricate than it actually is. It's perfect for second or third-day hair and works well for weddings, proms, or any fancy event.

What You'll Need:

  • Texturizing spray or dry shampoo
  • Clear elastics
  • Lots of bobby pins
  • Hairspray

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Add Texture: This style works best with some grit and texture. If your hair is too clean or silky, it might slip. Start by spritzing a texturizing spray or dry shampoo all over to give your hair some hold.
  2. Create Three Ponytails: Divide your hair into three vertical sections: left, middle, and right. Create a low ponytail with each section at the nape of your neck and secure each with a clear elastic. You should now have three ponytails side-by-side.
  3. Braid the Ponytails: Take the middle ponytail and create a simple three-strand braid. Secure the end with another clear elastic. Gently pull on the sides of the braid to "pancake" it, making it look fuller and more voluminous.
  4. Twist and Pin the Center: Roll the middle braid up and under itself, tucking it into a small bun at the nape of your neck. Use bobby pins to secure it firmly in place.
  5. Twist the Side Sections: Take the left ponytail, twist it, and then wrap it over the top of the central bun. Pin the ends securely, hiding them within the bun. Repeat this step with the right ponytail, wrapping it over the bun and pinning it in place.
  6. Frame Your Face: The beauty of this look is in its "effortless" feel. Gently pull out a few small strands of hair around your face to frame it. You can even give these pieces a quick curl with a curling iron for a softer, more romantic vibe.
  7. Set the Style: Once you're happy with the shape, give your entire updo a generous misting of strong-hold hairspray to ensure it stays put all night long.