This Valentine’s Day, Let Your Hair Do the Flirting

26 Valentine’s Day Hairstyles That Make Our Heart Go Pitter-Patter

1. Blinged-Out Low Bun

If you have a committed relationship with your slick-back bun, this look’s for you. It’s relatively easy to recreate, especially if you have a pair of tweezers on hand. Start by slicking your hair back with a product that smoothes and holds, like the BRIOGEO Style + Treat™ Hair Styling Sleek Stick. Once your bun (or low pony) has been secured, grab some adhesive hair gems and start placing them into your desired shape, like this swirly heart combo. A powerful hairspray, like the FOXYBAE HAIR Strong Hold Hairspray, will help lock your look in place. Want to commit to the bit even more? Consider dying your hair a hot pink to match your hot hairstyle. 

2. Voluminous Valentine's Day Blowout 

A bouncy blowout is a classic hairstyle, especially for Valentine’s Day. There are a few ways to get the look—you can use hot rollers, as shown here, or you can use a round brush and a hairdryer. If you want, you can even use a combo hair dryer and brush, like the MERMADE HAIR Blow Dry Brush, which is especially helpful for blowout beginners. No matter your method, remember to use a heat protectant—we love the OLAPLEX Volumizing Blow Dry Mist—and section off your hair to make the process easier. To get that signature bounce, pin up each section after drying to hold its curl, and blowdry upward around the crown of your head. Let it set while you do your glam (or watch an episode of TV), then finish off with a volumizing hairspray. 

3. Half-Up, Half-Down Bantu Knots

How cute are these half-up, half-down bantu knots? Answer: super cute. Start off with freshly cleansed, conditioned, and dried strands. Next, section the hair into manageable portions. We like the headband-esque spacing shown here, but it’s totally up to you. Once you’re happy with your sections, take the first one and create a twist from the roots to the ends. Prevent frizz by using a product like the KMS CURLUP Twisting Style Balm. Then, wind the twisted strand up into the knot and leave the end out—you’ll be curling that up later. Continue until you've knotted all the sections across the crown of your head, then style your bangs and remaining hair how you see fit. Now you’ve got a ‘do that’s definitely Cupid-approved. 

4. Curly Valentine's Day Updo

Make the most of your natural curls (or your second-day curling iron ones) by highlighting them in a romantic updo. First, section off your hair, leaving out the front sections of hair that frame your face. Using a smoothing gel like the R+CO Teleport Flexible Control Hydra Gelee, slick back your remaining hair into a high ponytail and secure with a hair tie. Turn your pony into a messy bun by folding it over itself and tying it with another hair tie, and personalize the look by pulling out some curls or adjusting the hair tie. (For a full guide, check out our easy messy bun tutorial.) Next, grab your gel and use it to smooth and twist the front pieces of your hair, and set each twist with a pair of bobby pins. A weightless and non-sticky hairspray like the R+CO BACKBEND Workable Hold + Non-Aerosol Hairspray will keep your look in place.

5. Y2K Twisty Bun

Running low on time (or energy)? Consider this super cute updo, which takes literally five minutes to create. All you’ll need is some fun butterfly clips, a smoothing brush—we love using a boar bristle brush—and a gel that will slick and hold your hair in place. Start by slicking your hair back into a high pony, then twist small sections of your hair and secure them with butterfly clips. That’s it!

6. Braided Headband for Valentine's Day

If you love romantic period pieces or handwritten vintage Valentines, this braided headband hairstyle is for you. It’s easier to recreate than it looks, especially if you’re a braiding pro. After sectioning off the top part of your hair, reach behind your ears and grab a small section of hair to braid. Create braids on either side of your head and secure each with a hair tie. Pro tip: Use a texturizing spray like the GOLDIE LOCKS Volumizing Texture Spray to add some volume to your braids, and pull your hair out ever so slightly to make them look bigger. From there, take all your hair down and pin each braid across your head to create your headband. To make your look extra enchanting, leave out some face-framing pieces and twist the rest of your front sections back, pinning them into your braids. Voila! You’re the main character of your own rom-com.

7. Heart-Shaped Valentine's Day Braids

Commit to the bit with this heart-shaped hairdo. Grab two long pieces of pink ribbon—or whatever color speaks to you most—and tie it around two low ponytails. Gently knot your two ponies together, and from there, braid each one, using the ribbon as your third strand. Create a heart shape and hold each braid to your head with a few bobby pins. Using a molding gel like the KMS HAIRPLAY Molding Paste will help keep your locks smooth, hydrated, and in place.

8. (Purposefully) Messy Bun

If you’ve watched any kind of rom-com, you know a messy bun is practically its own character. There’s no better hairstyle for a chill night in, a date night out, or even running through an airport to catch the one that got away. Leaving out the hair that frames your face, tie your hair into a high pony, pouf it upwards, and tie your hair again. After that, reach for some bobby pins and start pinning pieces of your bun down to give it a bit of texture. Then, grab those face framing pieces, curl them in small sections, and pin some back. Leave some curly strands out for a hairdo you can’t help falling in love with. 

9. Deep Side Part Slickback

In case you missed it, the side part is officially back. Personally, we love it—and we think you will too after trying this fun and flirty ‘do. First, grab a mousse that will add shine and hold to your hair, like the IGK HAIR Beach Club High-Shine Texture Foam. Work the product to your hair, then grab a styling brush and part your hair to the side, as subtle or as statement-making as you want. Take the top half of your hair and slick it back, tying the rest into a small bun at the back of your head. (For an extra sleek look, we like saving the front ends for later, and slicking them back at the end.) Finish off the look by curling the ends of your hair upward. 

10. Heart-Shaped Space Buns

Wear your heart on your sleeve (or head!) with this fun hairstyle. Take two small sections of hair, one on either side, from the crown of your head. Tie each into a mini ponytail, then add a hair tie in the middle of each pony. Take that middle section and part it, then thread the top section of your pony through the hole. Fold it over to create your heart, and secure it with another hair tie. Finish off by admiring how cute you look, then go out and collect your compliments. 

11. Ribbon Braid Valentine's Day Bun

Cute and simple, this braided hairstyle is perfect for adding a little something to your look. Slick your hair into a high pony, secure with a hair tie, and tie the ribbon of your choice around your pony. Then, braid your hair alongside the ribbon, using the ribbon as your third strand. Secure your braid with a hair tie, twist it up into a bun, and use a hair tie and some bobby pins to hold your look together. Give your hairdo a little extra flair by tying the remaining ends of your ribbon into a bow. 

12. Romantic French Twist

Speak the language of love with this classic French twist. Gather your hair into a low pony, twist it inward and upward, and tuck your hair into itself with a handful of bobby pins. (Alternatively, you can secure your twist with a cute claw clip.) We love this iridescent version from ETTIKA. For a look that’s totally entrancing, leave out some curly ends. 

13. Half-Up, Half-Down for Valentine's Day

Looking for something timeless that doesn’t take a lot of, well, time? Try out this coquette half-up, half-down look, which takes five minutes (maybe even less) to create. Take the top section of your hair and use a ribbon to secure your strands. Don’t tie it up yet—first, grab a bit of remaining hair from both sides of your head and add it to your half-up hair. Okay, now tie your ribbon into a bow. If you have finer hair that likes to slip out of styles, we recommend tying your half-up hair with an elastic first, then tying a ribbon around the elastic. 

14. Half-Braided Boho Curls

Add a little oomph to your look by giving it an unexpected twist, like this half-braided hairstyle. Wash, detangle, stretch, part and section your hair first (or head straight to the salon—we won’t judge). If you’re DIYing the look, grab some extensions depending on how long you want your hair. Braid your hair in small sections, knotting in your extensions at the top, and leave some ends out to create those bouncy curls. On one side of your head, start your braids as close to your scalp as possible to create cornrows. We recommend using a rattail comb and a latch crochet hook for clean, even braids.

15. Smooth Valentine's Day Strands

Love the way your hair looks when it’s tucked behind your ears, but hate the way it slips out eventually? Get the look—and keep it that way—with this sweet and easy hairdo. Make sure your hair is washed and styled first for an ultra-sleek look. We like straightening our hair with the portable STRAIGHT AHEAD 0.9″ Ceramic Portable Straightener, since it can easily be packed if you’re getting ready at a friend’s place. From there, pin up the front ends of your hair and lift the top section of hair behind that. Then, take your front pieces and pin them back, covering up the bobby pins with the section of hair you previously moved. 

16. Heart Braids for Valentine's Day

We promise you’ll “heart” this hairdo. Start by styling your hair in your own way, then grab a small section of hair behind your ears. Braid each section about halfway down and secure with a clear elastic, then split the remaining hair in two and create two additional braids. After that, flip the smaller braids upward and tie an elastic around the base of both braids. Then, shape the braids into a heart and finish off with another elastic. You can do this on one side as an accent to your existing style, or repeat the steps on the other side of your head to double the look. Either way, the compliments will be flowing in. 

17. Bubble Braids

Don’t let your hair length get in the way of a Valentine’s Day look. Take a cue from this tutorial and make some bubble braids—which are totally beginner-friendly, BTW. With a few clear elastics on hand, start to tie off the front sections of your hair. Work your way back by adding small sections of hair, poufing them up, and tying them together with elastics. To make your look extra whimsical—and to hide the elastics—consider adding ribbons or bow clips in between each bubble. 

18. Butterfly Locs

We love these butterfly locs for Valentine’s Day because they work for any occasion, whether you’re having an at-home spa day, a date night, or headed to the movies with friends. Before installing the style, make sure you moisturize your hair with a hydrating product. We love the MALINA Nourishing & Hydrating Coconut Hair Mask, which is packed with antioxidant vitamins straight from the Brazilian Amazon Rainforest. Then, grab your preferred braiding gel, latch hook, extensions, and start installing. Pro tip: Be mindful of how much tension you’re using when braiding so you don’t put as much stress on your hair and scalp.

19. Heart Valentine's Day Bun

No pun intended, but we absolutely love this heart-shaped bun. Plus, it’s easier to make than you might imagine. After slicking your hair back, grab a donut sponge and use two elastics to shape it into a heart. (It might look a little like Mickey Mouse at first, but we promise it’ll look good once installed.) Bring your hair through the hole and wrap it around the sponge to create your heart, using several elastics to secure the look. For a look that won’t budge, use a hairspray like the GOLDIE LOCKS Flexible Hold Hairspray, which will hold your look all night without feeling crunchy or stiff. 

20. Wet-Hair Look for Valentine's Day

The wet-look hairstyle is really having a moment, and we can see why. No matter if you’re hitting the dance floor or your friend’s couch, this hairstyle will make sure you’re the coolest in the room. All you’ll need is a hair gel that seriously holds. This FATBOY Styling Cream does just that—plus, it protects your hair from heat and UV damage, doesn’t flake, and is made with clean ingredients. Comb the gel through wet hair, style as desired, and let everything dry down for a look that will make waves. 

21. Shaggy Valentine's Day Updo

Nothing spells r-o-m-a-n-c-e like a wispy, face-framing updo. Add a set of piecey, eyebrow-grazing bangs into the mix and you’ve got a recipe for date-night perfection. Gather your hair in a low ponytail, and pull out longer layers in the front and sides of your hairline before you secure it. Twist your hair into a messy bun and fluff up your bangs, raking them slightly to one side with your fingers. This look pairs best with a sultry, smoky eye. 

22. Surprise Twist for Valentine’s Day 

The unicorn twist at the very tail-end of this gorgeous blowout is nothing short of magical. If you’re looking for a way to wear your hair down and keep it out of your face, this is it. Gather your ends and create a tight twist or braid, securing it at the top, middle, and ends with bobby pins. Add a clear elastic to the end and tug gently at the hair in between the pins to create extra fluff. 

23. Woke-Up-Like-This  Waves

Looking for a style that doesn’t require a hot tool? Cue boho-bedhead waves that are flirty and fuss-free. Once you’re done blow-drying, part your hair down the middle and secure it into two loose French braids. Before you’re ready to head out the door, unravel, tousle, and spritz with the FOXYBAE HAIR Tossed Up Dry Texture Spray for sexy waves that are sure to stun. 

24. Pastel Pink Locks

Punchy, pastel-pink hair color is popping up everywhere. So if you’re in the mood for a little color change, there’s no better time than Valentine’s Day to play with pink. Of course, you don’t need to fully commit to the rosy hue. Use a temporary color mask to give yourself a peachy shade that rinses out after a few washes. 

25. Sparkly Pony

Dazzle up a simple rope braid with festive glitter at the base. To create the braid, brush your hair into a low ponytail. Next, separate the ponytail into two sections and twist the sections in the same direction. Cross them in the opposite direction to combine them into the rope-like pattern. To add the glitter, you’ll need some hair gel and your glitter of choice. Once you’ve decided if you’ll go with red, pink, white (or a combo of all three!), dab your hair-gel-covered fingers into the glitter and paint to your heart’s content.

26. Heart Buzzcut

For those who want a Valentine’s Day look that is bold and daring, this is the hairstyle for you. If you already have a buzz cut or a pixie with an undercut, you’re well on your way to achieving this style. If you’re looking to go short, let this be your inspiration to play a little.

Final Thoughts

Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to play around with your look and discover something you’re truly obsessed with. Maybe ribbon braids are your one true pairing, or a bouncy blowout is calling your name. No matter your preferred hairstyle, discover all the best styling tips on our blog, and shop our curated list of favorite products on the IPSY Shop. We only recommend the things we love.