20 Valentine’s Day Hairstyles That Are Sure to Cause Major Heart Eyes

Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day with your partner for life, current fling, your BFF, or happily using the day to start your much-deserved self-love affair, one thing’s for sure—you want to look and feel like Cupid himself styled you for the occasion. Yes, that means your go-to, lazy-girl ponytail hairstyle has to take a backseat for the evening (don’t freak out, you can do it!). And while you might already have your makeup look nailed down and your outfit ready to go, switching up your hairstyle can sometimes take up a lot of time, trial and error, and can just be flat-out intimidating. If you’ve ever had a screaming match with your tangled hair rollers, we totally feel you. 

In the spirit of celebrating you and how gorgeous you’re going to look this Valentine’s Day, we’ve rounded up 20 easy Valentine’s Day hairstyles (some fun, some flirty, some romantic, and some bold), that are great inspo for your Valentine’s Day hair look, no matter what your vibe is.

1. Braids With Bows

With ballet- and coquette-core in full swing, it only makes sense to add a bow in your hair as much as possible. This hairstyle sports multiple braids with the very elegant half-up, half-down look and tops it all with a velvet bow. To achieve it, slick the half top of hair into a high ponytail (this works best on second-day hair, trust)l. Then, take a couple chunks from the pony and braid them into small braids. Lastly, take your fave bow and tie it around the pony. 

2. Bows & Bobs

If you’ve jumped on the bob trend flooding your FYP right now, this style is for you. A common misconception about the sleek bob cut is that you can’t really do much with it because of the short length. We’re here to show you just how wrong that is. This style also uses the pretty bow effect to make your bob Galentine’s Day-ready. Just leave your hair in its natural texture and secure the top half with a bow, leaving a middle part visible for that Haliey Bieber effect.

3. Effortless Claw Clip

This hairstyle is a fave of ours because of the romantic curls paired with the effortlessness of the claw clip—it’s as romantic as a renaissance painting. To get the look, curl your hair in loose curls and waves, alternating the piece sizes and the direction of the curls to add volume and a messiness to the hair. Then, take the hair and twist it at the nape of the neck and secure it with a decorative claw clip. 

4. Bow Pigtails

The more bows, the merrier! This style turns a classic, youthful hairstyle into something a little more appropriate for date night because of the bows. Just put your hair into low ponytails, leaving face-framing hair out to really make the look elegant. Then, top off the look by tie bows around the ponies.

5. Shaggy 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.

6. Sleek, Straight Strands

We can thank 2022 (and Vanessa Hudgens) for making the middle part mainstream once again, and now that it's back, we’re never letting it go. This sleek straight hairstyle focuses on showing off major shine without drawing attention away from your gorgeous features. Part your hair in the center with the tail of a styling comb. Spritz hair with a smoothing heat protectant (such as BRIOGEO Farewell Frizz Blow Dry Perfection and Heat Protectant Cream), and blowdrywith a round boar bristle brush to amp up the shine. The best part about this look? It works for both long hair and short hair too.

7. Surprise Twist

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 and the end. Tug gently at the hair in between the pins to create extra fluff. Spritz with a texturizing hairspray such as R+CO Trophy Shine + Texture Spray to lock your look in place.

8.Woke-Up-Like-This Waves

Looking for a style that takes just minutes in front of the mirror, no curling iron or flat iron needed? Cue boho-bedhead bends that are flirty, fuss-free, and way too pretty not to try. The best part? You don’t even need a curling wand. Once you’re done blow drying, part your down the middle and secure it into two loose braids. Before you’re ready to head out the door, unravel, tousle and spritz with a texturizing spray for sexy waves that are sure to stun. This look works wonders on short hairstyles too!

9. Lovely Low Bun

There’s something about a low chignon that has V-day written all over it. Dress yours up for date night by leaving some face-framing layers out in front and topping it off with a printed silk scrunchie (we’re obsessed with this MARADJI Scar Scrunchie Anita in Blanco).

10. Think Pink

It’s no secret that punchy, pastel-pink hair color is popping up everywhere. So if you’re in the mood for a little color play, there’s no better time than Valentine’s Day to play with pink. Mane Addicts called this fruity pink hue “Flamingo Barbie,” and we’re totally game to try it. Ask your colorist to keep your roots darker to add depth and dimension to your look. Not ready to fully commit? Try some pastel hair extensions instead.

11. French-Inspired Fringe

These loose, textured waves paired with choppy, imperfect bangs make us feel like we’re getting ready for a romantic rendezvous in Paris. The trick here? Give your bangs just as much movement and texture as your waves. Red lip not included, but highly recommended.

12. Embellished Braids

Braided hairstyles are pretty much the epitome of romance. There are so many countless ways to style braids that, as we’ve said before, “the limit does not exist.” So if you’ve got them, flaunt them. To add some glam to yours, just pop in some shiny stick-on or clip-in pearls, and babe, you’re an instant V-day goddess. Want even more glam? Decorate your braids with gilded barrettes, pins, cuffs, or jewels (you can find them on most beauty supply sites), and play with different styles and textures to keep things interesting.

13. Butterfly Clips

With ‘90s-beauty nostalgia dominating 2022, it’s no surprise that these forever-trendy butterfly clips have secured a spot in 2023. For flirty, girl-next-door vibes, create a straight center part and pop some of these colorful hair clips into a few face-framing strands.

14. Flirty Five-Strand Braid

Fan of the fishtail braid? Kick it up a notch by adding a few extra plaits. This wispy five-strand braid (aka Dutch braid) is giving serious mermaid vibes and creating the look of having thick hair, even if your strands are on the finer side. What we love about this look is that it works for all hair types and textures. Need a visual? Here’s a quick step-by-step how-to.

15. Baddy Braid

Looking for a hairstyle that’ll spice things up for Valentine’s Day? This baddy braid is a look that will last from cocktails to nightcaps and beyond. Pull your hair back into a slick, low ponytail and secure it with a clear hair tie. Then, create a tight braid from tail to end and secure the ends with another clear hair tie. The trick here is to pull each section.on tightly before moving on to the next, eliminating space to create a rope-like effect. Spritz your entire look with a shine-boosting spray (we love AIIR PROFESSIONAL Shine Boosting Spray), and let the fun begin.

16. Clip It Up

Remember when claw clips were only meant for laundry days and casual coffee dates? Not anymore! The latest claw clip styles are beyond gorgeous and perfect for any occasion or date-night scenario. Toss your hair up with a pretty tortoise-shell printed clip and let some pieces of hair fall loosely around your face. The less pulled back and “perfect,” the more romantic the look. Got slippery strands? Opt for a matte clip instead, to hold your hair in place for the long haul.

17. Space Buns

Two words: crazy cute. When it comes to bun hairstyles, space buns are one of those nostalgic back-to-school hairstyles that speak for themselves. They scream fun, adventure, and playfulness (all the feels that you totally want to exude on Valentine’s day). Here’s a hairstyle tutorial on how to create the look in five easy steps.

18. Wordy Barrettes

If you’re feeling the love this V-day, (whether it's for yourself, your bestie, or a significant other), one of these adorable hair accessories is all you need to shout it from the rooftops.

19. Bouncy Curls

If you’re blessed with naturally curly hair,we’re crushing on you big time. Now is the time to embrace every one of those perfect little ringlets. When styling your curls, hair care is key, so make sure you focus on adding in moisture and preventing breakage by using a hydrating shampoo and conditioner. Pineapple your hair or gather it into a loose topknot at night and snooze on a silk pillowcase for added protection.

20. Barbie Bow

Because no Valentine’s Day hair wrap-up would be complete without a bow moment, we’re serving up one of our favorites. This Barbie-meets-Audrey Hepburn hairstyle makes for the perfect flirty, flippy date night hairdo. Style your hair into a high ponytail and top it off with a sleek black bow, headband, or hair ribbon à la Hailey Bieber. It’s one of those easy-to-use hair accessories that wins every time.

Want in on even more Valentine’s Day beauty essentials? Take our Beauty Quiz now to get started with your very own IPSY membership. Already a member? Refer your friends to earn points, which you can use toward products. Either way, don’t forget to check us out on Instagram and TikTok @IPSY.

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