24 Luxury on a Budget: Stunning Hairstyles That Look Expensive but Aren’t

Looking glamorous doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With the right styling techniques, you can achieve hairstyles that look expensive while staying within budget. Whether you have short hair or long hair, there are plenty of easy hairstyles to look clean and expensive that will elevate your appearance. From polished buns to voluminous curls, this guide explores 24 hairstyles to make you look expensive, along with expert tips and styling advice.

Sleek Low Bun – Effortless Elegance

The sleek low bun is the epitome of class and sophistication. This hairstyle is perfect for formal events or professional settings, giving a polished and put-together appearance. The hair is smoothly gathered at the nape of the neck, with no flyaways, creating a refined look. This style suits oval and heart-shaped faces best, though those with a round face can add a deep side part for elongation.

To achieve this sleek style, apply Kerastase Elixir Ultime Oil for a smooth, glossy finish, and use L’Oréal Elnett Satin Hairspray for strong hold without stiffness. A fine-tooth comb and boar bristle brush will ensure a frizz-free, luxurious result.

Polished High Ponytail – Chic and Powerful

The polished high ponytail is a go-to for a bold yet elegant look. This style lifts the face, creating a more youthful and defined appearance. It’s a favorite among celebrities and business professionals, making it one of the most hairstyles that look expensive without much effort. This look is best suited for medium to long hair and flatters most face shapes.

To perfect this style, use TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Serum to keep the hair sleek and frizz-free. A high-quality flat iron, such as GHD Platinum+, will add extra shine, while a small strand of hair wrapped around the base of the ponytail will enhance the luxurious effect

Soft Waves – Red Carpet Ready

Soft, voluminous waves add instant glamour and sophistication. This is one of the most versatile hairstyles that make you look expensive, as it enhances texture and movement while maintaining a natural look. Soft waves work beautifully on both short and long hair and complement any face shape.

To create this style, use the Dyson Airwrap or GHD Curve Soft Curl Iron for long-lasting, bouncy waves. Finish with Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray to add volume and prevent the hair from falling flat. A silk pillowcase will help maintain the waves overnight.

Glossy Blunt Bob – Modern and Sophisticated

A glossy blunt bob is a statement hairstyle that radiates luxury. With sharp, clean lines and a mirror-like shine, this short hairstyle to look expensive is ideal for those who love minimalist elegance. The blunt bob is best suited for oval, heart, or angular face shapes but can be tailored for round faces with subtle layering.

To achieve the sleekest finish, wash with Redken Frizz Dismiss Shampoo, followed by Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother to eliminate frizz. A BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Flat Iron will keep the cut looking sharp and polished.

Voluminous Blowout – Salon-Quality at Home

A voluminous blowout gives hair that fresh-from-the-salon look. This hairstyle exudes luxury with its bouncy, full-bodied waves, making it one of the most hairstyles to make you look expensive. It works best for medium to long hair and enhances facial features by adding height and movement.

Use a Revlon One-Step Volumizer or Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer to create the perfect blowout. Apply Moroccanoil Treatment to add shine and prevent frizz. For extra volume, spritz Living Proof Full Dry Volume Blast at the roots.

French Twist – Timeless Class

The French twist is a classic updo that instantly elevates any look. This sophisticated hairstyle is ideal for formal occasions, weddings, or professional settings. It suits all face shapes and works best on medium to long hair. The key to making this style look expensive is ensuring the twist is smooth, secured properly, and slightly voluminous.

Use Bumble and Bumble Strong Finish Hairspray for long-lasting hold and Kenra Volume Mousse to add structure before styling. A decorative hair comb or pearl pins can enhance the elegant effect.

Deep Side Part – Instant Glamour

A deep side part is a quick yet powerful way to add volume and drama to your look. This style works particularly well with straight or wavy hair, creating an effortless hairstyle that makes you look expensive. By shifting the part to one side, it enhances facial symmetry and adds a touch of elegance. The deep side part is perfect for those with oval, square, and heart-shaped faces, but round faces can also benefit from the slimming effect it provides.

To achieve a flawless deep side part, use Ouai Hair Oil to smooth the strands and T3 SinglePass X Straightener for a sleek finish. Set with L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray for all-day hold without stiffness. For extra volume, tease the roots slightly using a Mason Pearson Brush.

Faux Lob – Short Hair Illusion

The faux lob is the ultimate trick to achieving short hairstyles to look expensive without committing to a permanent cut. By pinning the hair underneath, you create the illusion of a chic short bob, ideal for those who want a temporary transformation. The faux lob is great for long and medium hair lengths and flatters oval, heart, and square face shapes.

To create a seamless faux lob, use Bumble and Bumble Thickening Dryspun Texture Spray for volume and IGK Beach Club Bouncy Blowout Cream for a soft, tousled look. Secure the tucked ends with Goody Spin Pins and finish with Oribe Superfine Hairspray for a touchable hold.

Hollywood Curls – Old-School Luxury

Hollywood curls are the epitome of old-school glamour, making them one of the most sought-after hairstyles to look expensive. These soft, structured waves add volume and movement, creating a luxurious appearance. This style is ideal for medium to long hair and suits all face shapes, especially oval and square faces.

To get perfect Hollywood curls, use the GHD Curve Classic Wave Wand to form uniform waves. Prep the hair with Kerastase L’Incroyable Blowdry Lotion to protect against heat damage, and finish with Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray for a flexible hold and high shine. A boar bristle brush will help soften the curls while maintaining their bounce.

Braided Crown – Regal and Romantic

The braided crown is a timeless style that exudes sophistication and romance. This hairstyle that makes you look expensive is often seen on royalty and celebrities, making it a go-to for weddings and formal events. The style works best on medium to long hair and flatters oval and heart-shaped faces.

For a polished braided crown, prep with Aveda Smooth Infusion Styling Crème to tame frizz. Use Briogeo Curl Charisma Gel if you have wavy or curly hair for added definition. Secure the braids with Scünci No-Slip Bobby Pins and spritz Kenra Volume Spray 25 for long-lasting hold.

Sleek Glass Hair – Mirror-Like Shine

Sleek glass hair is a modern take on the ultra-smooth, mirror-like finish. This trend has taken over the beauty industry, making it a go-to hairstyle that makes you look expensive. It works best for straight, medium to long hair and suits all face shapes. The key to this style is achieving a flawlessly smooth and ultra-glossy effect.

Start with Redken Frizz Dismiss Shampoo and Conditioner to eliminate flyaways. Apply CHI Silk Infusion Serum before straightening with the GHD Platinum+ Flat Iron. Finish with Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray for a glass-like shine that repels humidity.

Clipped Half-Updo – Subtle and Stylish

The clipped half-updo is a versatile, effortlessly chic hairstyle that adds a refined touch without looking overdone. This easy hairstyle to look clean and expensive works for all hair types and face shapes, offering a balance of sophistication and playfulness.

To achieve a polished clipped half-updo, use Living Proof Full Volume Blast to add texture and lift. Secure the top section with a tortoiseshell or pearl hair clip for a trendy touch. Finish with Ouai Matte Pomade to keep flyaways at bay while maintaining a soft, natural finish.

Minimalist Chignon – Understated Opulence

The minimalist chignon is a sleek, low bun with a refined, effortless appeal. This hairstyle that makes you look expensive is perfect for professional settings, elegant evenings, and even minimalist bridal looks. The hair is neatly pulled back and twisted into a clean, structured bun at the nape of the neck, exuding grace and sophistication. This style works well for medium to long hair and flatters oval, square, and heart-shaped faces.

To achieve the perfect minimalist chignon, use Oribe Supershine Moisturizing Cream for sleekness and L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray for long-lasting hold. A fine-tooth comb will help smooth out flyaways, and Bobby Brown Hair Pins will secure the bun in place.

Layered Curtain Bangs – Soft and Luxurious

Layered curtain bangs offer an effortlessly chic, face-framing effect that makes hair look full and expensive. This versatile hairstyle to look expensive complements both long and short hair, adding a soft, romantic touch. Curtain bangs work particularly well for oval, heart, and square face shapes, though those with round faces can opt for longer layers to create an elongating effect.

For the best results, use Kerastase Discipline Smoothing Shampoo to keep hair frizz-free and GHD Helios Hairdryer with a round brush to create soft volume. Ouai Matte Pomade can help define the bangs while keeping them lightweight and airy.

Classic Top Knot – Chic and Elevated

A classic top knot is a quick yet refined easy hairstyle to look clean and expensive. By pulling the hair into a high, sleek bun, this style elongates the face and adds an instant facelift effect. It’s ideal for oval, square, and heart-shaped faces and works best for medium to long hair.

To perfect this look, apply Redken Frizz Dismiss Serum to smooth strands, then use TRESemmé Extra Hold Hairspray to keep flyaways in place. Wrapping a strand of hair around the base of the bun instead of using an elastic will add a polished finish.

Wet Look Waves – High-Fashion Glam

The wet look waves trend is all about sleek, high-shine elegance. Seen on fashion runways and red carpets, this hairstyle that makes you look expensive is easy to recreate with the right styling products. It works best for those with medium to long hair and complements sharp, angular face shapes beautifully.

To get the perfect wet look waves, apply Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray for a glossy finish and scrunch in Ouai Curl Crème to define soft waves. Finish with Sebastian Professional Gel Forte to lock in the wet effect without stiffness.

Wispy Updo – Delicate and Elegant

A wispy updo offers a soft, romantic aesthetic that makes it one of the most hairstyles to look clean and expensive. Unlike traditional sleek updos, this version has loose, delicate strands that frame the face, adding effortless charm. It’s a fantastic choice for weddings, formal events, or even a refined casual look. This style is best for medium to long hair and flatters all face shapes.

To create a wispy updo, prep the hair with Briogeo Farewell Frizz Leave-In Conditioner, then loosely pin sections using Goody Spin Pins for a natural hold. Use Living Proof Flex Hairspray for a light, touchable finish.

Half-Up Hollywood Waves – Effortless Drama

The half-up Hollywood waves hairstyle combines the volume of old-school curls with the polished effect of a structured updo. It’s one of the most glamorous hairstyles that look expensive, perfect for special occasions. This style works well for medium to long hair and flatters all face shapes, especially round and heart-shaped faces.

To achieve half-up Hollywood waves, curl the hair with GHD Curve Soft Curl Iron, then secure the top section with a decorative clip. Use Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray to maintain bounce and volume, finishing with Kenra Volume Spray 25 for a long-lasting hold.

Face-Framing Layers – A Soft Luxe Look

Face-framing layers add movement, softness, and a refined shape that enhances facial features. This hairstyle that makes you look expensive works well with straight, wavy, or slightly curled textures, adding volume while maintaining a natural flow. It suits oval, heart, and square-shaped faces best but can be tailored to suit round faces by keeping the layers longer.

To maintain a polished look, use Redken All Soft Shampoo and Conditioner for hydration and Ouai Hair Oil for frizz control. Blow-dry with a round brush using Dyson Airwrap to enhance the volume, and set the layers with Kenra Volume Spray 25 for lasting definition.

Textured Lob – Casual Yet Expensive

The textured lob is one of the most versatile and short hairstyles to look expensive. This slightly tousled, shoulder-length cut offers a relaxed yet refined look. The soft, undone texture gives an effortless French-girl vibe while maintaining a structured shape. This cut flatters all face shapes and works best for medium-thickness hair.

To achieve the perfect textured lob, use Bumble and Bumble Thickening Spray for volume and GHD Platinum+ Flat Iron to create soft bends in the hair. Finish with Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray for a weightless, effortless lift.

Midjourney Prompt:
“A woman with a textured lob, styled in tousled waves, seated in a contemporary home office. She wears small gold hoop earrings, a fitted beige blazer over a soft turtleneck sweater, and delicate cat-eye glasses. She smiles confidently while looking forward, with a sleek desk and cozy decor in the background.”

Low Twisted Ponytail – Simple and Chic

The low twisted ponytail is an elegant yet easy hairstyle to look clean and expensive. By incorporating a simple twist at the base, this ponytail appears effortlessly sophisticated. The style works best for medium to long hair and is perfect for formal occasions, weddings, or professional settings.

To achieve a sleek low twisted ponytail, apply TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Serum to control frizz and use Aveda Control Force Hairspray for hold. Secure the ponytail with an invisible hair tie and wrap a small strand of hair around the base to conceal it for a polished effect.

Silk-Pressed Hair – Smooth and Lustrous

Silk-pressed hair is the ultimate hairstyle that makes you look expensive by creating a glossy, ultra-smooth finish. Achieved through precise heat styling, this look gives hair a reflective shine and a sleek, polished feel. It works best for straight or slightly wavy hair types and flatters all face shapes.

For the best silk press results, wash hair with Mizani Moisture Fusion Shampoo and Conditioner to lock in hydration. Blow-dry with Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer and use BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Flat Iron to create a sleek, glass-like effect. Finish with Moroccanoil Treatment for a weightless shine.

Side-Swept Curls – Romantic and Luxurious

Side-swept curls create an effortlessly romantic look, making them a popular hairstyle for weddings and formal events. By sweeping voluminous curls to one side, this style adds instant glamour while enhancing facial symmetry. It works best for medium to long hair and complements oval and heart-shaped faces.

To perfect side-swept curls, use Hot Tools 24K Gold Curling Iron for soft waves and mist with Oribe Superfine Hairspray for touchable hold. Secure the hair to one side with decorative hairpins and add Color Wow Dream Coat Spray for extra shine.

Sleek Braided Ponytail – High-End with a Twist

The sleek braided ponytail is a stylish fusion of elegance and edginess. This hairstyle to look clean and expensive features a smooth, high ponytail braided down to the ends, adding a sophisticated yet trendy touch. It’s perfect for medium to long hair and suits all face shapes.

To achieve a sleek braided ponytail, use Briogeo Farewell Frizz Blow Dry Perfection Cream for a smooth base and Eco Styler Gel for extra hold. Braid the ponytail tightly and secure the ends with a decorative hair tie. Finish with Got2b Glued Blasting Freeze Spray for a sleek, polished finish.

Conclusion

Achieving hairstyles that look expensive doesn’t require an expensive trip to the salon. With the right styling tools and techniques, you can effortlessly create easy hairstyles to look expensive at home. Whether you prefer the sleek elegance of a low bun, the polished high ponytail, the glamour of soft waves, or the bold statement of a glossy blunt bob, these styles will instantly upgrade your look. Which of these hairstyles to look clean and expensive will you try next? Let us know in the comments!