How to Achieve Lauren Conrad’s Signature Extension-Free Hairstyles

Discover step-by-step guides to recreating Lauren Conrad’s chic side braid and top knot looks—no extensions required.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 30, 2025

Discover step-by-step guides to recreating Lauren Conrad’s chic side braid and top knot looks—no extensions required.

How to Get Lauren Conrad’s Signature Hair—No Extensions Needed

Lauren Conrad’s hairstyle is renowned for its effortless, beachy glamour. Whether it’s her iconic side braid or the perfectly tousled top knot, fans worldwide crave her look. This guide walks you through transforming your hair into Lauren’s trademark styles—all without extensions. Get ready for expert tips, techniques, and insider tricks to ensure your hair looks full, fresh, and fashion-forward.

What Makes Lauren Conrad’s Hair Iconic?

Simplicity: Her hair always looks natural and attainable, with a focus on soft volume and gentle waves.
Versatility: Whether down, braided, or up, her styles flatter a range of hair types.
Low Maintenance: These looks require minimal products and fewer tools, making them ideal for everyday wear.
Extension-Free: Lauren’s signature looks are achievable without extra hair pieces, focusing on maximizing your natural hair.

Step 1: Prepping Your Hair for Extension-Free Styling

Lauren’s style works best with hair that’s healthy and slightly textured. Start with these steps:

Cleanse: Wash with a volumizing shampoo and a lightweight conditioner.
Blow Dry: Use a blow dryer for volume, focusing root lift at the crown. Tip: Flip your head upside down as you dry for extra fullness.
Texturize: Apply a dry shampoo or a salt spray, especially if your hair is slippery or fine.
Straighten: Lightly smooth hair with a straightener for an even texture, but avoid making it pin-straight to preserve a soft touch.

Step 2: The Lauren Conrad Side Braid Tutorial

The side braid is a staple in Lauren’s style arsenal. It’s elegant, playful, and ideal for all lengths. Here’s a breakdown—no extensions needed:

Essential Tools

Wide-tooth comb
Small clear elastic
Bobby pins
Finishing spray (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide

Part Your Hair: Create a deep side part, starting slightly off-center for a soft frame around the face.
Section: Take a horizontal section from the parting, down to just behind your ear on the heavy side. Clip the rest away.
Braid: Begin a French braid at the crown, working downward along the hairline. Tip: Keep the braid slightly loose for a romantic, lived-in look.
Secure: Finish at the nape just behind the ear, securing with a clear elastic.
Finishing Touches: Gently pull on braid edges for volume. Leave a few wisps loose around the face for softness.

Expert Tips for a Fuller Braid Without Extensions

Pancake Technique: Tug gently at the outer arms of your braid to widen and fluff it, emulating the volume of extensions.
Texture Spray: Spritz texturizer or dry shampoo into the braid before pancaking for grip and hold.
Sleep on It: For an ultra-messy effect, braid damp hair at night and undo it in the morning for natural volume.

Step 3: The Messy Low Bun—Lauren’s Go-To Updo

After mastering the side braid, integrate it into a messy low bun—a Lauren Conrad favorite. This style balances sophistication and ease.

How-To Guide

Gather: Pull all hair (including the braided section) into a low ponytail at the nape.
Twist: Loosely twist the pony and coil into a bun. Don’t strive for perfection—a few stray pieces add charm.
Pin: Secure with several bobby pins. For fine hair, crisscross pins for better hold.
Finish: Mist lightly with a flexible-hold hairspray and tug gently at sections for added texture.

Low Bun Styling Secrets

Incorporate the Braid: Wrap or pin the braided strand outside the bun for definition.
Hidden Volume: Backcomb the base of the ponytail before twisting for a fuller bun.
Accessories: Add subtle hairpins or a ribbon for an elevated finish.

Bonus: How to Recreate Lauren’s Signature Top Knot

Lauren’s chic top knot is beloved for its versatility—from red carpets to workouts. The key is strategic placement and an undone finish.

What You’ll Need

Thick elastic band
Mesh bun ring (optional for added fullness)
Bobby pins
Texturizing spray

Step-by-Step Instructions

Create a High Pony: Gather your hair at the crown, using a thick elastic for secure hold.
Use a Bun Ring (optional): Slip the mesh chignon over the ponytail. Spread hair evenly around.
Wrap: Wind the lengths around the bun ring (or around the base if you’re not using one), tucking ends underneath.
Pin: Secure all loose strands and bun perimeter with bobby pins.
Mess It Up: Pull lightly at the knot’s edges for trademark softness. Smooth any wild flyaways—or let them add character!

Styling Variations

Sleek Top Knot: Apply a serum for high shine before gathering hair.
Textured Top Knot: Curl lengths loosely before pinning for movement.
Face-Framing Wisps: Pull out small sections at your hairline and temples.

Expert Advice: Making Thin or Fine Hair Look Full

No extensions? No problem. Here’s how to maximize volume and create illusion:

Layered Cuts: Ask your stylist for layers to boost natural bounce.
Dry Shampoo: Use sparingly at roots and lengths for instant lift.
Root Teasing: Tease the roots slightly before styling—but avoid matting.
Optical Tricks: Side partings and loose updos create the illusion of density.
Don’t Over-Smooth: Allow hair’s inherent texture to show for a fuller effect.

Products That Amplify Lauren’s Look

Lauren’s stylists favor lightweight, volumizing products and tools that protect hair health. Top picks include:

Sea Salt Spray: For tousled, beach-inspired volume.
Flexible Hold Hairspray: Maintains shape without crunch.
Mini Clear Elastics: Perfect for securing braids discreetly.
Bobby Pins: Both standard and invisible for shape retention.
Dry Texture Finisher: Spritz for extra grip before braiding or pinning.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Recreating Lauren’s Hairstyles

Mistake	Correction/Tip
Making Braids or Buns Too Tight	Keep styles loose for natural body and effortless beauty.
Skipping Texture Products	Apply dry shampoo or salt spray for better grip before styling.
Forgetting to Pancake Your Braids	Gently tug braid edges for fuller appearance.
Neglecting Wispy Pieces Around Face	Release face-framing strands for softness.
Using Too Many Pins	Use minimal pins and hide them well for a clean look.

FAQs About Lauren Conrad’s Hairstyles

Q: Can I recreate Lauren’s trademark looks if my hair is short?

A: Yes, use strategic sectioning and the amped-up pancaking technique. For very short hair, focus on side braids and mini low buns, leaving more texture exposed.

Q: Will these styles work on curly or textured hair?

A: Absolutely! Embrace your hair’s texture—just adapt the braiding and bun techniques to suit your natural wave or curl. Apply smoothing serum for definition, or air dry for a tousled finish.

Q: How do I keep my Lauren-inspired bun from falling out in fine hair?

A: Prep with texturizing spray at the roots, secure with thick elastics, and crisscross bobby pins for extra grip. Avoid heavy conditioners that can make hair slippery.

Q: Which face shapes suit these styles best?

A: Lauren’s side braid and tousled updos flatter all face shapes—they soften angular features and highlight cheekbones. Adjust partings and bun positions to balance proportions.

Celebrity Inspiration: Lauren Conrad’s Modular Hair Routine

Lauren’s hair routine is highly adaptable for the modern woman. With these extension-free techniques, you can move from day to night, office to evening, all while maintaining hair health. Style variation and a little confidence are the secrets to making her signature looks your own!

Final Touches: How To Personalize The Look

Swap the side braid for a Dutch version and pancake as desired.
Experiment with colored ribbons or pearl pins in your bun for an update.
Try parting your hair slightly off-center for a subtle change to the classic side braid.
Use a teasing comb gently for more volume—but always work with natural texture.
For extra lasting power, set your style with a spritz of lightweight, flexible hold hairspray.

Key Takeaways: Get the Lauren Conrad Look at Home

Extension-free styles are accessible—and full of volume with a few pro tips.
Prep hair with texturizer, embrace natural movement, and avoid over-polishing.
Alternate between the side braid and top knot for maximum versatility.
Personalize with accessories, color, or bun placement.

Ready for Your Lauren Conrad Transformation?

With these techniques, you can now capture Lauren’s effortless, red-carpet-worthy hairstyles at home. Say goodbye to extensions—and hello to fresh, modern, and natural beauty!

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

Read full bio of medha deb