9 Genius Off-Duty Hair Lessons We Learned From Vanessa Hudgens

Vanessa Hudgens is a master when it comes to off-duty hair. Most celebrities nail red carpet styles thanks to a team of genius hair experts working behind the scenes, but Hudgens has mastered a few easy-to-do hairstyles that she wears time and again. Since it's Hair Repair Week here at Byrdie and these hairstyles require no excessive heat styling, we thought they make the perfect inspiration for the weekend ahead. From her clever volume-boosting trick to the greatest low bun we've probably ever seen, here is Vanessa Hudgen's guide to nailing off-duty hair.

The Volume Trick

Here Vanessa has faked volume by sweeping a deep side part with her hands. To get that texture, use a salt spray like Sachajuan Ocean Mist. Want extra volume at the roots? Work some Bumble and bumble Prêt-à-Powder in with your fingertips. 

The Big Curls

Want to make a statement with your hair? Eighties curls are big news. If you don't want to use heat, wash and towel-dry your hair, then take small sections and loop them around and pin in place. Do this all over the head and leave to air-dry before unraveling.

The Pigtails Trick

Pigtails can look a little young, but here Hudgens proves they can look seriously cool. Want to add an edge? Divide your hair into two sections, resting the hair on your shoulders then take a piece of ribbon or a scarf and tie around your neck and your hair. This creates the look of pigtails but with a seriously cool difference. 

The Sleek Part

Vanessa's go-to off duty hairstyle is a sleek, low bun. Here she has combined the bun with a neat center parting. Use a little Redken Diamond Oil Shatterproof Shine.

The Easy Knot

See, Hudgens loves a neat bun. If you want to elevate this off-duty look, why not braid your hair before pinning it up into a knot?

Bun Cuff

Here Hudgens has taken the cult off-duty hairstyle and added a bun cuff. Obsessed is an understatement!

Dutch Braids

Still haven't tried Dutch braids? Try them this weekend. It's a style that works well on one- (or two-) day-old hair, or douse towel-dried tresses with a leave-in conditioner or a lightweight mask-like Ouai's Treatment Masque and then weave into boxer braids on Saturday morning. The style will last until you come to wash your hair next—that's some serious TLC for your hair.

The Low-Slung Knot

There is so much that is great about this look. The tortoiseshell color, the undone texture and that knot. Re-create the look by literally knotting your hair and using kirby grips to secure in place. 

The Undone Hun

We love how Hudgens has left her naturally curly texture to do its thing here.