10 Date-Night Hairstyles You'll Always Get Compliments On

From first dates to long-term relationships, we all go through that pre-date thought process that goes something like What will I do with my hair? (That is, if we aren’t already freaking out about what outfit to wear.) Our first piece of advice: Don’t overthink it. Your date is with you because of you, not your hair. Still, we understand following that advice is easier said than done. Who doesn’t want to look and feel great on a date? That’s where these 10 date-night hairstyles come in. Not only are they easy to pull off, but they keep the focus on you (in other words: no distracting, over-the-top updos to be found).

Keep scrolling for date-night hair inspiration from the likes of Selena Gomez, Ruby Rose, Lucy Hale, and other celebrity hair goddesses. Plus, we’ve included product picks to help you get their looks. (Oh, and good luck on the date! Let us know how it goes?)

Pinned-Back Waves

Lucy Hale’s simple style gives the illusion of extra volume. Leaving some face-framing pieces at the sides keeps the focus right where it should be.

Bobby Pins

Loose Waves

Whether you’re on a first date or the thousandth, you can’t go wrong with glossy, non-fussy waves like Selena Gomez’s.

Wave Iron

Low Ponytail

Go for a simple low pony, or dress it up with a pretty ribbon à la Zoë Kravitz

Embellished Hair Tie

Wispy Topknot

A simple topknot is great for dressier date nights (or if your hair isn’t behaving that day). For an equally elegant but slightly less stuffy look, pull a few strands loose like Maya Hawke did here.

Hair Spray

Jazzed-Up Braid

Your everyday braid goes date-worthy with the addition of a ribbon (or two), as Gemma Chan demonstrates.

Hair Ribbon

Simple Headband

Depending on your date, you might want to keep the over-the-top headbands for another occasion. However, a barely there headband adds to the look without being distracting, as evidenced by Gabrielle Union (who took things to the next level by wearing husband Dwyane Wade on her dress).

Simple Headbands

Messy Updo

Create a simple bun, leaving out a few tendrils here and there and ensuring your natural texture shines through. Vanessa Hudgens gets it.

Texture Enhancer

Half-Up, Half-Down

Half-up hair works with pretty much every hair texture, and adds an instant romantic feel. Case in point: Margaret Qualley’s pretty style. Try using a fun hair clip instead of a hair tie for a subtle update.

Tortoiseshell Barrette

This is as simple as it gets, so it won’t compete with your outfit. It goes with everything from a bra top, seen here on Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, to jeans and a leather jacket.

Slick-Straight Blowout

Frizz Serum

Subtle Spike

A far cry from the boy-band look in the late '90s, this style adds a spin—and a touch of volume—to shorter crops. Look to Ruby Rose for inspiration, and be sure to have product on hand to keep the style in place.

Styling Cream

Looking for more pre-date reading? One editor cringes every time she sees this on a first date.

This article was originally published at an earlier date and has been updated.