15 Date Night Hairstyles You’ll Love: Easy, Natural Looks for Wigs, Hairpieces and Your Own Hair
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Getting ready for date night should be the fun part. The outfit is chosen, the eyeliner is sharp, and the last thing you want to be worrying about is your hair.
We’ve been helping women feel fabulous in their hair since 2002, first from our kitchen table and now from our global website and shop in Slaithwaite, Huddersfield. Over that time we’ve styled thousands of wigs and hairpieces for first dates, anniversaries, weddings and quiet nights in. This guide brings together the 15 date night hairstyles our customers and our team come back to again and again, whether you’re styling your own hair, a wig, or a clip-in hairpiece.
Every style below comes with a realistic time estimate, a difficulty rating, and a note on how to get the look with a wig if that’s what you wear. Some take under five minutes. None need a hairdresser.
Which Date Night Hairstyle Should I Choose?
Planning a date night and wondering what to do with your hair? Soft waves, romantic layers, elegant updos, sleek bobs and playful ponytails are all lovely choices, and you don’t necessarily need to spend hours styling your hair to achieve them. Whether you wear your natural hair, a wig or a hairpiece, we’ve brought together 15 date night hairstyles to suit different hair lengths, styles and occasions. From effortless beach waves to sophisticated short styles, here are some of our Simply Wigs team’s favourite looks.
Choosing a Date Night Hairstyle When You Wear a Wig
If you wear a wig, your date-night style should still feel like you. You certainly don’t need to completely restyle your wig for the occasion, sometimes a small change, such as adjusting the parting, adding a little volume or choosing a favourite accessory, can make all the difference. If you are thinking about using heated styling tools, always check the fibre and the manufacturer’s care instructions first. Standard synthetic wigs are generally not suitable for heat styling, while heat-friendly synthetic and human hair wigs usually give you a little more freedom.
And if you would rather leave your everyday wig exactly as it is, that’s fine too. A second ready-styled wig or a simple hairpiece can be an easy way to change your look for the evening without altering the style you already know and love.
A quick guide to some of our favourite date-night hairstyles, with easy ideas for wigs, hairpieces and different hair lengths.
| Question | Quick answer |
|---|---|
| What is a good hairstyle for date night? | Soft waves, sleek bobs, romantic layers, ponytails and relaxed updos all work beautifully for a date night. |
| What is an easy date night hairstyle? | Beach waves, a soft ponytail or a ready-styled wig are easy options that require very little preparation. |
| Can I style a wig for date night? | Yes, although how you style it depends on the fibre. Heat-friendly and human hair wigs generally offer more styling flexibility. |
| What hairstyle works for short hair? | Pixie cuts, softly styled crops and sleek chin-length bobs can all create a polished date-night look. |
| Can hairpieces be used for date-night hairstyles? | Yes. Ponytails, wraps, fringes and bun pieces can quickly add volume, length or a different style. |
Before You Start: Four Tips From Our Wig Experts
These apply whether you’re styling your own hair or a wig. They’re the things we tell customers in the shop every week.
- Do a trial run. Try the style a day or two before the date, not an hour before. You’ll know how long it really takes and whether it suits your outfit.
- Wearing a wig? Always check whether your wig is suitable for heat styling before using heated tools. Standard synthetic fibre must not be heat styled. Heat-friendly fibre usually tolerates 130 to 160°C, but every brand is different, so check the label or the product page. If in doubt, ring us on 01484 844557.
- Secure first, style second. If you wear a wig, make sure it’s properly fitted before you touch a brush. A wig grip band or a couple of strips of wig tape mean you can dance, hug and lean in without a second thought.
- Aim for movement, not stiffness. The most flattering date night hair moves when you do. Use a light-hold spray and finish with your fingers, not a comb.
15 Date Night Hairstyles at a Glance
| Style | Approx. styling time | Difficulty | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Effortless beach waves | 10 min | Easy | Medium to long hair, casual dates |
| 2. Voluminous curls | 20 min | Medium | Dinner dates, dancing |
| 3. Long romantic layers | 5 min | Easy | Candlelit dinners, photos |
| 4. Soft updo | 10 min | Easy | Formal dinners, theatre |
| 5. The blow-dry | 15 min | Easy | Any date, natural finish |
| 6. Hollywood glam waves | 30 min | Harder | Anniversaries, special occasions |
| 7. Glamorous ponytail | 5 min | Easy | Cocktails, dancing |
| 8. Half up, half down | 5 min | Easy | First dates, daytime dates |
| 9. Sleek and straight | 10 min | Easy | Smart dinners, minimal outfits |
| 10. Simple volume | 10 min | Easy | Everyday dates, short to mid-length hair |
| 11. Effortless messy bun | 2 min | Easy | Last-minute dates |
| 12. The soft fringe | 3 min | Easy | Softening features, low effort |
| 13. Pixie or crop | 3 min | Easy | Short hair, statement earrings |
| 14. Sophisticated bob | 5 min | Easy | Chin-length hair, classic looks |
| 15. A touch of colour | 0 min | Easy | Bold dates, confidence boost |
1. Effortless Beach Waves
Soft, undone waves are the most requested date night hairstyle we see, and for good reason. They look relaxed, they suit almost everyone, and they forgive imperfect technique.
On your own hair: Spray a heat protectant, take two-inch sections and wrap them around a wand or straightener, alternating direction with each section. Leave the last inch straight. Once cool, brush through gently with your fingers and mist with a texturising spray.
With a wig: The Mila wig by Jon Renau comes with the wave already built in. Shake it out, part it where you like using the lace front, and you’re done. If you have a heat-friendly wig with straight fibre, you can create the same effect on a low heat.
Mila Wig
2. Voluminous Curls
Bouncy curls are having a moment again, and they’re a lovely choice if you want your hair to do the talking. The trick to making curls look modern is to brush them out.
On your own hair: Curl tight ringlets all over using a small barrel. Let them cool fully, then brush through with a wide-toothed comb or a soft paddle brush. The curls will loosen into big, glossy waves with lots of volume at the root.
With a wig: The Flirt Alert wig by Raquel Welch has the volume and curl pattern already set. Use a wide-toothed comb from the ends upwards to open the curls slightly and add shine with a light wig spray.
Flirt Alert
3. Long Romantic Layers
If you’re after natural hairstyles for date night, long layers are hard to beat. The layers create movement and catch the light, which is exactly what you want across a candlelit table.
On your own hair: Blow-dry with a round brush, lifting at the root and turning the ends under. Finish with a drop of shine serum through the mid-lengths and ends only.
With a wig: The Scene Stealer by Raquel Welch is cut with exactly this kind of face-framing layering. It’s one of the wigs we most often recommend to customers who want to look like they haven’t tried too hard.
Scene Stealer4. Soft Updo
An updo says “occasion” without saying “effort”. The softer and looser it is, the more romantic it reads.
On your own hair: Gather your hair into a low ponytail at the nape, twist it loosely and pin it into a bun. Pull a few strands free around the face and at the crown so it doesn’t look too tidy.
With a hairpiece: The Mimic by Jon Renau easihair clips onto your own hair or a wig and gives you a full, wavy bun in seconds. If you want to build an updo on a wig, our styling video below shows how.
Mimic Hairpiece
5. The Blow-Dry
The blow-dry is the little black dress of date night hair. It works everywhere, with everything, and it never looks like you’re trying to be someone else.
On your own hair: Rough-dry to 80 per cent, then work in sections with a round brush, pulling the hair taut and directing the airflow down the shaft for shine. Set each section with cool air before moving on.
With a wig: The Bobbi by Envy Wigs is the wig equivalent of a fresh salon blow-dry. Long layers, subtle volume, and fibre that moves the way you’d hope.
Bobbi Wig
6. Hollywood Glam Waves
Big, sleek, side-swept waves are the most glamorous look on this list and the one that takes most practice. Save it for an anniversary or a night you want to remember.
On your own hair: Create a deep side parting. Curl one-inch sections all in the same direction, pinning each curl flat against the head while it cools. Once every curl is cold, remove the pins and brush through with a boar-bristle brush, following the wave with your hand. Set with a firm-hold spray.
With a wig: The Hana wig by Noriko gives you the polished waves without the pins. Straight off the wig stand, it looks like an hour in a salon chair.
Hana Wig
7. The Glamorous Ponytail
A high, full ponytail is one of the easiest date night hairstyles to pull off, and it shows off your neck, your earrings and your smile.
On your own hair: Brush hair up and back into a high ponytail. Secure with a snag-free band, then wrap a small section of hair around the band to hide it and pin underneath. Smooth flyaways with a little serum.
With a hairpiece: If your own hair is short, fine or thinning, a ponytail hairpiece makes all the difference on a special occasion. The Foxy Ponytail by Jon Renau easihair adds length and volume in one clip. Our complete guide to buying hairpieces explains how to colour-match.
Ponytail Hairpieces8. Half Up, Half Down
This is the date night hairstyle we’d suggest for a first date. It’s relaxed, it frames the face, and it takes five minutes.
On your own hair: Take the top section from temple to temple and secure it at the back of the head with a small clip or band. Leave the rest down. For a more romantic version, curl the loose section or twist the two side pieces before pinning.
With a wig: This works on any long or shoulder-length wig with a monofilament or lace top, because you can pull the hair back without exposing the cap. Use small clips rather than tight bands to protect the fibre.
Ladies Wigs
9. Sleek and Straight
Sleek, straight hair is understated and confident. It suits smart dinners and lets a statement outfit or bold lip take centre stage.
On your own hair: Blow-dry straight, then run a straightener through in slow, even passes with a heat protectant. Finish with a tiny amount of serum for glass-like shine.
With a wig: The Code Mono wig by Ellen Wille does this look effortlessly. The monofilament parting makes it look like the hair grows from your scalp. If your straight wig has picked up a kink, our guide on how to straighten a wig safely will help.
Code Mono Wig
10. Simple Volume
Sometimes the best date night hair is your everyday hair with a little more lift. Volume at the root instantly looks more polished.
On your own hair: Spray a volumising mousse at the roots, then blow-dry upside down. Flip back, smooth the top layer with a brush, and set.
With a wig: Choose a heat-friendly wig such as the Well Played wig by Raquel Welch and use a hot brush on a low setting to lift the roots. Always check the manufacturer’s recommended temperature first; most heat-friendly fibres sit between 130 and 160°C.
Well Played Wig
11. Effortless Messy Bun
The messy bun is the quickest style on this list and the hardest to get “right”, because it needs to look accidental. It’s perfect for a last-minute date.
On your own hair: Gather hair into a loose ponytail, twist, wrap around the base and pin in two or three places. Gently tug sections loose. Stop before it looks tidy.
With a hairpiece: The Effortless Wrap by Hot Hair fastens around your own bun like a scrunchie and creates the whole look in about thirty seconds. At under £20, it’s the most affordable date night upgrade we sell.
Effortless Wrap
12. The Soft Fringe
A fringe softens the face and draws attention to your eyes, which makes it one of the most natural hairstyles for date night. It’s also a big commitment, which is where a clip-in fringe earns its keep.
On your own hair: Blow-dry your fringe forward with a small round brush, then sweep it slightly to one side. A dab of dry shampoo at the root stops it going flat during the evening.
With a hairpiece: The Fringe Flair by Amore clips in under your own hair or your wig and gives you a fringe for the night only. Browse our full range of fringe wigs if you’d like a fringe built in.
Fringe Flair
13. Pixie or Crop
Short hair for date night is all about texture and shine, and it pairs beautifully with statement earrings. A pixie cut can be one of the easiest date night looks to wear. Rather than creating an elaborate hairstyle, concentrate on adding a little texture, shaping the fringe or simply letting a beautifully cut wig do the work for you.
On your own hair: Work a small amount of texturising paste through damp hair, then blow-dry with your fingers, pushing the hair forward and slightly up at the front.
With a wig: The Winner wig by Raquel Welch is a beautifully cut cropped style. A quick mist of Ellen Wille anti-static spray keeps flyaways down and adds a soft shine. See more ideas in our short wig hairstyles post.
Winner Wig
14. Sophisticated Bob
A sleek chin-length bob is a classic for a reason. It’s grown-up, it frames the jaw, and it looks intentional without any fuss.
On your own hair: Blow-dry with a paddle brush, turning the ends under very slightly. Run a straightener over the top layer only, then finish with a light shine spray.
With a wig: The Beau wig by Noriko has the tapered nape and face-framing layers that make a bob look expensive. Browse more chin-length wigs if you’d like other options.
Beau Wig
15. A Touch of Colour
Sometimes the boldest date night hairstyle is a new colour rather than a new shape. A wig is the only way to go from brunette to watermelon pink in the time it takes to get dressed, with no dye and no damage.
With a wig: The Vero wig by Rene of Paris in Watermelon R is a favourite in our shop. If pink isn’t you, our red wigs and auburn wigs are a gentler way to make a statement.
Vero WigDate Night Hairstyles by Hair Length
Short hair: Texture is everything. Try styles 13 and 14, or add a clip-in fringe (12) for a quick change. A scrunchie hairpiece can create a bun even on hair that’s too short to tie up.
Medium hair: You have the most options. Beach waves (1), the blow-dry (5), half up half down (8) and the messy bun (11) all work at shoulder length.
Long hair: Long romantic layers (3), Hollywood waves (6) and the glamorous ponytail (7) make the most of your length. If your hair is long but fine, a ponytail hairpiece adds the volume long hair often lacks.
How to Keep Your Date Night Hair in Place All Evening
We’re asked this constantly, especially by customers new to wigs who are nervous about a first date. Here’s what we recommend.
- For wig wearers: a silicone wig grip band under the cap stops slipping without glue. For extra confidence on a night that might involve dancing, add two small strips of wig tape at the temples. Both are removable in seconds and leave nothing behind.
- For your own hair: a light-hold spray before styling and a flexible-hold spray after gives all-evening staying power without stiffness. Carry a couple of bobby pins and a mini serum for touch-ups.
- For hairpieces: make sure the clips are seated against a slightly backcombed base, which gives them something to grip. Our hairpiece buying guide has a step-by-step.
- Whatever you wear: avoid touching your hair once it’s done. Hands add oil and flatten volume.
Dating With Hair Loss: A Word From Us
If you’re reading this because you have hair loss and a date coming up, we want to say something directly. We’ve spoken with thousands of women in exactly your position, and the worry about “what if they notice” is almost always bigger in your head than in reality. A well-fitted wig is undetectable to most people, and the ones who do notice usually just think you have great hair.
Whether and when to mention your wig is entirely your choice. Some of our customers say it on the first date and find it breaks the ice. Others wait until they know someone better. There’s no right answer. What matters is that you go out feeling like yourself.
If you’d like support beyond hairstyles, our Finding Confidence Through Hair Loss article and our list of alopecia support groups are good places to start. Alopecia UK and Macmillan Cancer Support both offer excellent guidance on hair loss and relationships.
FAQs
- What are the best natural hairstyles for date night?
-
Natural date night hairstyles keep your usual parting and add soft movement rather than structure. Long layers with a blow-dry, soft beach waves and a swept side fringe all look natural. Finish with shine rather than heavy hold.
- How far in advance should I do my hair for a date?
-
Around 45 minutes to an hour before you leave gives styles time to set and cool without going flat. Do a trial run a day or two earlier so you know how long it takes. If you wear a wig, style it on a wig stand the night before and it’s ready when you are.
- Can I curl or straighten my wig for date night?
-
Only if it’s heat-friendly. Standard synthetic fibre melts under heat and cannot be repaired. Heat-friendly fibres usually tolerate 130 to 160°C, but always check the product label. Human hair wigs can be styled like your own hair. Our guide to choosing styling products for synthetic wigs explains the difference.
- Will my wig stay on if we dance?
-
Yes, with the right preparation. A wig grip band or two strips of wig tape at the temples will keep a wig secure through an evening of dancing, hugging and everything else. Most of our customers who wear grips say they forget they’re wearing a wig at all.
- What hairstyle should I choose for a first date?
-
Choose something you’d wear on a normal good day, slightly polished. Half up half down, soft waves or a simple blow-dry all work. You want to feel like yourself, not like you’re in costume. Save the Hollywood waves for date three.
Ready to Get Ready?
We hope you’ve found your date night hairstyle. If you’d like a hand choosing a wig or hairpiece, or you’d like us to style your wig for a special occasion, our wig services include appointments at our shop in Slaithwaite, Huddersfield. Book an appointment or get in touch and one of our wig experts will help.
For more inspiration, read Styling Wigs for Different Occasions, watch our styling tutorials on YouTube, and keep your wig date-ready with our guide to washing a fibre wig.
Have a wonderful evening.
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