Sometimes it’s difficult to know what hairstyles are suitable for work, and which should stay in your weekend repertoire. Of course, it depends on what your job role is; if you’re a nurse or a vet you may be required to wear hair in a certain way, and if you work with food you’ll have to wear a hair net. But, if you’re a corporate lady working your way up the ladder, appearances matter – and your hairstyle should reflect your aspirations.

Here are some ultra-professional hairstyles which will instantly tell people you mean business. 

Low ponytail 

With a sleek centre part, a low ponytail looks chic and professional. Wear to your next meeting and you’ll be up for promotion in no time.

Half up quiff 

Show off your long locks while still keeping an air of professionalism. Gather the top half of your hair, and smooth it out. Now add volume for a little quiff, before pinning it into place at the back of your head. Lacking the required amount of hair to create the volume? Try clip-in hair extensions.

Ballerina bun 

This style works just as good in the office as it does in the dance studio or the gym. Scrape all hair back, before wrapping into a neat bun.

Loose waves 

If you’re going to wear your hair down, it either has to be sleek and straight or have natural looking loose waves. Big curls can look overdone and too glamorous, and anything in between can look messy.

Braided pony 

In short styles, braids can look a bit too girly and ‘young’ when you’re trying to be mature and professional. However this style works well. Braid front the front, along one side of your scalp, and join all hair in a high ponytail at the back. If you do the braid thick enough you should leave the festival look behind.

Sleek plait 

This trendy style is great for summer. Pull hair back into a ponytail and secure with a bobble before plaiting until the ends. Shorter haired ladies may struggle to pull this off but it looks great for young professionals with long locks.

High straight ponytail 

A slicked back look can help you appear more serious – so this one is a good idea if you find yourself overlooked in the office, or too ‘nice.’ Straighten your hair so it is super sleek, then pull into a high pony on the top of your head.

The twist 

If you’re bored of a standard ponytail, this style is a great way to mix it up and sill look professional. Tie a low pony, then make a hole in the middle of the hair just above the bobble. Feed the ponytail through, so it makes a twist.

Half up ponytail 

Who else to take work hairstyle inspiration from than Kate Middleton? She always has to look professional and does it so well. One of her best styles was a half up half down style, and you can wear this with any parting, or no parting if you want all the hair to go back. Put some curls in the front of the hair, the bit which will be tied back. Once it is secured with a bobble, use a piece of hair to wrap around it and clip into place.

Accessorise 

Be careful with accessories at work, as they can look too cute and girly. Forget about bows, but choose the right clip or headband, and you could enhance a professional hairstyle.