Easy Hairstyles for Video Calls That Look Amazing on Camera

If someone had told us at the beginning of the year that video calls would become a daily part of life, most of us would have laughed. Yet here we are, and for many people in Boca Raton and beyond, looking presentable on camera has become just as important as looking good in person. The good news is that video-call hair does not have to be complicated. At Sofia Loren Salon, we have been sharing tips with our clients on how to look polished on screen in five minutes or less.
Why Hair Looks Different on Camera
Before diving into specific styles, it helps to understand why your hair can look so different on a video call compared to real life. Laptop and phone cameras flatten everything. They compress the three-dimensional depth and movement of your hair into a two-dimensional image, which means texture, layers, and dimension can get lost. Overhead lighting, which is common in home offices, can also create shadows that make hair look flat or greasy at the crown.
This means the styles that photograph best on video calls tend to have visible volume, defined shape, and some movement. Anything that adds dimension to how your hair appears on screen will make you look more polished and put-together, even if the rest of you is wearing pajama pants below the camera frame.
The Five-Minute Blowout Touch-Up
You do not need a full blowout to look great on camera. A quick touch-up of the front sections of your hair, the parts visible on screen, can make a dramatic difference. Take a round brush and your blow dryer, and focus just on the pieces around your face and the crown of your head. Blow these sections away from your face and add a little lift at the roots. This takes about five minutes and creates the appearance of a full blowout without the time commitment.
If you do not have time for even this, flip your head upside down and blast your roots with the blow dryer for thirty seconds. This instantly adds volume at the crown, which reads beautifully on camera. Flip back up, smooth the surface with your hands, and you are ready.
Effortless Waves That Translate on Screen
Loose waves are the gold standard for video call hair because they add the movement and dimension that cameras love. The quickest way to achieve them is with a large-barrel curling iron. Take random sections, wrap them around the barrel for just a few seconds each, and alternate the direction of each curl. When you are done, run your fingers through to break up the waves into something soft and natural.
If you prefer a heat-free approach, braid damp hair before bed and unravel in the morning for effortless, no-damage waves. Two French braids give tighter, more defined waves, while a single loose braid creates gentle, beachy movement. Either version looks fantastic on camera.
Sea salt spray is another option. Spray it into dry hair, scrunch with your hands, and let the texture do the work. It creates that perfectly undone, I-woke-up-like-this look that translates effortlessly to video calls.
The Polished Low Bun
For days when your hair is past the point of no return, a low bun is the most elegant solution. Gather your hair at the nape of your neck, twist it into a bun, and secure with a hair tie and a few pins. Pull out a few soft, face-framing pieces to keep it from looking too severe. This style looks incredibly polished on camera and takes less than two minutes.
The low bun works for every hair length from a long bob to waist-length hair. If your hair is on the shorter side, a few bobby pins to tuck in any pieces that do not quite reach will keep everything neat. A light mist of hairspray will hold it all in place through even the longest meeting.
Face-Framing Pieces Are Your Secret Weapon
No matter what style you choose, face-framing pieces are the single most effective trick for looking good on video calls. These are the shorter layers or tendrils around your face that soften your overall look and draw attention to your best features. They add dimension and warmth to how you appear on screen.
If you do not have face-framing layers, you can create a similar effect by pulling a few pieces out of a ponytail or bun and letting them fall naturally alongside your face. A quick pass with a curling iron to add a gentle bend to these pieces elevates the look instantly.
Accessories That Elevate Your Look
Hair accessories are an underrated video call hack. A simple headband, a pair of small clips, or a silk scarf tied as a headband can transform second-day hair into something intentional and stylish. These accessories read particularly well on camera because they add visual interest and color to the small frame of a video window.
Avoid anything too large or distracting, as it can overwhelm the frame. Thin headbands, minimalist clips, and subtle hair scarves strike the right balance between polished and effortless. They also have the practical benefit of keeping hair out of your face, which eliminates the distracting habit of constantly tucking strands behind your ears during meetings.
Quick Fixes for Common Video Call Hair Problems
Flat roots are the most common complaint, and the fix is simple: dry shampoo sprayed at the roots and massaged in with your fingertips adds instant volume and absorbs any oiliness. Flyaways and frizz, which are constant in Boca Raton’s humidity, can be tamed with a small amount of hair oil smoothed over the surface of your hair. Greasy bangs can be revived with a quick pass of the flat iron and a spritz of dry shampoo.
Lighting makes a bigger difference than most people realize. Position yourself facing a window for the most flattering natural light. If that is not possible, a small ring light or even a desk lamp placed behind your laptop screen will illuminate your face and hair beautifully.
Book Your Appointment at Sofia Loren Salon
Ready for a cut and style that looks amazing both in person and on camera? Visit Sofia Loren Salon in Boca Raton for a consultation on a video-call-friendly style that suits your face shape and lifestyle. Call us at (561) 444-0720 or book online at sofialorensalon.com.
