Runway Hair: Achieving Chic, Effortless Looks at Home
Master relaxed waves and the down-low ponytail with pro stylist tricks you can easily recreate at home for chic, modern hair—no glam squad required.
Runway Hair, Real-Girl Style: The Complete Guide
High fashion runways set the tone for the latest hair trends, but complicated backstage styling can feel impossible to replicate at home—especially without a full glam squad. This season, top hairstylists and designers have made on-trend hair more accessible than ever, blending sophisticated shapes with techniques any girl can master solo. If you’re ready to elevate your look without hours in front of the mirror, try these runway favorites: relaxed waves and the down-low ponytail. Both channel luxury and sex appeal—yet each is surprisingly simple to create with a few pro tricks.
Table of Contents
- Relaxed Waves
- Encouraging Natural Texture
- The Two-Bun Method
- Pin to Perfection
- The Down-Low Ponytail
- Getting Super Sleek
- Ponytail Perfection
- Related Beauty Editor Favorites
- Frequently Asked Questions
Relaxed Waves: Effortless, Sexy, and Modern
If bedhead and beach waves had a baby, the result would be the relaxed, sexy waves seen at Rodarte’s Fall collections. This slept-in texture is the epitome of easygoing glamour, channeling the energy of a late-night text or an impromptu adventure. The best news? It is genuinely simple to master, no matter your skill level.
Step 1: Encourage Natural Texture
- Start unwashed: Skip shampooing for a day to take advantage of your hair’s natural texture.
- Part down the middle: Use a comb to create a center part, keeping sections clean for even texture.
- Apply texture spray: Mist a texturizing spray, focusing from roots to ends to amplify body and grip.
- Scrunch liberally: With hands, scrunch hair upwards to boost volume and form tousled movement.
Stylist’s tip: Second-day hair provides grip and a natural lived-in wave. For extremely fine or freshly washed hair, add dry shampoo at the roots before beginning these steps.
Step 2: Build Two Loose Buns
- Divide and conquer: Section hair into two equal halves.
- Twist gently: Working with one side at a time, gently twist hair away from your scalp. Avoid tightness to prevent kinks.
- Form loose buns: Coil each twisted section into a loose bun at the base of your head, letting the ends poke out for a relaxed look.
- Pin with U-shaped pins: Use U-shaped hairpins (not tight elastics) to secure, preventing unwanted bends or creases.
- Set while multitasking: Leave buns in while finishing your makeup or getting dressed—this creates heat-free waves with minimal effort.
Quick tip: For extra texture, lightly mist buns with texturizing spray or a flexible hold hairspray before taking them down.
Step 3: Pin Into Place
- Let loose: Unpin the buns and shake out hair, loosening any tight curls with your fingers.
- Highlight the part: If desired, add a decorative pin at the side part’s swoop for added interest and a subtle, face-framing effect.
- Finish with hairspray: For hold without stiffness, use a light mist of flexible hairspray to enhance the textured finish.
That’s it—you’ve achieved bombshell, woke-up-like-this locks with zero hot tools or salon time. These waves are ideal for everyday wear or a last-minute night out.
The Down-Low Ponytail: Refined and Understated Chic
The classic ponytail gets a runway-inspired makeover this season: Sitting just below the nape, this “down-low” pony channels cool sophistication—think less cheerleader, more minimal bombshell. Seen at Boss by Hugo Boss, it’s a favorite for highlighting bare shoulders and dramatic necklines but still fits almost any outfit or vibe.
Step 1: Straighten and Smooth
- Part in the middle: Create a precise center part with a fine-tooth comb for a modern, balanced finish.
- Detangle thoroughly: Use a paddle brush to smooth away any knots or flyaways.
- Apply heat protectant: Mist hair with a flat iron protector spray to shield from damage and boost shine.
- Flat iron for sleekness: Run a flat iron from roots to tips, working in small sections to produce a glassy, super-straight effect.
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Bonus tip: For added polish, finish with a serum or light finishing cream to tame ends and enhance shine.
Step 2: Create a Perfect Low Ponytail
- Gather at the nape: Use your hands to collect hair at the nape, just below the hairline.
- Secure with an elastic: Opt for a clear or color-matched elastic for blend-in sophistication. Don’t pull too tight—relaxed is key.
- Loosen slightly: Gently tug at the ponytail base to relax the style and add volume at the crown as desired.
- Tame flyaways: Use a soft bristle toothbrush spritzed with hairspray to smooth down any unruly strands around the hairline.
Step 3: Finish and Show Off
- Admire and accessorize: Consider wrapping a thin section of hair around the elastic for a polished finish, securing with a bobby pin.
- Go bold or minimal: Pair with statement earrings, bold makeup, or let the simple chicness of the ponytail shine solo.
This low ponytail is as at home in the office as it is at a cocktail party—versatile, quick, and always on trend.
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- Upgrade Your Bun: Discover 11 clever ways to make the humble bun look runway-worthy.
- Tan-Boosting Nail Shades: Find out which nail polish colors instantly give skin a sun-kissed glow.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are these runway-inspired hairstyles suitable for all hair types?
A: Yes. Relaxed waves work best on straight to slightly wavy hair, but those with tight curls can stretch out texture first. The down-low ponytail flatters all textures—it can be worn sleek for straight/relaxed hair or with natural texture for a fashion-forward look.
Q: How long do these styles normally last?
A: Texture from buns can last a full day with a flexible hold spray. The low pony may need occasional retouching (a quick brush or spritz) if you’re active.
Q: What if I have layered or very short hair?
A: Use more pins and texturizing spray for waves with layering. For ponytails, shorter sections around the face can be tucked behind the ear, pinned, or left for a soft, carefree effect.
Q: Can these looks be accessorized?
A: Absolutely! Try sparkling hairpins, velvet ribbons, or a sleek metallic pony cuff to elevate either hairstyle for special occasions.
Q: Any tips for making these work for very fine or flat hair?
A: Dry shampoo at the roots provides grip; a light teasing at the crown also adds instant volume without weighing down delicate hair.
Expert Product Picks for Runway Hair at Home
- Texture spray: Adds grit and body for tousled styles (look for words like “sea salt” or “texturizing”).
- Flat iron protector: Necessary for shielding hair when using hot tools.
- Flexible hold hairspray: Secures your look without making strands stiff.
- U-shaped hairpins: Ideal for gentle bun-securing without putting a dent in your hair.
Quick-Reference Table: Runway Hair How-To
| Look | Key Steps | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Relaxed Waves |
| Tousle with fingers after releasing buns for more volume |
| Down-Low Ponytail |
| Wrap a strand around the elastic to hide it and make the ponytail look polished |
Final Pro Tips
- Work with your natural texture: These styles are meant to enhance—not fight—your natural hair, so embrace what you have.
- Don’t over-style: The modern runway vibe comes from imperfection; a little messiness is chic.
- Practice makes perfect: You might need a few tries to get comfortable with new techniques—especially buns and pins. It gets easier!
- Confidence is key: Whether you wear waves, a sleek pony, or add glittering accessories, attitude sells the look as much as technique.
References
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s26mmR8B1OM
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/how-to/g5083/runway-hair-the-real-girl-way/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSM8rEMsc2Q
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IJ_qUEM6Es
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkzfpco2k-c
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a63116776/90s-hair-blowout/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8gY2Flf4kM
- https://www.cosmopolitanme.com/beauty/827-i-wore-gigi-hadids-crazy-long-side-braid-for-a-day-and-it-ruined-me
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