Face-Framing Waves: The Subtle Hairstyle Celebrities Consistently Rely On—Here’s How to Style Them.

Face-Framing Waves: The Subtle Hairstyle Celebrities Consistently Rely On—Here’s How to Style Them.

      I’ll begin by being straightforward: I frequently find the viral 'easy' hairstyle trends that appear on my TikTok For You Page or Instagram feeds to be anything but simple. Even the most low-maintenance, so-called "effortless" styles take me some time to master. However, I recently came across a particularly simple hairstyle featured on the Instagram accounts of some of Hollywood's favorite hairstylists (specifically, Bryce Scarlett and Nina Park), and it has captured my attention—introducing what I’m calling face-framing waves.

      What Are Face-Framing Waves? Face-framing waves are loose curls or waves at the front of the hair, designed to provide shape and structure around your face. The beauty of this hairstyle lies in the fact that you only need to wave the front sections of your hair to create the appearance of a well-styled look.

      And the best part? Face-framing waves can be adapted to various hair types, textures, and lengths (from short styles like bobs to longer hair), which means anyone can try this genuinely effortless style for a polished appearance. It also serves as an easy option on days when you want to pull your hair up but still desire the structure that wearing your hair down typically provides.

      How Do I Achieve Face-Framing Waves? To achieve face-framing waves, you can follow these four simple steps:

      1. Create a middle part in your hair.

      2. Separate two sections at the front of your hair.

      3. Use a heated tool (like a curling wand, straightener, or hair waver) to shape the front sections, typically creating an outward-facing kink or curl aligned with the tops of your cheekbones or ears.

      4. Style the rest of your hair however you prefer, or keep it as is for simplicity. Those with curly hair might opt to pull their hair up or straighten the rest to let the face-framing waves shine.

      Pro tip: If your hair is naturally straight, you can air-dry it with your hair tucked behind your ears to form a natural-looking face-framing wave. Just use an air-dry product for added definition.

      Face-Framing Waves Inspiration Margot demonstrates how effortless face-framing waves can be. If you don’t want to wear your hair down, face-framing waves can also enhance buns and ponytails. Pairing face-framing waves with a loose French braid creates the perfect everyday hairstyle. Layers like Kaia Gerber's can further enhance the natural contouring that face-framing waves provide. Adding a hair gloss to your washing routine will give you a super-shiny finish.

      How to Style Face-Framing Waves

      Kérastase Genesis Defense Thermique Treatment

      Ghd offers some of the top styling tools on the market.

      JVN Complete Air Dry Cream: This air-dry cream will help control stray strands.

      Dyson Airwrap I.d.™ Multi-Styler

      Color Wow Cult Favorite Firm + Flexible Hairspray: Finish with hairspray for maximum hold.

      Remington Slim Hair Straightener: A straightener can help create looser, beachy waves and prepare curly styles for a straight finish.

Face-Framing Waves: The Subtle Hairstyle Celebrities Consistently Rely On—Here’s How to Style Them. Face-Framing Waves: The Subtle Hairstyle Celebrities Consistently Rely On—Here’s How to Style Them. Face-Framing Waves: The Subtle Hairstyle Celebrities Consistently Rely On—Here’s How to Style Them. Face-Framing Waves: The Subtle Hairstyle Celebrities Consistently Rely On—Here’s How to Style Them. Face-Framing Waves: The Subtle Hairstyle Celebrities Consistently Rely On—Here’s How to Style Them. Face-Framing Waves: The Subtle Hairstyle Celebrities Consistently Rely On—Here’s How to Style Them. Face-Framing Waves: The Subtle Hairstyle Celebrities Consistently Rely On—Here’s How to Style Them. Face-Framing Waves: The Subtle Hairstyle Celebrities Consistently Rely On—Here’s How to Style Them. Face-Framing Waves: The Subtle Hairstyle Celebrities Consistently Rely On—Here’s How to Style Them. Face-Framing Waves: The Subtle Hairstyle Celebrities Consistently Rely On—Here’s How to Style Them. Face-Framing Waves: The Subtle Hairstyle Celebrities Consistently Rely On—Here’s How to Style Them. Face-Framing Waves: The Subtle Hairstyle Celebrities Consistently Rely On—Here’s How to Style Them. Face-Framing Waves: The Subtle Hairstyle Celebrities Consistently Rely On—Here’s How to Style Them.

Other articles

The owner of this vintage boutique chose to wear archival Calvin Klein for her intimate backyard wedding in Los Angeles. The owner of this vintage boutique chose to wear archival Calvin Klein for her intimate backyard wedding in Los Angeles. The wedding of Rachel Tabb and Eric Davidson unfolds. Fashion enthusiasts are abandoning sandals in large numbers—opting instead for elegant flat shoes paired with white skirts. Fashion enthusiasts are abandoning sandals in large numbers—opting instead for elegant flat shoes paired with white skirts. The change occurred suddenly. The 2025 Wedding Edition The 2025 Wedding Edition Explore Who What Wear's Wedding Issue for all the essential information you need about the bridal scene this year. I Don't Prefer Strong Fragrances—These Subtle Scents Remain Timelessly Stylish. I Don't Prefer Strong Fragrances—These Subtle Scents Remain Timelessly Stylish. Discreet and graceful. The "Dated" Bag Trend We Thought We Had Left Behind in the '90s Has Reappeared at Miu Miu and with Jennifer Lawrence The "Dated" Bag Trend We Thought We Had Left Behind in the '90s Has Reappeared at Miu Miu and with Jennifer Lawrence A resurgence is on the horizon. Katie Holmes Is Already Sporting the Boho Boot Color Trend That Fashion Enthusiasts Everywhere Will Adore This Fall. Katie Holmes Is Already Sporting the Boho Boot Color Trend That Fashion Enthusiasts Everywhere Will Adore This Fall. Not just once, but twice.

Face-Framing Waves: The Subtle Hairstyle Celebrities Consistently Rely On—Here’s How to Style Them.

Easy? Yes, but extremely effective.