TikTok Can't Stop Raving About CBK's Butter-Blonde Hair—Here's How to Achieve It

TikTok Can't Stop Raving About CBK's Butter-Blonde Hair—Here's How to Achieve It

      If you ask any editor from Who What Wear to identify individuals who played a key role in shaping the minimalist and sleek aesthetics of the mid-to-late '90s, it’s likely that publicist Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy will be mentioned. Though she was notably private during her life, she had a profound influence on New York City with each black slip dress, leopard coat, and turtleneck she wore. Commonly referred to by her initials, CBK's distinct style is gaining renewed attention as the first behind-the-scenes images from Ryan Murphy's upcoming series, American Love Story, have surfaced. Slated to debut in February 2026, the show will delve into her relationship and marriage with John F. Kennedy Jr., featuring Sarah Pidgeon alongside Paul Kelly in the lead roles. While we’re thrilled to witness CBK's iconic fashion moments brought to life on screen, we are equally engaged in the vibrant discussions about the portrayal of the publicist's signature butter-blonde locks and effortless hairstyles. Below, we highlight three of Bessette-Kennedy's most recognizable hairstyles along with the essential modern products and accessories to achieve them with precision.

      The Effortless Knotted Bun

      While Bessette-Kennedy was typically seen stepping out of her iconic Tribeca loft with her hair styled in a perfect ponytail or flowing in soft waves, she occasionally sported a chic, slicked-back knotted bun. We are enamored with how simple yet sophisticated this style is and how closely it resembles the clean girl updos that populate our social media feeds. Although Bessette-Kennedy favored effortless looks, the slicked-back bun brought an added touch of sophistication to one of New York's most fashionable figures of the 20th century. When she wasn't attending events with her husband, she favored pairing her tailored sunglasses with elegant acetate headbands, often being photographed in a headband featuring a tortoiseshell design.

      Get the Look

      This pomade stick smooths flyaways and provides long-lasting texture with its castor oil-infused formula, perfect for styling your hair.

      Living Proof

      No Frizz Vanishing Oil

      This quickly absorbing oil hydrates while combating humidity, ensuring your strands remain frizz-free, shiny, and smooth throughout the day with minimal effort.

      Crown Affair

      The Dual-Bristle Boar Hair Brush

      Crafted from beechwood, this dual-bristle brush detangles, adds volume, and distributes natural oils through your hair in one easy motion.

      Kristin Ess

      Ultra Fine Workable Hairspray

      This hairspray features heat-protectant properties and offers a lightweight, flexible hold that is simple to layer, with a light floral scent.

      Heliums

      Bobby Pins in Light Ash Blonde

      These bobby pins by Heliums will provide a strong hold for various hairstyles while blending seamlessly with your hair.

      The Sleek and Full-Bodied Ponytail

      We can't discuss CBK's hairstyles without closely examining the sleek ponytail, often styled with a chunky headband, which has become synonymous with her fashion sensibility. Bessette-Kennedy frequently showcased her butter-blonde hair pulled back into a low ponytail at the nape of her neck, secured with a simple hair tie. Her choice of chunky headbands certainly complemented this look, adding a high-fashion flair to an otherwise effortless hairstyle. In some instances, her ponytail appeared slightly messy rather than completely slicked back, with a few loose strands framing her face before being tucked behind her ears. This variation of the ponytail was often spotted during her leisurely walks with her husband and her beloved dog.

      L. Erickson

      Grab & Go Ponytail Holders in Beige

      These no-crease, woven polyester hair ties from L. Erickson have a durable elastic core that allows for damage-free wear while ensuring a secure grip on all hair types without pulling or creasing.

      TIGI

      Bed Head Hair Wax Stick

      The Bed Head Hair Wax Stick is essential for achieving sleek styles, providing hold while leaving hair smooth and frizz-free with an easy application.

      Color Wow

      Cult Favorite Firm + Flexible Hairspray

      This non-sticky and flexible hairspray, made with hydrolyzed keratin, not only strengthens hair but also features a UV protectant to keep hair color vibrant.

      Paul Mitchell

      Awapuhi Wild Ginger Finishing Hairspray

      This finishing spray from Paul Mitchell is perfect for sleek styles like CBK's ponytails, providing a firm hold while balancing moisture with awapuhi extract.

      Shashi's fashionable tortoiseshell-print headband ensures a secure fit throughout your day, preventing slippage or falling out.

      Long and Textured

      Finally, Bessette-Kennedy looked radiant with her long, layered, and textured hair. It always seemed to possess an incredible shine when caught on camera, coupled with just the right amount of volume. She skillfully styled her hair away from her

TikTok Can't Stop Raving About CBK's Butter-Blonde Hair—Here's How to Achieve It TikTok Can't Stop Raving About CBK's Butter-Blonde Hair—Here's How to Achieve It TikTok Can't Stop Raving About CBK's Butter-Blonde Hair—Here's How to Achieve It TikTok Can't Stop Raving About CBK's Butter-Blonde Hair—Here's How to Achieve It TikTok Can't Stop Raving About CBK's Butter-Blonde Hair—Here's How to Achieve It TikTok Can't Stop Raving About CBK's Butter-Blonde Hair—Here's How to Achieve It TikTok Can't Stop Raving About CBK's Butter-Blonde Hair—Here's How to Achieve It TikTok Can't Stop Raving About CBK's Butter-Blonde Hair—Here's How to Achieve It TikTok Can't Stop Raving About CBK's Butter-Blonde Hair—Here's How to Achieve It TikTok Can't Stop Raving About CBK's Butter-Blonde Hair—Here's How to Achieve It TikTok Can't Stop Raving About CBK's Butter-Blonde Hair—Here's How to Achieve It TikTok Can't Stop Raving About CBK's Butter-Blonde Hair—Here's How to Achieve It TikTok Can't Stop Raving About CBK's Butter-Blonde Hair—Here's How to Achieve It TikTok Can't Stop Raving About CBK's Butter-Blonde Hair—Here's How to Achieve It TikTok Can't Stop Raving About CBK's Butter-Blonde Hair—Here's How to Achieve It TikTok Can't Stop Raving About CBK's Butter-Blonde Hair—Here's How to Achieve It TikTok Can't Stop Raving About CBK's Butter-Blonde Hair—Here's How to Achieve It TikTok Can't Stop Raving About CBK's Butter-Blonde Hair—Here's How to Achieve It

Other articles

Holy Ref! Holier COS! These 27 Discoveries Have Me Thrilled for Fall (Apologies, Summer—I’m Done with You) Holy Ref! Holier COS! These 27 Discoveries Have Me Thrilled for Fall (Apologies, Summer—I’m Done with You) These purchases along with a rewatch of Gilmore Girls. H&M is already embracing autumn, and I am too—these 6 items won't stick around for long. H&M is already embracing autumn, and I am too—these 6 items won't stick around for long. Bring on the foliage. 5 Elegant Nail Trends You’ll Notice All Over This Autumn 5 Elegant Nail Trends You’ll Notice All Over This Autumn So stylish, so shiny. I requested beauty editors to reveal the "almost neutral" nail polishes they would never part with. I requested beauty editors to reveal the "almost neutral" nail polishes they would never part with. It doesn't get any more refined than this. Fashion enthusiasts are currently gravitating towards small beaded bags—here are 31 stylish designs that caught my eye. Fashion enthusiasts are currently gravitating towards small beaded bags—here are 31 stylish designs that caught my eye. From Zara to Fendi. Every fashion enthusiast I know would agree on these 29 shoes from Nordstrom. Every fashion enthusiast I know would agree on these 29 shoes from Nordstrom. Sandals, flats, boots, and additional types.

TikTok Can't Stop Raving About CBK's Butter-Blonde Hair—Here's How to Achieve It

She will always be the standard for hair inspiration.