If Brat Summer taught us anything, it’s that being a little bit chaotic is a lifestyle that transcends beyond seasons – and no one embodies that better than Charli XCX. She’s the pop princess who turned “ugly-pretty” into high art, dropped chart-toppers that make you want to text your ex, and, crucially, has never missed a hair moment. From sultry side parts to Y2K spikes, every Charli XCX outfit and hair look is its own flirtatious manifesto.
And while we might not have her stylist on speed dial, we do have jet black clip-in hair extensions, hot girl haircare, and that all-important brat attitude. Whether you’re channelling your inner pop star for a night out or just trying to look hot while buying meal deals, here’s how to recreate Charli’s brattiest hair moments.
Seriously Long Waves
Charli’s mermaid-length locks are equal parts siren and superstar. To achieve it, start with freshly washed hair and blow dry using a large round brush for volume. Next, clip in our 26 inch clip-in hair extensions (our longest clip ins yet) for that dramatic, super long length. Once secured, use a large-barrel curling iron or hair waver to create loose, cascading waves. Steer clear of tight ringlets for this one – it needs to give relaxed, unbothered energy. Comb them out gently with a wave comb, then mist with shine spray for that trademark Charli gloss.
Sexy Side Part
This look is very much giving late-night afterparty meets femme fatale. Pictured here with her husband George, Charli’s deep side part is classy yet sensual – and deliciously bratty. Start by parting your hair to your preferred side using a pintail comb to section neatly. Apply heat protectant, before straightening your hair. Lift your straighteners up when focusing on the ends to create a more bevelled, retro feel. Smooth your tresses down with a touch of hair oil or serum for that mirror-like finish. If your hair isn’t quite long enough to pull off the full Charli slink, add a few seamless clip in extensions at the mid-lengths for volume and that luscious, paparazzi-ready effect. Tuck one side behind your ear, add your fave lip combo, and you’re good to go.
Sleek and Straight
Charli’s super straight IT girl locks are the epitome of power – smooth, shiny, and completely brat-coded. To steal this style, straighten your hair in small sections for that ultra silky look. Use a pintail comb for precision and finish with a touch of serum for extra shine. If your hair isn’t naturally like Rapunzel’s but you’re in your commitment era, why not opt for permanent hair extensions? Tape ins or nano rings stay fitted for weeks on end, giving you plenty of time to live out your 360 party girl fantasy without the everyday styling hassles.
Y2K Spiky Bun
Nothing screams ‘bad attitude’ quite like a 2000s inspired messy, spiky bun. Charli’s take on the Y2K classic is sleek in the front and crazy in the back. Start off by pulling your hair into a high ponytail and twist it into a bun, leaving the ends poking out for those iconic spikes. Secure with a hair tie and mist with strong-hold hairspray to keep the spikes defying gravity. For added oomph, use one piece top up clip in hair extensions before twisting the bun – this gives you those exaggerated spikes. Pair with a micro mini skirt, dark matte lipstick and your ‘brat’ baby tee!
Gelled Edges and Curls
Forget the Charleston, it’s all about the Charli-ston. It’s safe to say she definitely stole some inspo from 1930s flapper girl scene with this one, showcasing gelled baby curls styled beautifully around the edges of the face. Paired with a modern twist, Charli couldn’t leave behind her iconic, cascading dark locks. To recreate this look, apply a styling gel to damp hair and sculpt your edges into soft waves using the end of a comb. Curl the rest of your hair into tight, defined waves using a small curling wand. Finish with a strong-hold Hollywood-approved hairspray.
Double Trouble
Playful, pouty, and just a little bit unhinged – this look is schoolgirl turned supervillain. If you weren’t in the know, high ponytails are the official hairstyle of brat behaviour done beautifully. Begin by parting your hair down the middle and gathering two high ponytails on either side of your head for that mischievous feel. Secure with clear elastic hair ties to keep things discreet. If your hair isn’t thick enough to pull it off, invest in some clip in ponytails. Wrap a thick section of hair around each clip in strap for that polished, stage-ready finish.
2010s Pink Dip Dye
Back when Tumblr ruled the world and Charli was the dark pop darling of our dreams, pastel pink hair and pink dip dye reigned supreme. To achieve this, you’ll need to be willing to lighten the ends of your hair by applying pastel or rose pink semi-permanent dye – but if bleaching isn’t your thing, you can cheat the look by adding some of our pastel pink clip-in hair extensions to give off the feel of tinted tresses. Our funky shades blend seamlessly with your natural locks, giving you gorgeous flashes of colour wherever you go.
Micro Bangs
If you’re considering getting a fringe, then you’ll be pleased to learn that Charli XCX also had her very own micro bangs moment. Her fringe was a ‘blink-and-you’ll-miss-it’ era, but just as important in her hair history, nonetheless. It was short-lived, but insanely popular during the 2010s, particularly amongst other artists like Grimes and Crystal Castles. If you’re ready for a chop, ask your stylist to trim your fringe just above the brows – don’t just do it yourself after two glasses of wine. For those who want a new look just for one night, give micro bangs a test run with our clip in fringe. Style and cut like you would with your natural hair and finish off with poker-straight locks or a soft wave.
60s Bombshell
Think Brigitte Bardot meets futuristic pop. Charli’s 1960s goddess hair is a love letter to volume, teasing, and Barbarella-level glamour. Start by curling your hair with a medium-barrel iron, secure each curl with Velcro rollers to keep them intact. One set, backcomb the crown for extra lift. Smooth the top layer gently to keep it polished but bouncy. If your hair lacks lustre, then our ultra volume clip in extensions are your secret weapon here. Think big hair, bold cat eyeliner, and an outfit that screams mod turned brat.
Conclusion:
Each Charli XCX hair moment is a reminder that transformation is power – and that hair, like pop music, is meant to be played with. Whether you’re reaching for clip-in hair extensions for a night out or booking your permanent extensions appointment for a full-blown hair revival, one thing’s for certain: Charli didn’t just give us bops, she gave us the blueprint for bad girl beauty.
