Hairstyle trends usually fall into one of two camps: simple and classic or cool and modern. Think of the timeless bob that never goes out of style or the choppy mullet that feels effortlessly edgy. We love these looks because they’re low-maintenance and make getting ready easier. But lately, something a little more glamorous has been taking over: the waterfall hairstyle trend. Described by creator and beauty trend expert Kristina Rodulfo as a softer version of old Hollywood waves, waterfall hair is quickly captivating the internet. Ahead, three hairstylists break down the trend and detail how to create gorgeous waves regardless of your hair’s length.
Featured Experts
- Marc Mena is a hairstylist and Great Lengths Ambassador
- Katie Brenner is a hairstylist and the artistic director of Oli G Global
- Elba Rodriguez is a John Frieda House of Frieda Stylist
- Kristina Rodulfo is a beauty and trend expert
What Is Waterfall Hair?
Waterfall hair is all about soft, flowing waves that fall naturally and look effortless. “Think smooth and glossy with gentle movement,” says hairstylist and Great Lengths ambassador Marc Mena. The waves are the defining element of this trend and are therefore very distinct. Not quite beach waves or tight curls, they fall somewhere in between, creating a softer and fuller appearance.
Typically, the hair is cut mostly one length with minimal layering, which allows the waves to flow seamlessly. Another key trait is the finish: Waterfall hairstyles have a particularly reflective look that exudes glamour. “The polished wave pattern, the cascading movement and effortless draping are signatures of these styles,” says Katie Brenner, hairstylist and artistic director of Oli G Global.
The Waterfall Hair Trend
This polished look feels very different from the unfinished glamour currently driving beauty trends, which begs the question: how did waterfall hairstyles become so popular? While ’90s and Y2K nostalgia continue to dominate the beauty space, waterfall hair nods to a different era—making it feel fresh again. “It’s timeless and sophisticated, but taps into a growing trend of investing in hair health, styling and overall glamour,” says Elba Rodriguez, a John Frieda House of Frieda stylist.
As she breaks down the trend, Kristina Rodulfo points out its similarities to the signature hairstyle of Veronica Lake, the film noir icon of the 1940s. No doubt about it: effortless glamour is back, and as Rodriguez notes, “women are once again raising the standard for great hair.” With celebrities and influencers embracing polished, soft-glam makeup, waterfall hairstyles are the next evolution.
How to Get the Look
The waves are the star of this show, so they need to be the focus. Prepping the hair with lightweight products that help create soft waves without weighing them down is the first step. “Avoid oils or heavy moisturizers and opt for a volumizing mousse and serum instead,” says Rodriguez. According to Brenner, using smoothing, moisturizing products ensures the lengths will fall cleanly.
Creating the wave pattern can be tricky, as it should be uniformly sculpted with lots of movement. To achieve this, you can either use a barrel curler or wet-set the hair with rollers. If you’re working with a curler, the pros suggest using a large iron—1 to 1.25 inches for short to medium hair and 1.5 inches or larger for long locks. “The bigger barrel gives you more control to create loose bends rather than curls,” says Mena. Once the pattern is set, he adds that it’s best to let the waves cool before lightly brushing them into the waterfall shape.
For those looking to add more fullness, Mena recommends incorporating extensions, such as clip-ins or tape-ins. “These add density and create a seamless and natural fall,” he says. To finish, lightly spritz the hair with a flexible hairspray for hold.
