Carrie Bradshaw hair—step-by-steps to achieve her styles

Sarah Jessica Parker with icocnic curly Carrie Bradshaw Hair on the set of and just like that

(Image credit: Getty images)

published 9 January 2022

Ever wondered how you can get Carrie Bradshaw hair? You're not alone. Carrie's iconic coiffures are just one of the reasons to watch And Just Like That, the reboot of our favorite fashion-centric show, Sex and the City. Just as her ever-evolving wardrobe has been a constant source of inspiration, Carrie Bradshaw hair and the many styles thereof have had a major influence on our beauty routines since the show first aired back in 1998.

“I always found that her hair stole the show and was the perfect finish to any outfit she wore,” says Adam Reed, Editorial Ambassador for L’Oréal Professionnel. From the voluminous curls that made their debut in season one to low-effort high-impact easy hairstyles like beach hair waves, the New Yorker’s hairstyle repertoire is ultra versatile. “We really saw a hair evolution over the seasons that has pushed and changed beauty trends—still to this day,” adds Reed.

So once you've nailed down how to dress like Carrie Bradshaw why not give her famous 'do a go too? We've charted Carrie’s four most iconic hair looks and how you can recreate them at home with expert tips from pro stylists Adam Reed and Syd Hayes.

Carrie Bradshaw hair: A step-by-step masterclass

1. Classic Carrie Curls

Appearing on-screen in series one, Carrie’s classic curls quickly became her most famous hairstyle. They’re voluminous, disheveled yet defined, and, according to Reed, can be achieved on hair that isn’t naturally curly (provided you learn how to curl your hair with a curling iron) Hurrah! If you have naturally curly hair, skip to step four, straight-haired types start from step one.

Step 1: Prep is key. “If you don’t have a naturally curly hairstyle and you want to achieve this look, apply L’Oreal Professionnel TECNI.ART Pli, on dry, clean hair and blast dry,” says Reed. The spray will add bounce and help you build the perfect curls.
Step 2: Blow dry. “It’s so important to use a hairdryer effectively and efficiently when creating Carrie's curls and volume. Ensure that you rough dry your hair on medium heat and medium power," advises BaByliss Ambassador and International Session Stylist Syd Hayes. "Too hot and you'll end up with frazzled, dry ends."
Step 3: Start curling. “Next, start taking sections of hair from the back of your head and using one of the best curling irons, wrap each section around the barrel of the tong and repeat this until you reach the top of the hair,” says Reed. His top tip? “It’s important to take small sections if you want to get the iconic Carrie Bradshaw curls.”
Step 4: Cool your curls. “Let the curls cool before applying a texturizing salt spray and then shake your head upside down for great volume,” says Reed. For naturally curly hair you can jump in at this point to achieve that matte, beachy Carrie Bradshaw hair. A helping hand from the best hair styling products will help the look stick around.

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2. Oversized Messy Bun

“Carrie’s signature oversized bun is a look I adore as I love creating effortless texture in hair,” says Adam Reed. Requiring minimal effort but offering maximum impact, the messy bun is one of the easiest hair up styles to achieve that looks great on everyone. If you don't have the natural length and volume to recreate the XXL Carrie Bradshaw hair bun, backcomb your ponytail and fill it with a blast of the best dry shampoo to bulk it up.

Step 1: Start with a ponytail. “Pull all the hair up into a high ponytail hairstyle and don't worry if it's not tidy,” says Reed, “the beauty of this look is how perfectly undone it is.”
Step 2: Create the bun. “Begin wrapping the hair around the ponytail to create the bun. Then secure it with some hair pins.” Again, don't worry about making it too neat and remember to slide bobby pins in 'bumpy' side down for grip that lasts the day.
Step 3: Apply product. “Finish by applying L’Oréal Professionnel Tecni.Art Super Dust into hands and scrunching the bun for added texture.” Any texturizing products will work well for this.

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Verb Volume Texture Powder at Revolve for £16

3. Glamorous Flowing Waves

Cascading flowing waves are a go-to Carrie Bradshaw hair look. Appearing in both Sex and The City films as well as And Just Like That, the glamourous style is often seen paired with blonde highlights in hair. To recreate the look, you’ll need to learn how to blow-dry hair as well as invest in some staple styling products.

"The key to creating Carrie's undone waves is to stop regularly whilst styling and take a second to see how the hair is behaving," says Hayes. "You need to know when enough is enough, it’s too easy to get lost in the process and over style."

Step 1: Prep the hair. “Use a styling product that ensures heat styling will hold in the hair,” says Reed. As well as using the best hair dryer for your hair type, we recommend ghd’s Curly Ever After Curl Hold Spray boasting heat protection and great hold.
Step 2: Start waving. “Begin to blow-dry the hair with a big round brush,” says Reed, as this will create volume and shape. “Then use a tong to achieve those big waves.” For long hairstyles that look better with big waves, try a larger barrel.
Step 3: Cool your waves. “Leave the curls to cool down before applying an anti-frizz finishing spray. Finish by shaking out the curls to achieve a beautiful, relaxed wavy hairstyle.”

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4. Straight & Sleek

It’s not often we see Carrie without her curls, but in Sex And The City's earlier seasons she was spotted wearing her hair in a sleek long hairstyle as well as in straight and wavy long bob hairstyles. Her most recent appearance in And Just Like That also features a straight style. “Carrie’s sleek and straight look has beautiful fluidity and volume, rather than being poker straight,” says Reed.

Step 1: Prep the hair. “Start by rubbing L’Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Blow-dry Fluidifier between hands and running through the hair," says Reed. This prep product creates a beautifully smooth base that holds heat styling in place, as well as offering essential heat protection.
Step 2: Blow-dry. “Next, take each section and blow-dry from the root through to the ends using a big round bristle brush." Rather than aiming for root lift as you would in a bouncy blow dry, Reed recommends creating tension for sleek Carrie Bradshaw hair. "Keep the nozzle close to the hair all the way down, curving the ends into the brush to get that natural next-day hair look.”

If you find that your finished look isn’t as sleek as you’d like, go over the hair with one of the best hair straighteners, working quickly so as to not over straighten strands. "I like to gently press the hair rather than holding the straighter tightly and dragging—this way you don’t loose any of the shine," says Hayes who's go-to tool is the cordless Babyliss 9000 hair straightener.

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woman&home thanks Adam Reed and Syd Hayes for their time and expertise.

Emma Stoddart is a freelance beauty journalist and self-confessed skincare aficionado with over five years’ industry experience. Emma has worked for some of the UK’s top women’s titles including Net-A-Porter, Stylist and Grazia. Her experience spans online and print as well as producing editorial shoots with some of the industry’s biggest artists, including Val Garland. Asides from working with them behind the scenes, she’s also had the chance to interview the likes of Patrick Ta, Pat McGrath, and Sam McKnight for all their insider tips and tricks.

How to get Carrie Bradshaw hair: expert step-by-step tips to achieve those iconic curls and more