10 Tips to Recreate Popular Taylor Swift Hairstyles
- Joao Nsita
- 8 hours ago
- 10 min read
Introduction
Taylor Swift is not just a musical titan; she is a beauty chameleon whose aesthetic evolution is as carefully curated as her discography. From the tight, corkscrew curls of her debut to the sleek, sharp bobs of the 1989 era, and the ethereal, moss-covered braids of Folklore, her hair tells a story. As we move through 2025 and look toward 2026, recreating Taylor Swift hairstyles has become a rite of passage for fans attending the Eras Tour, themed parties, or simply those looking to channel a bit of that "Mastermind" energy in their daily lives.
Her hair journey reflects her personal growth. We watched her transition from the innocence of country curls to the edgy, grunge-inspired "Bleachella" bob, and finally to the sophisticated, "Old Money" blonde that dominated the 2024 Golden Globes. Each look requires specific techniques, tools, and products to master. Whether you are debating cutting Taylor Swift bangs or trying to fake a bob for a night, understanding the mechanics behind these styles is key.
In this comprehensive guide, we will break down the top 10 tips and techniques to recreate Taylor Swift’s most iconic hair moments. We will dive deep into the tools you need, the styling methods to use, and how to maintain the health of your hair while experimenting with these celebrity hairstyles. Get your heat protectant ready—we are entering our hair era.
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10. The Layered Chop (Lover Era)
The Vibe: Playful, Textural, Pastel-Ready
Kicking off our list at number 10 is the quintessential Lover era look: The Layered Chop. This style, debuted around the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards, marked a shift from the darkness of Reputation to a lighter, more whimsical aesthetic. It features a medium-length cut with heavy, choppy layers and, of course, a blunt bang.
How to Recreate It: The key to this look is texture. Unlike the sleek bobs of the past, this cut is meant to look a bit "lived-in" and shaggy.
The Cut: Ask your stylist for a "shag-lite." You want movement throughout the mid-lengths and ends.
The Color: This era famously featured "dip-dyed" tips in blue or pink. If you don't want permanent color, use hair chalk or semi-permanent wax on the ends of your layers.
Styling: Use a flat iron to create "S-waves" rather than curls. Clamp the iron on a section of hair, bend your wrist up, slide down, then bend your wrist down. This creates a ripple effect that matches the indie-pop vibe of the album. Finish with a texturizing spray to separate the layers.
9. One-Sided Waves (Hollywood Glam)
The Vibe: Asymmetrical, elegant, Red Carpet
At number 9, we have a look that screams movie star: One-Sided Waves. Seen at the 2019 American Music Awards, this style is a clever way to change up your look without a haircut. It brings a focal point to your face and earrings, offering an immediate sense of asymmetry and drama.
The Technique:
The Part: Create a deep side part. This is non-negotiable for this look.
The Curl: Use a 1.25-inch curling wand. Curl all your hair in the same direction (away from your face). Once cool, brush them out to create a unified wave pattern (the "Old Hollywood" wave).
The Pin: Take the side with less hair (the side of the part) and smooth it tightly against your head. Use bobby pins at the nape of the neck to secure it, or use a decorative barrette behind the ear.
The Finish: Use a strong-hold hairspray on the pinned side to prevent flyaways. This contrast between the sleek, pinned side and the voluminous, wavy side is what makes the look pop.
8. Mod Bouffant (Retro Rep)
The Vibe: 60s Inspired, Voluminous, Geometric
Number 8 takes us back in time. The Mod Bouffant, worn at the 2018 AMAs, was a rare departure into retro-futurism for Taylor. It pairs full bangs with a gently lifted crown, channeling icons like Brigitte Bardot or a futuristic go-go dancer.
How to Achieve the Height: This look is all about the backcomb.
Sectioning: Separate your bangs and the front face-framing pieces. Take a "horseshoe" section at the crown of your head.
Teasing: Using a fine-tooth comb, tease the roots of the crown section aggressively. Spray with texture spray or dry shampoo for grip.
Smoothing: Gently smooth the top layer of hair over the teased nest so it looks polished, not frizzy. Pin it at the back of the head to create a half-up shape, or gather it into a low ponytail while maintaining the volume at the crown.
Accessories: This look begs for geometric earrings or a mirrored dress, as Taylor wore. It’s a statement style that elongates the face profile.
7. The Blunt Bob (1989 Era)
The Vibe: Sharp, Clean, City-Chic
Ranking seventh is arguably her most drastic transformation: The Blunt Bob. Debuted at the 2016 Grammys, this cut signaled the official death of the country starlet and the birth of the global pop icon. It is sharp, angled, and incredibly chic.
The Styling Secrets: This look requires precision. There is no hiding behind messy waves here.
The Cut: This is a chin-length bob, slightly shorter in the back. The lines must be crisp.
Smoothness: Apply a high-quality straightening balm or serum to damp hair. Blow-dry using a paddle brush to get the hair as flat as possible.
The Iron: Use a flat iron to smooth the ends. Unlike other styles where you might bevel the ends under, this look works best when the ends are dead straight or even slightly kicked out for a modern edge.
Shine: Finish with a glass-hair spray. The 1989 era was all about high-gloss, city-slicker energy.
Internal Link: A sharp bob commands respect. See how to style it for the office in 10 Power Outfit Ideas to Dress to Impress at Work.
6. The Bleached Bob (Bleachella)
The Vibe: Edgy, Grunge, Met Gala
At number 6, we have the "Jenny Humphrey" era. The Bleached Bob (often affectionately called "Bleachella") was a short-lived but impactful style worn to the 2016 Met Gala. It was messy, platinum, and paired with a dark lip—a total departure from her usual polished self.
How to Fake the Grunge: If you aren't willing to bleach your hair platinum (which is high maintenance!), you can still get the vibe.
Texture is Key: This is the "anti-smooth" look. Use a matte texture paste or clay.
The Scrunge: Rub the paste between your hands and scrunch it into dry hair. You want piecey-ness. Twist small sections of your bob to create separation.
The Bangs: Do not blow dry them round. Let them air dry or flat iron them to be piecey and slightly sweeping the eyes. The goal is to look effortlessly cool and slightly unkempt.
5. Disco Mane (Midnights Era)
The Vibe: 70s Glam, Voluminous, Studio 54
Breaking into the top 5 is the Disco Mane, famously worn at the 2022 AMAs. This look perfectly complemented her gilded jumpsuit and the retro-vibes of the Midnights album. It is big, brushed-out, and unapologetic.
Creating the Fluff:
Small Curls: Use a smaller barrel curling iron (1 inch or 0.75 inch). Curl your whole head tightly.
The Brush Out: This is the scary part. Once the curls are cool, take a paddle brush and brush through them. Do not be afraid of the frizz; the frizz is part of the volume.
Teasing: Backcomb the under-layers of your hair to make the style stand away from your head.
The Bangs: Style the bangs with a slight curtain sweep, integrating them into the brushed-out waves. Use a flexible hold hairspray to keep the bounce without the crunch.
4. The Faux Bob (Eras Tour Movie)
The Vibe: Transformation, Illusion, Classic
Number 4 is a magic trick. The Faux Bob worn at the Eras Tour movie premiere proved that Taylor loves a callback. She managed to channel her 1989 era without actually cutting her long hair.
The Tutorial:
Low Braid: Separate your hair into two sections: the top layer (crown and sides) and the bottom layer. Braid the bottom layer tightly against your head and pin it flat. This creates a base.
The Tuck: Take the top layer of hair (which should be curled or waved). Gather the ends and roll them under toward the nape of your neck.
Pinning: Pin the rolled ends securely into the braided base you created.
Pulling: Gently tug at a few strands to loosen the shape so it doesn't look like a stiff roll. Let the shorter face-framing layers hang loose to sell the illusion. This is the perfect way to test a short haircut before committing.
Internal Link: Need a hairstyle for a romantic evening? This faux bob is a winner. Check out 12 Date Night Outfit Ideas for Every Body Type.
3. Cottagecore Cues (Folklore/Evermore)
The Vibe: Romantic, Raw, Bucolic
Taking the bronze medal at number 3 is the aesthetic that defined the pandemic years. The Cottagecore hair of Folklore and Evermore is all about embracing natural texture, low buns, and intricate braiding.
How to Get the Look:
Air Dry: This style works best with your natural wave pattern. If you have straight hair, sleep in braids to create a crimped, mossy texture.
The Low Bun: Gather hair into a low, messy knot at the nape of the neck. It shouldn't be perfect. Pull out tendrils around the ears and neck.
Braided Details: Incorporate small plaits into the bun or wrap two braids around your head like a crown (the "Mad Woman" look).
Accessories: Unlike the rhinestones of Midnights, this era uses velvet ribbons, simple pins, or even dried flowers. It is understated and raw.
2. Old Money Blonde (Golden Globes 2024)
The Vibe: Expensive, Polished, High-Gloss
The runner-up at number 2 is the epitome of "Quiet Luxury." The Old Money Blonde look from the 2024 Golden Globes was a return to form—flawless, shiny, and neutral.
The Maintenance: Recreating this isn't just about styling; it's about hair health.
The Color: This is not a platinum bleach job. It is a multi-dimensional "dishwater" or dark blonde base with expensive, creamy highlights. Ask your colorist for "expensive beige" or "neutral sand" tones.
The Blowout: Use a large round brush and a high-quality hair dryer. You want to smooth the cuticle to maximize shine.
The Tuck: The signature move here is tucking the hair behind the ears while keeping volume at the roots. It shows off the jawline and earrings.
Gloss: Use an at-home gloss treatment (like Glaze or massive amounts of Olaplex) to get that mirror-like shine.
1. Full-Focus Fringe (2025 Grammys)
The Vibe: Current, Heavy, Defining
Taking the number 1 spot is the look of the moment: The Full-Focus Fringe. As seen at the 2025 Grammys, Taylor’s bangs are fuller, deeper, and more prominent than ever before. They anchor her entire look.
Mastering the Bangs: Bangs are a lifestyle. If you want the Taylor Swift fringe, you need to know how to style them.
The Cut: These are not wispy. They are cut from further back on the head (the apex) to create density. They graze the eyelashes and taper slightly at the temples.
The Styling Rule: Style them wet. Do not let your bangs air dry, or they will set weirdly. Blow dry them immediately after washing.
The Technique: Use a small round brush or a paddle brush. Blow dry them side-to-side (flat wrapping) to neutralize cowlicks, then roll them forward for a slight curve.
Velcro Rollers: For that fluffy, 2025 volume, pop a velcro roller in your bangs while you do your makeup. It gives that perfect "swoop" without looking stiff.
Call to Action: Ready to enter your best hair era? Stream our latest episode on "Beauty Evolution" on That Love Podcast and shop our favorite hair tools via the links below!
Conclusion
Whether you are pinning up a faux bob for a costume party or committing to the full-focus fringe for a lifestyle change, recreating Taylor Swift’s hairstyles is about more than just hair. It is about channeling the confidence and storytelling that defines her career. Each era offers a new way to express yourself.
So grab your curling wand, blast "Style," and remember: the best accessory to any of these looks is a red lip and a sharp wit.
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10 FAQs
1. What is Taylor Swift's natural hair texture? Taylor Swift has naturally curly/wavy hair. Her debut era showcased her natural tight spirals, though she now mostly wears it blown out or styled into looser waves.
2. How do I ask my stylist for Taylor Swift's bangs? Ask for "full, eyelash-grazing bangs with face-framing layers." Specify that you want them slightly textured at the ends so they aren't too blocky, and ensure they taper into the sides.
3. What curling iron does Taylor Swift use for her waves? While her specific tools vary, achieving her Eras Tour waves is best done with a 1.25-inch curling wand or iron. This size creates defined but bouncy curls that hold up on stage.
4. How does she keep her blonde hair so healthy? Frequent trims and bond-building treatments (like Olaplex or K18) are essential for maintaining bleached hair. She also likely uses low-heat styling when not performing.
5. Can I pull off the Bleachella bob without bleaching? Yes! You can buy a high-quality platinum blonde wig. Since the look is meant to be a bit "grunge," a wig with a darker root smudge looks very realistic and saves your hair from damage.
6. What is the difference between the 1989 bob and the Faux bob? The 1989 bob was a real haircut—sharp, chin-length, and layered. The Faux bob is a styling trick using long hair pinned up to simulate short hair.
7. How do I stop my bangs from getting greasy? Use dry shampoo immediately after styling, even if your hair is clean. It acts as a preventative barrier against sweat and forehead oils.
8. What face shape suits the "Full-Focus Fringe"? This heavy bang style looks incredible on oval and heart-shaped faces. If you have a round face, you might want to keep the sides slightly longer to frame the cheekbones.
9. What products are best for the Folklore texture? Sea salt sprays or sugar sprays are perfect for that matte, windblown texture. Avoid heavy oils that will weigh the hair down.
10. How do I make my curls last all night like Taylor's? Layer your hold products. Use a mousse before blow-drying, a heat protectant spray before curling, and let the curls cool completely (pin them up if necessary) before brushing them out. Finish with a humidity-resistant hairspray.
External Link
Byrdie - The Evolution of Taylor Swift's Hair - A visual timeline of her best looks.
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