If you, too, count the reveal of Anne Hathaway’s Princess Diaries makeover as a core memory, the viral “princess blowout” is a must-try trend. The nostalgic look combines soft curls, sleek texture, and plenty of volume for a final look fit for royalty—but to nail it, you might have to break a mainstream styling “rule.”
Chances are you’ve been told to curl your hair away from your face since the first time you picked up an curling iron. But recently TikTok is discovering the face-framing magic that comes from turning your curls inward. Whether you’re using a traditional hot tool, a thermal brush, or rollers, the real secret to the princess blowout is shaping your front pieces to curl under and toward your face.
“For me, hair coming toward the face gives a classic nod and has a more romantic feeling,” says Philip Downing, creative director and gairstylist at Bed Head. As for which haircuts work best with this style? “Layered haircuts are best for volume and to boost one’s hair movement,” Downing says. “If the hair is one length, long and heavy, it’s gravity’s best friend—soft layers and a cool ’70s curtain fringe is optimal for this particular look.”
Below, we asked pro stylists for more tips on how to achieve the princess blowout you’ve been dreaming of since you were six. (Because let’s be real, all of our routines could use a little more whimsy right now.)
Karwai Tang
How to prep your hair for a princess blowout
The quintessential princess blowout packs plenty of root volume (think ’90s), which is easiest to establish right after a wash. “Prep is key, and using a lightweight shampoo and conditioner will support in the volume process,” says Downing. “Then it’s all about the volumizers. My go-to is a cocktail of Queen for a Day and Small Talk in wet hair—these combinations will swell the hair and give weightless volume with support.”
If retaining volume is a challenge, Jamie Campos, head of education at The Rootist, recommends using a small amount of root-lifting spray on towel-dried hair. As always, make sure to use a generous amount of heat protectant. If you have thick or frizz-prone hair, opt for a cream version (which can double as a blowout primer) for an extra-glossy finish.