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While 2024 is certainly shaping up to be the year of the bob, it might be time to cancel your haircut appointment and let down your long hair à la Rapunzel.
As the most recent Met Gala has shown us, extra-long hair is well on its way to being the next big thing—particularly waist-skimming, ethereal waves that look straight out of a fairytale. Dreamy, flowing wavy hair was heavily embraced by countless stars at this year’s event, which had a dress code inspired by the J.G. Ballard’s 1962 short story, “The Garden of Time” in honor of the Costume Institute’s spring exhibition “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion.” Kendall Jenner, Dove Cameron, Karol G, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, and Allison Williams fully leaned into this romantic hair look, with some opting to frame their waves with twists or add in some floral accessories for an extra dose of whimsy. The beauty of these gorgeous waves is that they can be styled a variety of different ways—whether that be with tighter crimps or tousled, looser waves with lots of volume—and they suit so many different hair types and textures.
If you are ready to jump on board this Sleeping Beauty-inspired hair trend, just know that you don’t necessarily need to have naturally long locks to participate. Thanks to the magic of hair extensions, anyone can enjoy extremely lengthy strands. However, to achieve these airy and princessy waves, you will need a few key products—such as some good texturizers and BaBylissPRO’s new Nano Titanium Oval Barrel Wands (which is available with a 1” or 1 ¼” barrel depending on your waving/curling needs).
Ahead, we’ve curated a list of must-have products to help you style some extra-long fairytale-esque waves of your own.
K18 Peptide Prep Clarifying Detox Shampoo
To prep your hair for styling and provide a smooth base for your gorgeous waves, you’ll definitely want to make sure to use a clarifying shampoo like this one from K18. This color-safe clarifying wash is formulated with plant-derived surfactants that work to gently cleanse your hair and scalp, removing product build up and excess oils. Thanks to the inclusion of the brand’s proprietary K18Peptide, not only does this shampoo leave your hair fluffy and clean, but it also strengthens your hair strands and restores them to their pre-damaged state.
Shop: K18 Peptide Prep Clarifying Detox Shampoo, $38.00
Authentic Beauty Concept Hydrate Spray Conditioner
A few spritzes of this leave-in conditioner will ensure that your hair is not only properly moisturized but also more manageable and easy to work with. Suitable for normal, dry, or curly hair, you can also count on this product to restore elasticity and shine to your strands.
Shop: Authentic Beauty Concept Hydrate Spray Conditioner, $31.00
R+Co CANDY STRIPE Protect + Prep Detangling Spray
Detangling hair before styling is crucial to ensure that you are able to create your desired waves. With that said, apply this sweet-smelling multitasker from R+Co—which preps, detangles, and nourishes hair—for perfectly smooth strands from root-to-ends. Whether you use it alone or layered with other products, this quick-absorbing spray will provide heat protection up to 450°, while also working to keep your hair healthy and sleek during styling.
Shop:R+Co CANDY STRIPE Protect + Prep Detangling Spray, $34.00
BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium™ Limited Edition Black & Blue Professional High-Speed Dual Ionic Dryer
For those looking to achieve smooth, shiny results while they blow-dry, this limited-edition high-speed dual ionic dryer from BaBylissPRO won’t disappoint. The beauty of this lightweight dryer is that it allows for customized styling by allowing you to turn “Ions On” to dry hair faster, reduce frizz, and make hair smoother or turn “Ions Off” to increase volume and texture. It also offers 3 heat/3 speed digital settings that are suitable for all hair types and a true cold shot to help lock in styles. Plus, it comes with four attachments (two concentrator nozzles with cool tip sides, a straightening pic, and a diffused) so you can create a variety of looks—including ethereal waves with ease.
Irresistible Me Clip-In Hair Extensions
If you need a little extra help in the length department, clip-in hair extensions like these ones from Irresistible Me are you best bet for attaining beautiful, tumbling waves. These clip-in extensions are made with 100% human hair and are available in six different lengths ( 14”, 16”, 20”, 24”, and 28”) and two different densities (classic and volume). Depending on your chosen length, you can expect to receive seven to ten pieces of hair. The best part? Irresistible Me also includes a tester weft to ensure color and length match, and your purchase is color match guarantee, so you can exchange or return it for free if needed.
Rahua Heat Protectant Shield
Safeguard your strands while heat styling with some help from this plant-based heat protectant from Rahua. Thanks to its heat-resistant oil complex, which is made up of avocado, castor seed, almond, and rahua oil as well as shea butter, this leave-in spray is able to protect against heat damage from styling tools up to 425°F while also preventing breakage.
Shop: Rahua Heat Protectant Shield, $38.00
BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium™ 1¼” Oval Barrel Wand
Getting the princess-worthy waves of your dreams will be easier than ever with one of BaBylissPRO’s new oval barrel wands. While both of the brand’s wands are perfect for creating the drop-curl look, you’ll definitely want to reach for the 1 ¼” barrel for creating loose, dreamy S-shaped waves and the 1” barrel for more S-shaped curls. As the lightest BaBylissPRO wands ever, these styling tools offer even heat distribution for gentler and five digital temperature settings up to 430°F, making them suitable for all hair types. Plus, both wands are ergonomic and feature an easy-to-grip cool tip and finger rest for added comfort.
Shop: BaBylissPRO® Nano Titanium™ 1¼” Oval Barrel Wands, $79.99 (also available in a 1” size for $79.99 for creating medium loose, S-shaped curls)
Odele Beauty Comb
After waving your hair, you’ll want to make sure that you have a good wide-tooth comb like this one from Odele at your side to help brush out the curls and soften your wavy style. This acrylic comb is able to smoothly glide to through all hair types and textures with ease, making it useful for styling as well as detangling.
Shop: Odele Beauty Comb, $11.00
KEVIN.MURPHY BEDROOM.HAIR Flexible Texturising Hairspray
If you’re looking to add some fairy-like texture to your waves, you won’t find a better texturising spray than this one from KEVIN.MURPHY. This lightweight finishing spray helps to condition and strengthen while delivering a flexible hold and touchable texture with the right amount of movement and separation, so you can still run your fingers freely through your hair. Thanks to the inclusion of ginger root in its formula, this product is also able to enhance the elasticity and suppleness in your hair for increased touchability.
Shop: KEVIN.MURPHY BEDROOM.HAIR Flexible Texturising Hairspray, $38.00
Davines This is a Shimmering Mist
To finish off your waves, add a few spritz of this glossy lightweight mist from Davines. Along with helping to eliminate frizz, it also delivers a reflective shine to your hair without leaving behind any build-up or oiliness.
