10 Date-Night Hairstyles You'll Always Get Compliments On
From first dates to long-term relationships, we all go through that pre-date thought process that goes something like What will I do with my hair? (That is, if we aren’t already freaking out about what outfit to wear.) Our first piece of advice: Don’t overthink it. Your date is with you because of you, not your hair. Still, we understand following that advice is easier said than done. Who doesn’t want to look and feel great on a date? That’s where these 10 date-night hairstyles come in. Not only are they easy to pull off, but they keep the focus on you (in other words: no distracting, over-the-top updos to be found).
Keep scrolling for date-night hair inspiration from the likes of Selena Gomez, Ruby Rose, Lucy Hale, and other celebrity hair goddesses. Plus, we’ve included product picks to help you get their looks. (Oh, and good luck on the date! Let us know how it goes?)
Pinned-Back Waves
Lucy Hale’s simple style gives the illusion of extra volume. Leaving some face-framing pieces at the sides keeps the focus right where it should be.
Bobby Pins
Loose Waves
Whether you’re on a first date or the thousandth, you can’t go wrong with glossy, non-fussy waves like Selena Gomez’s.
Wave Iron
Low Ponytail
Go for a simple low pony, or dress it up with a pretty ribbon à la Zoë Kravitz
Embellished Hair Tie
Wispy Topknot
A simple topknot is great for dressier date nights (or if your hair isn’t behaving that day). For an equally elegant but slightly less stuffy look, pull a few strands loose like Maya Hawke did here.
Hair Spray
Jazzed-Up Braid
Your everyday braid goes date-worthy with the addition of a ribbon (or two), as Gemma Chan demonstrates.
Hair Ribbon
Simple Headband
Depending on your date, you might want to keep the over-the-top headbands for another occasion. However, a barely there headband adds to the look without being distracting, as evidenced by Gabrielle Union (who took things to the next level by wearing husband Dwyane Wade on her dress).
Simple Headbands
Messy Updo
Create a simple bun, leaving out a few tendrils here and there and ensuring your natural texture shines through. Vanessa Hudgens gets it.
Texture Enhancer
Half-Up, Half-Down
Half-up hair works with pretty much every hair texture, and adds an instant romantic feel. Case in point: Margaret Qualley’s pretty style. Try using a fun hair clip instead of a hair tie for a subtle update.
Tortoiseshell Barrette
This is as simple as it gets, so it won’t compete with your outfit. It goes with everything from a bra top, seen here on Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, to jeans and a leather jacket.
Slick-Straight Blowout
Frizz Serum
Subtle Spike
A far cry from the boy-band look in the late '90s, this style adds a spin—and a touch of volume—to shorter crops. Look to Ruby Rose for inspiration, and be sure to have product on hand to keep the style in place.
Styling Cream
Looking for more pre-date reading? One editor cringes every time she sees this on a first date.
This article was originally published at an earlier date and has been updated.
Lindy Segal is a freelance writer, editor, and content strategist based in New York City. She's originally from Atlanta, but she's sorry to report she doesn't have an accent. However, she does still have her taste for carbohydrates, love of losing sports teams, and fear of driving during rush hour. She's been in editorial for over eight years as a social media manager and writer covering beauty, fashion, and lifestyle at Glamour and People. Most recently, she was the women's editor at Express. These days, in addition to Who What Wear, you can see her byline at places like Harper's Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, Ipsy, and WeWork. Both a skincare obsessive and a minimalist, she keeps her routine short, sweet, and effective—and she doesn't go a day without sunscreen. She's also deeply passionate about sustainability, and she strives to recommend products she truly believes are worth the investment. When she's not writing about the best and brightest beauty finds, she can usually be found hunting for vintage and secondhand treasures, attempting to find zen at a yoga class, bingeing Bon Appétit YouTube videos, or napping under her weighted blanket.
-
Rosie HW Just Wore the Skirt-and-Shoe Combo That's All Over Copenhagen and Paris
My new go-to look.
By Natalie Munro
-
I Just Got Back From NYC, and Now, I'm Thinking About These J.Crew, Zara, and Nordstrom Items
The coolest vibes.
By Bobby Schuessler
-
Zoë Kravitz Paired a Sheer Tank With the Ultimate Anti-Trend Skirt Style
It's every editor's favorite.
By Eliza Huber
-
We're Fashion Editors—the 9 Best Items From The Row That Are Truly Worth the Investment
They'll never date.
By Emily Dawes
-
Zoë Kravitz and Hailey Bieber Wore the '70s Bag Trend That Will Dominate This Fall
Boho is back.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
Rosie HW and Zendaya Just Wore the '90s Neckline Trend That Looks Great with Trousers and Skirts
Now I need one, too.
By Natalie Munro
-
The J.Crew 30%-Off Sale Is Filled With Chic, Elevated, and On-Trend Items—I Love These 32 Finds
So many amazing pieces.
By Bobby Schuessler
-
Rosie HW Just Proved That You Only Need This Item to Make Your Outfit Look Rich
Part polished, part laid-back cool.
By Nikki Chwatt