At this point, we're pretty sure Margot Robbie can do no wrong on the red carpet. (We even have a standing ode to her all-time best hair and makeup moments.) And, if you're like us, you probably swooned over her latest screenshot-worthy hair moment during last Sunday's Golden Globes: the perfectly imperfect waves of our dreams. A pretty accent to her lilac-lined eyes and glowing complexion, her effortless bends are the ultimate winter hair uniform, and according to her hairstylist Bryce Scarlett, re-creating the look is actually insanely easy. (Technically, you don't need any wet hair products, just a blow dryer and curling wand!)
Skeptical? Scarlett visited us at WWW HQ to demonstrate the easy-to-pull-off look on my very own hair. Plus, he shared his best tips and must-have styling tool recommendations along the way. Keep scrolling for his step-by-step tutorial.
Step 1: Start with Damp Hair & Create Your Part
Starting with damp hair (Scarlett sprayed mine down since I had been at the office all morning), he began by creating a neat part, which can be on whichever side you prefer or straight down the middle like Robbie's was on the red carpet.
Step 2: Dry Your Hair with a Diffuser
If you have some natural wave or any curl whatsoever, you could, technically, let your hair air dry and skip the diffusing step, but according to Scarlett (who used T3's Cura Luxe Dryer $285 and Diffuser $30 on me), the heat-drying process actually helps encourage and enhance your hair's natural texture, which is important when creating this look.
"So many people assume they can't achieve natural waves or curls with their hair, but it's definitely possible," he explains. "There are a few exceptions for those who truly have heavy, pin-straight hair, but with the right tools and technique, almost everyone can enhance their natural texture to create bends and waves. I'm very passionate about talking to people about embracing their natural texture."
In addition to using the diffuser, Scarlett says using your fingers to help cultivate your waves (as shown) can help. Again, you can let your hair air dry, but using a dryer will speed up the styling time, and the Cura Luxe will make your hair look insanely smooth and shiny. (Plus, it's a heck of a lot damaging than most other dryers, so you're good there!)
"Break it up a bit," he says. "When you're drying the hair with a diffuser it becomes a game of how much heat can you play with to get the perfect volume before it starts to get frizzy. You have to take the time to really get to know your hair. Anything that has to do with natural texture demands some trial and error."
Another tip? Make sure your hair is COMPLETELY dry before you proceed to the curling process. Also, Scarlett says to resist the temptation to brush right after diffusing. "The key to making sure you keep the texture soft and '70s-inspired is making sure to let the hair dry, cool, and set completely after diffusing," he instructs.
Step 3: Use a Tapered Curling Wand to Create Your Curls
To create Robbie's cool, imperfect waves, Scarlett reached for the T3's 0.75" tapered barrel from the brand's best-selling Whirl Trio ($300). The set comes with three interchangeable barrels so you can adjust the wand you use depending on the texture and thickness of your hair, but Scarlett likes the tapered shape for creating Robbie's polished, but slightly beachy hair vibe.
You'll begin your waves right around the top of the ear —making your way in sections carefully down the lengths of your strands. Scarlett was grabbing roughly one-inch sections of my hair.
"It doesn't have to be symmetrical—what looks natural is that there's a haphazardness to everything, so that's just what you're enhancing with the iron," Scarlett explains.
"You're just alternating, and putting these little bumps in the hair that mimic what your hair wants to do naturally."
Step 4: If Necessary, Add Dry Shampoo
Scarlett made it clear to me that this look really doesn't require any type of wet hair products or sprays, but if you need to make sure the style lasts for a full day or night, he says you can add a light-hold hairspray.
Or, if you need to bump up the texture, he recommends opting for a dry shampoo over a texturizing spray, which can make the hair look and feel a little crunchy. (Especially if you happen to have a finer hair texture like me.) Dry shampoo, he explains, keeps things soft and he encourages using it through your roots AND ends.
For the record, Scarlett didn't spray my hair with anything. The next day I woke up and my hair still looked perfect—just as Scarlett had left it—which, again, speaks to his point that your tools and technique are what's paramount for creating this style.
Keep scrolling to shop Scarlett's lineup of heat styling tools he used on both my hair and Robbie's.
