Ultra-feminine hair is about to take over for 2025

Things are looking verrry prissy up in here. Have you noticed? Ultra-feminine hair appears to be back with a vengeance. But we're not talking crunchy '80s bridesmaid ringlets or the “cute moose” updo inflicted on Mia Thermopolis in The Princess Diaries. Instead, princess hair has been given a 2025 cool-girl makeover by tapping into the “demure” and '"coquette" aesthetic, but keeping things interesting with a little additional edginess.

Now? It looks set to be a 2025 hair headliner. And, as we mentioned in our 2025 hair forecast, the style is rubbing shoulders with other big-hitters including the mouse haircut and the boy bob (both predicted to dominate hair trends over the next 12 months).

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By Elle Turner

What is ultra-feminine hair?

Sitting at the opposite end of the spectrum from mussy, bratty hair, ultra-feminine hair is polished, pretty and princessy. We're talking, intricate buns, princess updos and dainty accessories. According to Dyson Beauty celebrity ambassador, Chris Long, we'll be seeing “big hair bows” and “embracing natural ringlets”. He even reckons glamorous pigtails will be making a comeback.

“A huge trend in hair and beauty this year will be the princess updo,” agrees Nick Drewe, trend expert and founder of e-commerce platform, Wethrift. “Key elements of the princess updo include a soft, voluminous bun and face-framing tendrils of hair. Whether styled high for a dramatic effect or for a low effortless look, princess updos will be the perfect go-to hairstyle for 2025,” he insists.

The irony is, there used to be nothing less cool than looking like you actually made an effort, but “occasion hair” is taking off.

Why wear ultra-feminine hair?

If you're craving occasions and making a moment (or being the moment), or if you're dead bored of mussy bed hair and want a switch-up, ultra-feminine hair is all about creating character that's very demure, very mindful and maybe a little bit debauched. It's playful, flirty and actually kind of defiant in its own way since it's been such an anti-trend for so long. Plus "it offers a sophisticated yet approachable look for everything from formal events to everyday glamour,” says Nick.

How to wear ultra-feminine hair?

We've seen celebrities like Lily-Rose Depp, Taylor Russell, Elsa Hosk, Elle Fanning and Megan Thee Stallion tap into the trend. The only difference? They've given the style a modern energy by introducing high-low details into their looks. Lily-Rose Depp, for example paired her towering ringlets with a smudgy, smoky eye and bratty lined lip, while Megan Thee Stallion has been serving up princess buns, snatched and slicked at the front. Elsa Hosk meanwhile added a super sweet bow to her polished, flicky bob, but paired it with a slinky black long-sleeve dress.

Here's some of our favourite ways to wear ultra-feminine hair…

For more from GLAMOUR's Senior Beauty Editor, Elle Turner, follow her on Instagram @elleturneruk

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