Kat Stratford in 10 Things I Hate About You, Kiera Knightly in Love Actually, Bella Hadid in the front row. What do all of these women have in common? Unfathomable bone structure, yes, but also tendrils. “What on earth are tendrils?”, I hear you cry. They’re those two bits of hair left out of an up-do.
Up-dos can look a bit pageant-queen if they’re too done, tendrils give more of an undone, effortless vibe. Playing with the thickness can also give totally different finishes. If you’re going full 90s throwback, keep them ultra-thin and poker-straight. If you want something softer, with all that face-framing goodness, grab chunkier pieces of hair and add soft curls and texture.
Need some inspo? We’ve got you.
By Beth Ludolf
FAQs
What are tendrils in hairstyling?
Tendrils are those two pieces of hair left out of an up-do to frame your face. They add an undone, effortless vibe and soften the look of structured hairstyles.
How can you style tendrils for a 90s look?
Keep your tendrils ultra-thin and poker-straight if you want a full 90s throwback vibe. This look was popular among icons of that era and complements a sleek, retro hairstyle.
How do you make tendrils look softer and more natural?
Use chunkier pieces of hair and add soft curls and texture to give your tendrils a more face-framing, gentle appearance. This approach makes your up-do look less polished and more relaxed.
Why should you leave tendrils out of an up-do?
Leaving tendrils out gives your up-do a more effortless, less “pageant-queen” finish. The style appears softer and helps avoid a look that feels too done or overly formal.