The single-strands hair trend is chic, versatile and, best of all, easy

A guest wears a sheer burgundy top, a white coat, a face and nose accessory and a silver bag outside Victoria/Tomas during the Womenswear Fall/Winter 2024/2025 as part of Paris Fashion Week on February 27, 2024 in Paris, France.

Credit: Getty

Hair


The single-strands hair trend is chic, versatile and, best of all, easy

By Aidan Milan

11 months ago

3 min read

The single-strand style, sister to the side parting, is yet another 00s-inspired hair trend that’s taking red carpets by storm. Here’s how to get the look. 


Fun, chic and simple, single-strand hairstyles are going to be big this spring.

At least, that’s what Tom Smith, international creative director at Evo, artist at Olaplex and international artist in residence at Billi Currie, says. He’s spotted hairdos with single strands left hanging down around one side of the face on plenty of celebs of late, from Sydney Sweeney to Victoria Monét. 

Smith tells Stylist: “There is a whole theme of asymmetry this spring, with side-swept styles and side partings also showing a huge increase in popularity. Structured and ornate hairstyles, especially for events, have been trending for a while too, and so the single strands help to soften what can otherwise be quite a strong up-style, helping to flatter the wearer and add detail and interest.”

Jason Crozier, art director at Neville Hair & Beauty, adds: “At a time when people are looking for unique ways to stand out yet maintain a sense of simplicity, a single-strand hairstyle offers a subtle but striking statement. It’s appealing because it provides a touch of elegance and individuality without the need for dramatic change. This trend might also be inspired by nostalgia, harking back to the 90s and early 00s, when similar hair accents were popular, updated for today’s more curated aesthetic.”

Who does this look suit best?

Smith explains: “This style can work on any hair longer than chin length, because even if the hair is too short to be swept up, tucking the remainder behind the ears also allows the single strand to stand out. It’s a great style to accentuate the cheekbones and, depending on the length of the strand, can draw focus to the lips or jawline too. Those with wider or rounder face shapes who feel more confident with side partings and softness around their face will enjoy this style, but those with more angular or square faces can also find themselves flattered by the softness of the strand framing the face.”

Crozier says: “Layered cuts might see the strand blending more seamlessly, while blunt cuts offer a stark contrast that can be quite striking. For round faces, a strand that frames the face can elongate it, creating a more oval appearance. Angular faces, like square or heart shapes, might benefit from softer, wispier strands that add softness to their features.”

How can you get the look?

“This works for straight, wavy and curly hair types,” says Smith. “However, those with tight natural textures will want to stretch out and style the left-out strand to have it fall around the face. It can be considered a protective style in a way, since the remainder of the hair can be swept up and secured away, avoiding the need for heat on the majority of the hair.”

Crozier tells us: “The key to adapting the single strand style to different hair textures lies in the styling products and techniques used. For straight hair, a light smoothing product can help the strand lay flat and shine. Use a light serum or pomade to define the strand and separate it from the rest of the hair. Wavy or curly hair might require a bit of texturising product to define the strand and ensure it stands out. Apply a curl-defining cream to the strand, then twist or scrunch to enhance its natural pattern.

“For those with very curly or coily hair, a twist-out or braid-out technique on a small section can create a defined strand that complements the hair’s natural texture. A small twist or braid, when unravelled, can form a beautifully defined strand that contrasts with the volume of the hair. And regardless of hair texture, securing the rest of the hair away from the face or in a sleek style can help the single strand stand out more prominently.”

Images: Getty

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