Bridgerton Beauty: 8 Regency Hair Ideas To Try At Home

6 months ago

These romantic hairstyles are perfect for period drama lovers

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Counting down the days until Bridgerton returns to screens? Us too. But rather than wait for Lady Whistledown’s column, why not bring a slice of the show into your daily routine? Bridgerton beauty is officially popping off – and when we’re not fawning over the dewy skincare and the soft glam makeup, it’s the regency-inspired hair we can’t stop thinking about. From tight curls and romantic waves to intricate half-up half-down hairdos, here’s how to channel your inner Bridgerton.

What Is Regencycore?

‘Regencycore is a delightful blend of fashion and lifestyle trends inspired by the early 19th century Regency era in England,’ explains Jason Crozier, Senior Stylist at Neville Hair & Beauty. ‘It’s all about embracing the elegance, romance, and opulence of the time, characterised by empire waist dresses, delicate fabrics, and intricate hairstyles.

‘Imagine stepping into a Jane Austen novel but with a modern twist,’ he continues. ‘I love how this trend brings the grandeur of that period into our contemporary fashion scene, making it both nostalgic and stylish.’

@geenahunt Penelope hair tutorial 🫖💐 Can’t wait for pt. 2 of Bridgerton #hairstyle #bridgerton ♬ Give Me Everything (Stripped Down) – Archer Marsh

While many of us might already be familiar with the regencycore aesthetic, especially when it comes to fashion, recently we’ve seen a surge in Regency-themed hairstyling – largely thanks to the release of Bridgerton’s third season on Netflix. The return of the season has had quite an impact on TikTok (aka, the internet’s hub of micro trends, ‘cores’ and aesthetics), with the platform taken over by Regency enthusiasts breaking down the show’s hair looks for everyday wear. A quick look on the app reveals that there are currently over 31.7 million posts tagged under #bridgertonhairtutorial, and another 108.5 million marked with #daphnebridgertonhairstyle – as well as 875.7 million views on posts associated with the #regencyhairstyletutorial tag.

And when it comes to spotting Regency hair, Jason highlights some of the most popular characteristics to look out for. ‘Regency hair trends are the epitome of sophistication and volume,’ he says. Some key elements include:

High Up-Dos & Chignons: Hair was often styled off the face in elaborate up-dos, exuding a refined and polished look.
Soft Curls & Ringlets: These were used to frame the face, adding a romantic and feminine touch.
Accessories: Feathers, tiaras, and jewelled combs were commonly used to enhance the hairstyle’s opulence.

‘In the Regency era, your hairstyle was a reflection of your social status and fashion sense, much like the stunning looks we see on Bridgerton,’ adds Jason.

How Has Bridgerton Impacted The Trend?

Now, we’re well aware that Bridgerton isn’t the most historically accurate period drama – but that doesn’t mean it has had no sway on the regencycore trend. ‘Bridgerton adds a contemporary flair to traditional Regency styles, making them more relatable and enchanting for today’s audience,’ says Jason. ‘The show incorporates vibrant colours, bold accessories, and slightly exaggerated hairstyles to create a whimsical and fantastical version of the Regency era. Characters like Daphne Bridgerton and Queen Charlotte sport elaborate up-dos adorned with pearls, feathers, and sparkling jewels, blending historical accuracy with a touch of modern glamour. This approach makes Regency styles feel fresh and accessible.’

@jackie.wyers A Bridgerton Spring Hair Tutorial 🐝 👩🏻‍🦰💜 ft. British Accent Dare to rate my British accent… ‘Twas my grandest endeavour, offered with utmost humility 🙇‍♀️…perhaps a modest 3/10? As we eagerly await the splendid return of bridgerton for its third season, the absence of our beloved Daphne (Phoebe Dynevor) leaves us pondering – whose hairstyle shall we next recreate? Your desires are my commands, so please, share your requests! In homage to #DaphneBridgerton ‘s exquisite updo, I present this spring, floral style. All credits to the talented Erika Okvist for the original design and splendid behind-the-scenes glimpses I referenced💎 Discover the full tutorial (at a more leisurely pace) on yt and do tag me in your renditions – especially if you’re gracing the @The Bridgerton Experience with your presence💎. #bridgerton #regency #perioddrama #hairtututorial #hairtutorials #jackiewyers #daphnebridgerton #daphnecosplay #princesscore #modernregency #bridgertonexperience #daphnecosplay #daphnecostume #daphnetransformation ♬ Bridgerton – The Harmony Group

Does Regency-Style Hair Work For All Hair Types?

‘Regency-themed hairstyles can be adapted to suit all hair types and textures,’ says Jason, who lists some examples of hairstyles below:

Straight Hair: Use curling irons or rollers to create soft curls or waves, then style into elegant up-dos or half-up styles.
Curly Hair: Enhance natural curls with defining products, and arrange them into sophisticated up-do’s or side-swept styles.
Coily Hair: Utilise protective styles like twists or braids, then gather them into high chignons or add decorative accessories for a regal touch.

‘These styles can be tailored to bring out the best in every hair type, ensuring everyone can enjoy the elegance of Regency-inspired looks,’ he adds.

How Can We Make Bridgerton Hair Suitable For Everyday Wear?

You might not want to wear every hairstyle you see onscreen out in casual settings – piles of curls aren’t the easiest to execute when you’re running late to brunch – but Jason tells us there are ways to bring elements of the trend to ‘everyday’ status. ‘While Regency hairstyles are often elaborate, they can be simplified for everyday wear,’ he says. ‘These simplified versions allow you to bring a touch of Regency charm into your everyday routine without the need for extensive styling time.’

Below, he lists a few ideas to try at home:

Soft Waves: Create loose waves with a curling iron, pin back sections for a romantic, effortless look.
Low Bun: A low chignon is quick to style and can be adorned with a simple accessory for a touch of elegance.
Braided Up-Do: Incorporate braids into your up-do for a modern take on Regency styles, perfect for a polished daily look.

Bridgerton-Themed Regency Hairstyles To Try Now

1. Romantic Waves

‘Penelope’s elegant waves have been a favourite look of the season,’ says Stéphane Ferreira, Operations Manager and Senior Stylist at Live True London. ‘They feature a strong side part with glossy waves cascading over one shoulder, with a few curls gelled around the opposite side of the face.’

Bridgerton. Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Featherington in episode 302 of Bridgerton

Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Featherington in Bridgerton © Laurence Cendrowicz/Netflix 2023

How To Get The Look

To achieve this look, start with freshly washed hair. Make sure to prep with moisturizing shampoo, conditioner and a hair mask to achieve this ultra glossy look.
Once the hair is 70 percent dry, part as desired and spritz through with a styling spray.
After hair is completely dry, section hair into one-inch sections and curl with a curling iron. After each section, pin the ringlet in place while you do the rest of your hair.
Once complete, unpin all ringlets, brush through with a wide tooth comb, and spray with hairspray.
Brush back one side of your parting and pin into place behind your ear, using some pomade or hair gel to keep in place if necessary.
Finally, using a wand with a smaller barrel, curl some smaller sections of hair around your face, leaving loose.

2. Half-Up Half-Down

Another Bridgerton who stole the limelight in season 3 was Francesca, whose character was made up in a soft glam style to show her maturing into her first social season. One of her more iconic hairstyles is this half-up half-down look. ‘We love this simple and elegant look – and it’s surprisingly easy to achieve,’ says Stéphane. ‘It’s the perfect look for a formal event, and looks gorgeous without taking too much time to create.’

This look was also recommended by Mason Josh, Principal Stylist at Josh Wood Atelier, who says that, ‘This smooth half up half down bun is more about being smooth, clean and polished.’

How To Get The Look

Start with freshly washed and dried hair, prepped with moisturizing products to achieve a glossy shine.
Section a triangle of hair or fringe at the front of your hair and tie off. Then, taking a section above each ear, pull back into the half-up portion, and tie into a ponytail. Then, take the front section on each side of the parting and pull back into the updo. Twist into a bun, pinning into place.
Using a large barrel curling wand, curl the bottom half of your hair in large sections to create voluminous curls. Pin each in place to hold as they cool off, and then unpin and brush through with a wide tooth comb. Spray with hairspray.
Finally, using a boar bristle brush and gel, slick back the updo portion of the hair to achieve that sleek and polished look and eliminate flyaways.

3. Face-Framing Curls

If the hair design is still a little too modern for you, then you can go full regency with this look. ‘While the hair in Bridgerton is gorgeous, it’s definitely not period accurate,’ says Stéphane. ‘More accurate regency hair usually featured curls pinned high to frame the face, with the rest swept up into an intricate updo. Usually, the curls would be wound around cloth the night before (heatless curl hack) to create these intricate “sausage curls.”’

Harriet Cains as Phillipa Featherington, Bessie Carter as Prudence Featherington and Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Featherington in Bridgerton

How To Get The Look

To achieve this look, section a large portion of the hair at the front of the head and tie off.
To save time, we recommend curling the rest of the hair with a larger barrel wand, but you can complete the look with tighter ringlets if you want to.
Once the hair is curled, sweep into an updo and pin in place as desired, leaving some small locks of hair at the nape of the neck. Curl the lower half of these with a small barrel curling wand and pin up so curl looks short against your head.
Moving to the front of the head, section the fringe and use a small barrel curling wand to curl the lower half each section, or the whole section depending on the length of your hair. Pin up and back so that the curled portion of your hair reaches no lower than your cheekbone.

4. Curl Pile

If you quite liked Penelope’s hair before her glow up, you’re in luck; Mason Josh, Principal Stylist at Josh Wood Atelier, shares his tips for recreating the look at home. ‘This look is ideal for someone who embraces their natural curls,’ he says.

Nicola Coughlan in regency themed hair and costume

How To Get The Look

This look can be created at home by diffusing the natural curls to create definition and then grip half your hair up.
Avoid smoothing your hair out with a brush and just use your fingers so you keep your curl definition.
Don’t be too defined when creating your updo – the more the curls fall naturally the better.

5. Classic Up-Do

Throwing back to season 1, this whimsical take on the Regency up-do comes courtesy of Daphne Bridgerton. ‘Inspired by season 1’s female lead, Daphne Bridgerton, this elegant up-do features soft curls pinned into a low chignon,’ explains Jason. ‘It reflects refined, romantic style of the Regency era. This style is especially perfect for formal events, embodying the grace and sophistication of Daphne herself.’

Phoebe Dynevor as Daphne seated in floral patterned chair. Background: wood panelling, blue curtains

How To Get The Look

Curl hair with a medium-barrel curling iron.
Gather curls into a low bun, securing with pins.
Leave a few tendrils around the face.
Add a delicate hairpiece or flowers for embellishment.

6. Elaborate Coiffure

And it wouldn’t be regencycore without the (literal) Queen herself; we all have to agree that the elaborate costumes wouldn’t be the same without Queen Charlotte’s elaborate wigs. Unfortunately, not all of us have access to a good wig – but this tutorial can get you pretty close with your natural hair. ‘This is a high, voluminous up-do adorned with jewels and feathers,’ explains Jason. ‘It represents the opulence and grandeur of Regency fashion. This look is all about making a statement, much like Queen Charlotte’s commanding presence.’

Golda Rosheuvel as Queen Charlotte and David Mumeni as Lord Samadani in Bridgerton

How To Get The Look

Tease the crown for volume.
Create a high bun, using padding if needed for extra height.
Decorate with jewelled pins and feathers.
Use strong-hold hairspray to keep everything in place.

7. Side Sweep

A classic Bridgerton look brings the hair over one shoulder in a sweep of ornate curls. ‘Here, hair is swept to one side with cascading curls,’ explains Jason. ‘It evokes a romantic, sophisticated look, while still be versatile enough that it can be transitioned from day to night effortlessly.’

How To Get The Look

Curl hair and part to one side.
Sweep hair over one shoulder, securing with bobby pins.
Pin back one side with a decorative clip or comb.
Let the curls cascade naturally over your shoulder.

8. Casual Half-Up

Taking its cues from Eloise Bridgerton, this simple style offers a slightly more casual – but no less sophisticated – take on the regencycore aesthetic. ‘This is a half-up, half-down style with soft waves and a ribbon tie,’ says Jason. ‘It’s perfect for a casual day out, capturing Eloise’s adventurous and independent spirit. Simple yet elegant, suitable for everyday wear inspired by the Regency era.’

(L to R) Claudia Jessie as Eloise Bridgerton, Hannah Dodd as Francesca Bridgerton in Bridgerton

How To Get The Look

Create soft waves with a curling iron.
Take the top half of the hair and secure it with a ribbon at the back.
Let the rest of the hair flow freely.
Add small braids for extra detail if desired.

Bridgerton Beauty: 8 Regency Hair Ideas To Try At Home