Blake Lively and Kim Kardashian West Prove ’80s Hair Is Back With Crimped Waves

With so many gorgeous gals taking their tresses to the next level with colors, cuts, and styles, it’s only natural to have a major case of hair envy. The Mane Attraction will help you sort through which looks are worth trying with a biweekly dive into the latest hair trends taking over the red carpet and Instagram.

In the social media-obsessed world that we live in, we can’t help but see a whole lot of celebrity hair inspiration as we scroll through our feeds. First it was ’90s-inspired scrunchies and padded headbands worn by some of our favorite stars, including Selena Gomez, J.Lo, Hailey Baldwin and Kate Middleton; now it’s all about crimped waves from the ’80s. While it’s likely been forever since you’ve dusted off your crimper, celebrities are making a case for a modern take on the angular waves. Unlike traditional crimped strands that are characterized by sharp back-and-forth bends from roots to ends, the modern look is all about the same movement without the harsh angles. To add the throwback trend to your beauty arsenal, check out the step-by-step tutorials below.

Relaxed Crimped Waves

As alluring as Kim Kardashian West’s KKW Beauty Classic Blossom Collection is, it was her down-to-there hair from the September 2018 campaign (shown above) that caught our attention and wouldn’t let go. To find out how to bring the relaxed crimped-wave look to life, Chris Appleton, the Color Wow Global Creative Director and creator of her trend-setting tresses, shares his process below. (Photo via Chris Appleton)

You’ll need:

  • smoothing spray
  • boar bristle brush
  • blow dryer
  • heat protectant texture spray
  • triple barrel waving iron
  • detangling brush
  • shine serum

Instructions:

1. Prep hair with Color Wow Dream Coat Anti-Humidity Hair Treatment ($28) and blow-dry with a boar bristle brush until smooth.

2. Spritz hair with Color Wow Style on Steroids Texturizing Spray ($24) to build volume and protect against heat.

3. Use a BaBylissPro Porcelain Ceramic Triple Barrel Waver ($66) to clamp hair in sections starting from the roots, working almost all the way down to the ends. While the tool isn’t a traditional zig-zag plate crimper, the three round barrels help create the same back-and-forth wave without any major angles, making it ideal for a softer take on the hair trend. Stop two inches from the ends and lightly crimp them for a more natural-looking finish.

4. Using a Tangle Teezer The Ultimate Finishing Tool ($20), brush through the waves and add a drop of Color Wow Pop and Lock Gloss Treatment ($20) for shine and control.

crimp-like Curls

Craving a more defined style than the reality star-turned-makeup-mogul’s mane? Turn your attention to Blake Lively’s lioness waves. Celebrity stylist Rod Ortega (the pro behind the wild style above for a December 2018 appearance) shares his step-by-step with us. (Photo via Roy Rochlin / Stringer/ Getty)

You’ll need:

  • volumizing spray
  • blow dryer
  • curl diffuser
  • 1-inch curling wand
  • hairspray
  • compact flat iron
  • dry shampoo

Instructions:

1. Starting with damp hair, prep with Christophe Robin Instant Volumizing Mist with Rose Water ($39) at the roots and brush through.

2. Use the T3 Cura LUXE Hair Dryer ($285) and the T3 Soft Curl Finger Diffuser Attachment ($30) to dry hair and build body and texture.

3. Once dry, use the T3 1” Undone Waves Barrel ($95) to wave hair. “The key to creating these corkscrew curls is taking 1/2-inch sections of the hair, twisting the section, and then wrapping around the barrel,” Ortega says. “The heat from the barrel is setting the tightly twisted hair into that formation, resulting in a tighter, crimped finish versus a regular curl or wave.”

4. After curling your entire head of hair, spritz with L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray ($12) to add hold.

5. Run your fingers through your roots and use the T3 SinglePass Compact Straightening & Styling Iron ($89) to smooth the hairline and around your ears.

6. Finish with a light-hold dry shampoo to build more body in the hair. “It’s important to use something light and not too sticky so the hair is still movable,” Ortega says.

Do you love these retro crimped waves? Tell us @BritandCo!

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Looking for new ways to tie your hairstyle together? It’s time to take that quite literally and add a little black bow into the mix. What was once considered our go-to hair accessory in elementary school has become a red carpet staple in recent months. With Ashley Graham, Lili Reinhart, Nicole Kidman, and Emma Stone leading the way, we can’t help but want to follow suit. To learn how to add the feminine hair accessory into your beauty routine, keep scrolling for details on the stars’ stunning ‘dos.

Ashley Graham

The body positivity advocate and model paired a smooth, shiny bun with a handful of little black bows for a 2019 Oscars red carpet hairstyle that was anything but classic. Celebrity hairstylist Justine Marjan began by blowdrying her mane into a center part. She then straightened from Graham’s roots down to her ends, using the ghd Platinum + Stlyer ($249), pulling away from the face and back towards the crown in the process. Next, she brushed from her hairline back to her crown and secured with a clear elastic after applying TRESemmé TRES Two Extra Hold Gel ($5) along the way. She repeated the process for the bottom section of strands and put the full ponytail into a hairnet before twisting into a bun and securing with French pins. For the pièce de résistance, Marjan pinned mini Jennifer Behr black bows throughout and finished with a spritz of TRESemmé TRES Two Unscented Extra Hold Hair Spray ($5).(Photo via Dan MacMedan/ Getty)

Lili Reinhart

The Riverdale actress attended The Art of Elysium’s 11th Annual Black Tie celebration, HEAVEN, donning a little black bow to top off her all-black ensemble. “I felt like we could add a modern element,” says celebrity hairstylist Bridget Brager. “So I purposed a half-up, half-down look with a center part, I kept the lengths straight with a tiny flip.” To score the flyaway-free finish, she applied a dime-size amount of Moroccanoil Treatment ($34) to the mid-lengths and ends, as well as a golf ball-sized dollop of mousse, before drying with a Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer ($400) and a large round brush. Next, she parted her hair down the middle, secured a half-up ponytail on each side, and a spritzed with Oribe Superfine Hairspray ($38) to lock both into place. As for the bow, that was a last minute addition. Before Reinhart walked out the door, Brager pulled out the ribbon and the whole team applauded, so they incorporated it into the look. (Photo via Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/ Getty)

Nicole Kidman

The Destroyer Best Actress in a Drama Motion Picture nominee walked the 2019 Golden Globes red carpet wearing a black velvet bow in her hair. “It was Nicole’s stylist Julia [von Boehm]’s idea, and I loved it,” celebrity hairstylist Kylee Heath says. “We wanted to have the hair up, but with a detail to tie in the black shoes.” To bring the idea to life, Heath began by blowdrying Kidman’s hair. She then sectioned the front out and pulled the rest into a low ponytail, which she curled and pinned into a low bun. She curled the free-flowing front section as well, though, to make it more ethereal, she brushed it out and applied a touch of the TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shine Serum ($5) for added shine. Heath completed the look by clipping a Jennifer Behr Black Wide Velvet Bow Barrette ($152) above the bun and finishing with the TRESemmé TRES Two Unscented Extra Hold Hair Spray ($5). (Photo via Frazer Harrison/ Getty)

Emma Stone

Who doesn’t love a schoolgirl updo? “A pony is always cool, never too formal, and it absolutely complements any outfit,” celebrity hairstylist Mara Roszak says. “For the London premiere of Maniac, I created this full ponytail with a bit of a soft wave and a bow for Emma.” While the end look is relatively simple, it took quite a few steps to bring it to life. First, Roszak blowdried Stone’s locks in Velcro rollers, using PHYTO Phytovolume Actif Volumizer Spray ($30) at the root. After letting them sit for five minutes, she uncoiled them and curled her hair with a 1.5-inch curling iron for a loose bend. “I teased the hair a bit at the crown for added height (most textured pony tails can use it), then I pulled all the hair back into a mid-height pony tail, securing it with a strong elastic,” she says, noting to make sure that the hair tie is tight enough that it won’t budge. To perfect the pony, Roszak gently loosened a few face-framing tendrils for added softness and used a ribbon from the fabric store to tie it all together. “Before she went out onto the red carpet I sprayed Davines This Is A Shimmering Mist ($22) all over and brushed through the pony gently,” Roszak says. “Then I set it all with Leonor Greyl Voluforme Styling Spray ($36).” (Photo via ANTHONY HARVEY/ Getty)

Which bow hairstyle is your fave? Tell us @BritandCo!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

"What would you do if your entire family, and your hometown, set you up to find love?" That's the question Ashley Williams poses in the first Small Town Setup trailer, coming to Hallmark+ in 2025. And if anyone has the answer, I have no doubt it's Hallmark — if anyone knows about warm, cozy, and sappy romance it's them! Even if you're not a huge reality dating show fan (or if you couldn't stop watching Reese Witherspoon's Love in Fairhope) this is one January TV show you won't want to miss.

Here's everything we know about Hallmark's dating show Small Town Setup, hosted by Ashley Williams.

'Small Town Setup' puts you right in a Hallmark movie.

All six episodes of Small Town Setup premieres on Hallmark+ on Thursday, January 2, 2025, and is hosted by Ashley Williams, who you'll recognize from movies like Falling Together and Two Tickets to Paradise as well as How I Met Your Mother.

Just like your favorite Hallmark movies are all about finding love, Small Town Setup focuses on singles coupling up. The show will follow a single who "has made it in the big city, but has yet to find love." And their concerned parents (definitely a Hallmark trope and an IRL trope...) get the whole neighborhood involved in finding three potential matches.

"When the singleton arrives home for a visit, they are presented with dating options curated by their hometown. After three dates, will they find love in their hometown? Or head back to the big city? All is revealed at a big town hall event, full of heart, warmth, and a few laughs along the way."

Okay, getting the entire town involved in my love life sounds crazy, but the whole community coming together for a town hall event sounds exactly like the kind of sweet and sappy event my life needs. (Listen!! Dating as a 20-something in the city is harder than I expected...)

Throughout the trailer we see our singles looking for love around their hometown, going on small town dates, and finding connection in the most unexpected places. Yeah...I'll be tuning in — especially since Small Town Setup is totally giving Gilmore Girls.

Check out the 11 New January 2025 Movies Viewers Will Adore — and you'll want to add to your calendar ASAP!

With so many gorgeous gals taking their tresses to the next level with colors, cuts, and styles, it’s only natural to have a major case of hair envy. The Mane Attraction will help you sort through which looks are worth trying with a dive into the latest hair trends taking over the red carpet and Instagram.

The 2019 Oscars kicked off with a star-studded red carpet earning oohs and ahhs across the board. Along with stunning gowns and the cutest couples came head-turning hair transformations created especially for Hollywood’s biggest night out. Keep scrolling to learn all about Charlize Theron‘s, Emilia Clarke’s, and Irina Shayk’s Oscars makeovers.

Charlize Theron

The Tully actress swapped her blonde bob for a graphic brunette cut with the help of celebrity hairstylist Adir Abergel and colorist Tracey Cunningham. Theron, who presented during the ceremony, paired the chin-grazing chop with a backless Dior Haute Couture gown and diamond Bulgari serpent necklace. (Photo via Steve Granitz; Jeff Kravitz/ Getty)

Abergel wrote via Instagram, “Hair is your greatest accessory and the best way to transform a look quickly. This week we changed @charlizeafrica color and this morning we chopped off her hair. Thank you @traceycunningham1 for helping me achieve this vision and thank you @virtuelabs and @ghd_northamerica for making the hair gorgeous and shiny.”

Emilia Clarke

Presenter Emilia Clarke ditched her white-blonde hue from Game of Thrones just in time for the awards show. On Instagram, Clarke teased, “Blondes have more fun eh?! Well I will see about that this fine #oscar2019 evening….. let the good times roll.” Celebrity hair colorist Nicola Clarke helped her achieve the darker color, which complemented her lavender Balmain. (Photo via Gary Gershoff; Steve Granitz/ Getty)

Irina Shayk

After walking the Versace Ready to Wear Fall/Winter 2019-2020 catwalk at Milan Fashion Week on February 20, Irina Shayk turned to celebrity hairstylist Harry Josh to transform her tresses. In place of her mid-length mane, the supermodel, who walked the red carpet with love Bradley Cooper, debuted a high-shine asymmetrical bob. (Photo via Victor Virgile; Steve Granitz/ Getty)

Josh shared via Instagram, “She is such A DREAM!!! 😍✨💫 Unbelievably BEAUTIFUL @IrinaShayk is officially ready for #TheOscars ✨ Using our #HarryJoshProTools + @Aveda’s amazing hair products to get Irina’s BEYOND breathtaking hair and wearing CUSTOM @Burberry by @riccardotisci17 💇🏽‍♀️”

Do you love these Oscars beauty looks? Tell us @BritandCo!

Tourism can be a blessing for the economy of many cities around the world, but it often comes at a price. Destinations like Venice and Bali are iconic for a reason — they’re unique, breathtaking places that lure travelers from around the globe. But when a travel destination becomes too popular, it risks losing its charm and overcrowding can strain infrastructure, inflate costs for locals, and disrupt the peace and quiet of small, serene towns.

Here are 12 destinations that have struggled with overtourism. The good news? Many are implementing smart strategies to balance tourism with sustainability. Planning to visit? Consider booking during the off-season for a more authentic and enjoyable experience or try these hidden gems.

Pixabay

Venice, Italy

Cruise ships and swarms of tourists have overwhelmed this picturesque city, leading to overcrowded canals, damaged infrastructure, and skyrocketing prices. The local population is dwindling as Venetians leave due to the city’s unsustainable tourism boom. Last spring, in an effort to manage the influx, the city put into effect an entry fee for day-trippers and has limited cruise ships docking its shores.

Oleksandr P

Bali, Indonesia

Once an idyllic paradise, Bali now suffers from traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and overcrowded beaches. The island’s resources are strained under the weight of mass tourism, but there are efforts underway to promote sustainability like putting a moratorium on new hotels.

Willian Justen de Vasconcellos

Machu Picchu, Peru

Overtourism has led to erosion and damage to this ancient Incan citadel. A quota system and mandatory guides are helping preserve this popular South American destination.

Darren Lawrence

Tulum, Mexico

Once a tranquil paradise known for its pristine beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and eco-chic vibe, Tulum has become a cautionary tale of overtourism. The surge in popularity, fueled by Instagram-worthy scenery, has brought overcrowding, environmental strain, and rising costs. The Guardianreported that locals are being pushed out by developers and despite the thinking that tourism helps local communities, poverty nearly doubled between 2015 and 2020. Local ecosystems, including fragile mangroves and coral reefs, are threatened by unchecked construction and pollution too. The local ruins have implemented stricter rules like no food or drink to limit trash and environmental impact from tourists.

Jimmy Teoh

Santorini, Greece

Instagram fame has turned this once-serene island into a tourist hotspot. Narrow streets are perpetually clogged, and locals are struggling with soaring costs of living due to tourism demand. The government has since capped the number of daily cruise ship visitors to keep overtourism at bay.

Chait Goli

Cinque Terre, Italy

Known for its colorful cliffside villages and breathtaking coastal views, these once-quiet fishing towns now see millions of visitors annually, way more than they can handle. To combat issues like congestion and cruise ships, local authorities have introduced visitor caps and encourage sustainable travel to protect Cinque Terre’s charm.

Rudy Kirchner

Reykjavík, Iceland

Is there anyone not going to Iceland these days? A small country with breathtaking landscapes, Iceland has been overwhelmed by tourists flocking to Instagram-famous sites like the Blue Lagoon and Diamond Beach. It's best to travel during the off season (November to April) and travel to lesser known spots like the Sturlungalaug hot spring.

youseflns

Maya Bay, Thailand (Phi Phi Islands)

This iconic beach, popularized by the DiCaprio film The Beach, suffered ecological devastation from hordes of visitors and anchored boats. Coral reefs were destroyed, and the beach was closed for years to allow recovery. It has since reopened after a huge revitalization project, but they have introduced visitor caps.

Pixabay

Kyoto, Japan

Traditionally quiet streets of this ancient capital city now teem with tourists during peak season. An increase in litter from tourists has required the city to install more trash bins to handle the crowds, and peaceful geishas are often chased down for photos. To mitigate the problem, Kyoto is considering running special buses to popular sites to reduce overcrowding, and temples and shrines are encouraging visitors to come early in the morning.

Prabin Sunar

Mount Everest, Nepal

The ultimate challenge for adventurers, Mount Everest has experienced overcrowding on the slopes and at base camps, leading to dangerous conditions, with litter and human waste piling up on the mountain. Permits are now harder to get, and stricter regulations for climbers are being enforced.

Mateusz Popek

Dubrovnik, Croatia

The Game of Thrones effect brought an influx of fans to this medieval city. Overcrowded streets and cruise ship arrivals have made it difficult to appreciate its beauty. The local government is taking steps to limit daily visitors and impose stricter cruise ship regulations.

Helena I

Lisbon, Portugal

Short-term rentals dominate the housing market now, thanks to affordable flights and the digital nomad craze. This has led to skyrocketing rents and displaced locals. Historic neighborhoods are inundated with tourists, making them less charming too. Everything from public transport to waste management struggles to keep pace with the influx. I went in December and it still felt a bit like Disneyland. Douro Valley and Madeira might be more favorable destinations any time of year.

Cure your wanderlust in 2025! Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more travel ideas!

Heaping plates of Christmas cookies are synonymous with the holidays. It seems that nearly every country around the globe has their own variation on the holiday classic. In fact, some of these regions have been making their version of Christmas cookies for literal hundreds of years.

If you’re looking for a way to reconnect with your heritage, or maybe just want a little baking inspiration, check out our picks for the yummiest Christmas cookies from around the world.

The Noshery

Mantecaditos con Guayaba

These may look like ordinary thumbprint cookies, but these almond shortbreads from Puerto Rico are filled with a special guava marmalade. (via The Noshery)

Broma Bakery

Meringues

French meringues are a classic crumbly egg white cookie with a chewy interior. These get an extra European twist with the addition of Nutella. (via Broma Bakery)

Pretty. Simple. Sweet.

Alfajores

Deeply flavored dulce de leche, a caramel made from whole milk commonly found in Spain and many Latin American countries, is the key ingredient in these super pretty sandwiched Christmas cookies. (via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.)

Fancy Peasant

Melomakarona

These Christmas cookies that hail from Greece get their sweetness from a generous soaking of fresh honey! (via Fancy Peasant)

Very Eatalian

Baci di Dama

The name of this Italian treat translates to “lady’s kisses” — how adorable is that? These bite-sized cuties are made with ground hazelnuts and filled with a dollop of dark chocolate. (via Very Eatalian)

Cooking Classy

Linzer Cookies

These Austrian Christmas cookies are typically made with raspberry jam, but feel free to get crazy with a filling of your choice. Plus, the gorgeous windowpane look will make them a prize takeaway at your next cookie exchange. (via Cooking Classy)

Olivia’s Cuisine

Basler Brunsli

If you’re hanging out in Switzerland around Christmas time, you’ll definitely see these chocolate treats around. They’re often described as Swiss brownies due to their deliciously chewy texture. Perfect with a cup of eggnog or coffee! (via Olivia’s Cuisine)

Cilantro Parsley

Buñuelos

These tender miniature fritters from Mexico are a mix between a donut and cookie. Whatever you want to call them, they’re delicious. (via Cilantro Parsley)

Chef Lindsey Farr

Apricot Kolachys

The Hungarians definitely know what’s up when tart apricot jam gets wrapped in a blanket of flaky pastry. They’re a bright spot on a cold Christmas day. (via Chef Lindsey Farr)

Life, Love and Sugar

Cutout Sugar Cookies

In the United States, a plate of these festively decorated sugar cookies is just what Santa ordered. (via Life, Love and Sugar)

Saveur

Polvorones

You’ll find these simple pecan shortbread cookies all over Mexico around this time of year. The coating of powdered sugar and canela, a type of Mexican cinnamon, really bring the flavor to the next level. (via Saveur)

A Healthy Life for Me

Pignoli

These Italian Christmas cookies are made of a chewy almond base and topped with pine nuts. (via A Healthy Life for Me)

Fancy Peasant

Kourabiedes

These Greek Christmas cookies feature a buttery biscuit topped with mass amounts of powdered sugar. (via Fancy Peasant)

Does your family have a traditional cookie recipe for the holidays? Tag us @BritandBo in your Instagram photos and let us know!

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

Lead image via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.