The Effortless Hair Trend Celebrities Like Dakota Johnson And Kaia Gerber Can’t Quit

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It’s no secret that celebrities shape the way we dress. If Dua Lipa wears a chic white suit for her wedding, there’s a very good chance it’s ending up on our wedding mood board.

The same goes for beauty. To say Hailey Bieber has influenced our beauty cabinets would be the understatement of the year. But lately, it’s not a lipstick or skincare product that’s caught my attention—it’s hair.

More specifically, the lo-fi hair trend that’s quietly become the signature look of celebrities like Dakota Johnson, Kaia Gerber and Margot Robbie.

For the uninitiated (or simply not yet obsessed), award-winning international hair stylist Anthony Nader, owner of RAW, defines the lo-fi hair trend as simple and effortless.

“It’s a hair texture that breathes, you’re not chasing perfectly groomed nor over-polished hair,” he shares. “It is all about embracing your crown of glory—effortless natural texture, showcasing healthiness and never looking overstyled.”

Think undone waves, natural texture and that effortless polish that makes you believe think someone just has naturally great hair.

While celebrity influence has undoubtedly helped propel the trend into the spotlight, there are plenty of practical reasons it’s resonating, too.

“Honestly…. I think the world has just become noisier and more frantic,” Nader explains. “We are also so time-poor, unfortunately.”

Whether you’re looking for inspiration ahead of your next salon appointment, hoping to stretch the time between colour appointments, or simply want to master the lo-fi look at home, consider this your guide.

 

How To Style Lo-Fi Hair

The key to nailing lo-fi hair is resisting the urge to overdo it. Rather than chasing perfectly sculpted waves or an ultra-sleek finish, the goal is to enhance your natural texture so it looks effortless—not manufactured.

“My absolute key for anyone wanting to embrace lo-fi now is to ensure that your texture looks believable and not forced,” Nader shares.

That philosophy extends to your product lineup, too. When it comes to styling, Nader recommends avoiding anything too heavy. “Try to steer clear of heavy products that can weigh down your hair. Think waxes, pomades, and high-alcohol sprays.”

Instead, he recommends building your routine around a few lightweight essentials: a sulphate-free shampoo and conditioner, a leave-in conditioner, a bond-building treatment and a texture spray.

The sulphate-free shampoo and conditioner lay the foundation for healthy hair because, as Nader explains, “It’s gentle and doesn’t strip the hair strands natural oils and also keeps your colour looking fresher for longer.”

Once your hair is clean, a leave-in conditioner helps maintain the effortless finish that defines the trend.

“Now that you have lo-fi strands you want them to feel soft and touchable and not dry nor brittle,” he says. “This will also help reduce frizz while maintaining your hair texture to move with ease.”

A bond-building treatment is another worthwhile addition, particularly if your hair is coloured or heat styled. As someone who’s gone from brunette to copper and back to blonde again, I can personally attest to how much of a difference they make between salon appointments.

“More than likely your strands have been coloured, bleached or heat styled over time. A bond repair treatment helps mend the weaker hair to toughen up between salon visits.”

Finally, no lo-fi hair routine would be complete without a texture spray. It’s the finishing touch that adds movement and lived-in definition without making hair feel stiff or overstyled.

“This gem will give more energy to your hair strands where and when needed. I adore using this on not only my salon clients, but also when I’m on photo shoots for picture perfect lo-fi hair.”

How To Achieve Lo-Fi Hair

The beauty of lo-fi hair lies in its relaxed, unpolished finish. While having a few inspiration photos on hand never hurts, the look is less about a specific cut, colour or shade and more about how the hair is styled—and, more importantly, how it moves.

Of course, there are natural-looking colours and toners that will complement your features and complexion, but the lo-fi aesthetic isn’t reserved for one hair type or colour. Whether you’re blonde, brunette, redhead or somewhere in between, the focus is on creating hair that looks healthy, effortless and never overworked.

As for mastering the look, there’s no one better to ask than Nader. “You’re talking to a hairstylist who lives and breathes natural texture…truly!”

“I could be biased, but personally for me, this lo-fi hair trend isn’t really a hair trend as such,” Nader says. “It’s been ‘a staple’ for so long, it just magnifies a million times more when the likes of Hailey Bieber, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Dakota Johnson and Margot Robbie are seen at a red carpet event or runway show.”

What Other Products Do The Experts Recommend?

While I was busy asking Nader how to recreate the perfectly undone look at home, I couldn’t resist picking his brain about the everyday hair essentials he genuinely swears by.

One item I immediately clocked while visiting his salon was the hairbrush he was wielding with ease: a Mason Pearson. It turns out it’s been a staple in his kit for years—so naturally, that was immediately added to my wishlist.

But if there was one affordable luxury he thinks everyone should own, it’s silk hair ties.

“Pure silk hair ties,” he answers. “And keep them neutral/contemporary and not bright.”

“It’s one of life’s little treasures! I’m such a believer in silk because this fibre slips and moves with hair strands so hair breakage won’t occur.”

Needless to say, those went straight into my cart.