Did headbands even exist before Blair Waldorf arrived on the steps of the Met? Headbands were the recurring guest star of the series, and nobody showcased them quite like Leighton Meester as Blair. Headbands pair best with fullness, so before sporting one, we'd recommend a blow out using a salon-quality blow dryer like our Bold Hair Dryer after applying some of our Blah To Bouncy Blow Dry Cream to enhance your locks. Then use a larger barrel curling iron, like our 32mm Classic Curling Wand, to create big, loose waves.
Some of Blair's updos looked elaborate (tiaras were not out of the question), while others were simple, elegant low ponies. She was also a fan of the two side strands framing either side of her face. They all had a subtle softness; nothing was ever too stiff of tight. You can replicate Blair's effortless updos by using a hairspray that has holding power but doesn't make your hair look like cardboard. The NuMe Hair-Fie Ready Finishing and Shine Spray is your best bet.
The storylines always gave the characters an excuse to get dressed to the nines at least once an episode, which gave even more opportunities for the hair and wardrobe department to go all out. Blair often rocked the 'all gathered to one side' hair at some of these rich folk affairs and, not surprisingly, she always nailed it. To create hair that's slick on one side, and gathered prettily on the other, you'll need some bobby pins and a finishing hairspray like our Freeze Please Finishing Spray. The side with the flare can include loose or tight curls, and Blair certainly tried both.
It's safe to assume Blake Lively's hair has its own agent. The girl practically invented tousled, California-chic waves. Yes, her character in Gossip Girl, Serena van der Woodsen, lives on the Upper East Side of Manhattan but the actress's West Coast roots shine through. Serena's long, loose waves would begin with a blowout with a round bristle brush, after applying a root lifter like the NuMe Root Werk Root Lifter to damp hair. You might not even need a wand depending on your natural texture, but if you use one to replicate Serena strands, we'd only loosely curl a few select pieces with a larger barrel. Be sure to always spritz on a thermal heat protectant like our Watch Me Werk Thermal Heat Protectant, before using any heat styling tools.
Serena's hair was rarely stick-straight, but some stand-out scenes showcased that particular 'do. Even if your hair is short, it's easy to get it GG-level sleek and shiny with a product like our Gloss Boss Serum and the use of a flat iron such as our Megastar Hair Straightener.
A fascinating aspect of Serena's recurring side braids in the series was that a hairdresser obviously created them on set. The style looked effortless enough to make you believe Serena could have plausibly styled it herself in the comfort of her own penthouse. We like a side braid on hair that's a few days post-wash. Apply a dry shampoo like our Fresh N' Fab Dry Shampoo Aerosol to mask any oil. Gently tug strands in the braid outward to create the subtle looseness of a prep school kid on summer break in the Hamptons vibe (shout out to the beginning Season 2).
We could probably do multiple blogs about Gossip Girl looks because there was just so much beauty. But we're going to sign off with a xoxo, for now. Follow us on IG @NuMeStyle, and sign up for our NuMe Rewards & Loyalty Program to earn points so that you'll be on your way to achieving gifts, products, tools, and even tickets to exclusive NuMe events!
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Author: Mary Patterson Broome
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