Sarah stared at her reflection in the coffee shop bathroom mirror, tugging at the limp waves that had looked so perfect three months ago. What felt fresh and beachy in September now seemed completely wrong for the crisp November air outside. Her hair hung flat against her wool coat, lacking the dramatic movement she craved as the days grew shorter.
Walking back to her table, she noticed the woman at the corner booth – hair falling in these gorgeous, loose waves that seemed to move like silk with every turn of her head. Not tight curls, not beach waves, but something deeper and more mysterious. Something that whispered “heroine of a gothic novel” rather than “weekend surfer.”
That’s the exact moment Sarah discovered what hairstylists are now calling “Brontë waves” – and why they’re becoming the unofficial hairstyle of winter 2024.
The Literary Hair Movement Taking Over This Season
Brontë waves represent a complete departure from the bouncy, salt-sprayed texture that dominated summer. These are loose, undulating waves that flow in gentle S-shapes, creating movement without the structured perfection of a blowout or the casual mess of beach waves.
“Think Charlotte Brontë’s heroines – there’s something romantic and slightly windswept about the style, but it’s still polished enough for modern life,” explains celebrity hairstylist Marcus Chen. “It’s hair that looks like it has a story to tell.”
The technique creates waves that start lower on the head, typically around ear level, allowing the top section to remain smooth while the mid-lengths and ends flow in soft, dramatic curves. Unlike traditional waves that can look uniform, Brontë waves embrace slight imperfections that make them feel natural and lived-in.
Social media has played a huge role in popularizing this look. TikTok videos tagged with #BronteWaves have garnered over 2.3 million views, with users sharing tutorials and before-and-after transformations that showcase the style’s versatility across different hair lengths and textures.
Why Brontë Waves Work Better Than Beach Waves in Winter
The appeal goes beyond aesthetics. Brontë waves solve several practical winter hair problems that beach waves simply can’t handle.
Winter weather demands hair with more weight and structure. Beach waves rely on texture sprays and lightweight products that can leave hair looking flat under heavy coats and scarves. Brontë waves, however, use the hair’s natural weight to create elegant movement that actually improves when layered under winter clothing.
- Better hold in humid indoor heating
- Won’t flatten under hats and scarves
- Requires fewer touch-ups throughout the day
- Works with heavier styling products that provide moisture protection
- Creates volume without teasing or aggressive texturizing
“The key difference is in the technique,” notes London-based stylist Emma Rodriguez. “Beach waves fight against the hair’s natural fall, while Brontë waves work with gravity to create something that feels effortless but intentional.”
The styling process also differs significantly from summer wave techniques:
| Beach Waves | Brontë Waves |
| Salt spray for texture | Mousse for body and hold |
| Scrunching while air drying | Large barrel curling iron or hot rollers |
| Piece-y, separated texture | Smooth, flowing waves |
| Matte finish | Subtle shine |
| Starts at roots | Begins mid-shaft |
How to Create Brontë Waves at Home
The good news? You don’t need to be a professional stylist to achieve this look. The technique is surprisingly straightforward, requiring just a few key tools and the right approach.
Start with clean, damp hair and apply a volumizing mousse from mid-lengths to ends. The goal isn’t to add texture like you would with beach waves, but to give the hair body and hold that will support the wave pattern.
Using a 1.5-inch curling iron or large hot rollers, section the hair and curl away from the face, leaving the last inch of hair out of the barrel. This creates the soft, undone ends that are signature to the Brontë wave look.
“The magic happens when you let the curls cool completely before touching them,” advises Rodriguez. “Then gently brush through with a paddle brush to soften the waves into those flowing S-shapes.”
The entire process takes about 20 minutes for shoulder-length hair, making it practical for busy mornings when you want to look put-together without spending an hour on styling.
- Work in 1-2 inch sections for best results
- Alternate curl direction for a more natural look
- Use a heat protectant to prevent damage
- Finish with a light-hold hairspray
- Sleep on a silk pillowcase to maintain the waves overnight
Who’s Making Brontë Waves Their Signature Look
Celebrities have been quietly embracing this trend for months. Actresses like Anya Taylor-Joy and Florence Pugh have been spotted with variations of Brontë waves on red carpets and in candid street style photos.
The look works particularly well for women who want to transition from summer’s casual vibe to something more sophisticated without losing the romantic, feminine appeal of wavy hair.
“It’s become the go-to request for women in their twenties and thirties who want to look polished but not overdone,” notes Chen. “There’s something about the style that feels both timeless and completely current.”
Fashion weeks in Paris and Milan featured multiple models wearing variations of Brontë waves, cementing the style’s status as more than just a social media trend. Beauty editors have dubbed it the “anti-beach wave” – a conscious choice to embrace winter’s moodier, more dramatic energy.
The versatility factor can’t be understated. Brontë waves look equally appropriate at a coffee meeting, a dinner date, or a formal event. They pair beautifully with chunky knit sweaters and statement coats, making them ideal for the seasonal wardrobe shift.
For women with naturally straight hair, the style offers a way to add movement without committing to a permanent wave or spending hours with heated tools. Those with naturally wavy or curly hair can achieve the look by smoothing and redirecting their natural texture.
FAQs
How long do Brontë waves last?
With the right products and technique, Brontë waves typically last 2-3 days and actually look better as they settle and soften.
Can you do Brontë waves on short hair?
Yes, but you’ll need at least shoulder-length hair to achieve the full flowing effect that defines this style.
Do Brontë waves work on fine hair?
Absolutely. The technique actually helps create the illusion of thicker hair by adding body and movement without relying on teasing.
What’s the difference between Brontë waves and Hollywood waves?
Hollywood waves are more structured and uniform, while Brontë waves embrace slight imperfections and have a softer, more natural-looking flow.
Can you sleep in Brontë waves?
Yes, sleeping on a silk pillowcase helps maintain the shape, and many people find the waves look even better the next morning after settling naturally.
Do you need special products for Brontë waves?
A good volumizing mousse and heat protectant are essential, but you don’t need specialty products – most people already have what they need in their routine.
