Finding the right hairstyle for day and night — that is both practical and stylish — can be a struggle. Everyone has a different hair type, and just like fashion, a different personal style. Some may prefer an updo, while others prefer long, free-flowing locks. However, thanks to modern-day platforms like Pinterest, TikTok and Instagram, there is an endless amount of hair inspiration everywhere.
Mostly, I get my style inspiration from my favorite TV shows. When I get dolled up, I like to take inspiration from characters who always dress to the nines, like Maddy Perez from Euphoria. On the other end of the spectrum, on lazier days when I still want to feel cute, I love to take inspiration from nostalgic shows like Gilmore Girls (because Lorelai Gilmore is the blueprint) and The Vampire Diaries.
Read on for a list of nine unique hairstyles you should try out this semester, based on what you are currently binge-watching.
- Zigzag Headbands: Euphoria
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The 2000s are undeniably making a comeback, which can be seen through the recent rise in popularity of Y2K style trends like low-rise jeans. The character Maddy Perez from Euphoria has been credited with helping bring back Y2K fashion, especially with her iconic carnival look and NYE look in the show. Her ultimate Y2K hairstyle is in the latter look, with her now-iconic zigzag headband. The zigzag headband trend is perfect for showing off your face while also keeping your hair back while studying!
- Crimped Hair: Stranger Things
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80s style made a huge comeback in the 2010s, and their influence is still seen through the popularity of shoulder pads, mom jeans, and oversized clothing, something that has become synonymous with Gen Z style icon Billie Eilish. While no main character in Stranger Things has worn their hair crimped (probably because of how time-consuming this hairstyle is, and you know, they gotta fight monsters), characters like Nancy Wheeler definitely wear variations of fun waves and perms.
- Big, bouncy ringlets: Never Have I Ever
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Messy and beautiful describes Devi’s life to a T, and that’s exactly what this hairstyle represents. Olivia Rodrigo sported it at the 2022 Met Gala and The Summer I Turned Pretty’s Lola Tung wore it at the show’s premiere, making it a super popular hairstyle to try out.
- Twisted ponytail: Succession
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The twisted ponytail is a youthful, flirty take on the Audrey Hepburn-esque French twist, equal parts elegant and chaotic. It’s perfect for the Serena Van Der Woodsen-type, who is both classy and messy. And Succession is all about sophistication with twists and turns (I mean, that Season 3 finale I did not see coming!).
- Claw clip: Outer Banks
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This hair accessory is sporty and effortless, just like Kiara and Sarah in Netflix’s Outer Banks. The claw clip has become Gen Z’s go-to hair accessory, with models like Kendall Jenner, Hailey Bieber, and Bella Hadid wearing them 24/7. Between studying, extracurriculars, and going out, the claw clip is the perfect hair accessory for college students that is both cute and versatile.
- Pigtail Braids: Riverdale
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This hairstyle is both quirky and campy — just like Riverdale. Olivia Rodrigo wore this look to the 2022 Met Gala afterparty and even to the Sour Prom screening. If the pigtail braids look is a little too daring for you, you can also try pulling a Blake Lively and just wear a simple braided high pony.
- Ponytail with a Bow: Gilmore Girls
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Preppy and stylish, this hairstyle is perfect for studious college students who live to emulate Spencer Hastings, Blair Waldorf, Hermione Granger, and Rory Gilmore. If you want a more edgy look, you can also use Hailey Bieber’s pink Alexander Wang Met Gala 2019 look as inspiration.
- Ballerina Bun: Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin
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Faran took Emily’s place in the Pretty Little Liars reboot, Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin, as the athletic queen. Faran proves that ballerinas may be pretty and graceful, but they are also tough and resilient — which is why a ballerina bun is perfect for these fans.
- Sleek, Straight Hair: The Vampire Diaries
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Is this even a surprise? Sleek, straight hair is Elena Gilbert’s signature hairstyle and is perfectly reminiscent of the early 2010s. I mean, c’mon, even her vampire doppelganger Katherine couldn’t get away with impersonating Elena without straightening her curly locks. IRL, singers Ariana Grande and Camila Cabello are huge fans of full, straight hair.