Perfectly imperfect hair is having a major moment. The “tired but chic” effect—casual, lived-in texture that hints at late nights and an easy sense of style—is no longer just a backstage secret. Learn how beauty insiders are nailing the look, why it resonates in 2025, and how anyone can master easy-breezy glamour daily.
What Defines the “Tired But Chic” Hair Trend?
- Natural movement: Embracing bends, kinks, and broken waves
- Deliberate frizz and flyaways: Hair that says “real life” instead of “runway shellac”
- Low-maintenance partings and volume—root lift, not perfect smoothing
- Dry texture, as if styled the night before and just lightly refreshed
- “Second-day” styling: A soft, undone feel that stays cool all day
Why It’s Trending in 2025
- Celebrates authenticity and self-acceptance
- Saves time—no need to blow-dry or painstakingly curl every strand
- Complements modern fashion: Slip dresses, oversized denim, relaxed tailoring
- Suits every hair type—straight, wavy, curly, or coily
- Social media favorite—messy is now “in” thanks to influencers
Key Products and Tools for Chicly Undone Hair
| Essential | Purpose | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Dry shampoo | Absorbs oil, adds root lift | Use at night for big volume |
| Texturizing spray | Creates “grit” and hold | Scrunch for beachy effect |
| Sea salt spray | Enhances waves, adds body | Air dry for true tousle |
| Wide-tooth comb | Separates curls, prevents frizz | Use instead of a brush |
| Silk scrunchies | Prevents dents, minimizes breakage | Loosely tie before bed |
Most Popular “Tired but Chic” Styles in 2025
| Style | How-To | Best Hair Types |
|---|---|---|
| Soft Bedhead Waves | Braid hair damp, air dry or unbraid in a.m. | Straight, wavy |
| Messy Ponytail | Gather high or low, leave loose ends | All types |
| Imperfect Bun | Twist loosely, pull a few pieces out | Medium–long hair |
| Lived-in Bob | Air-dry with salt/texturizing spray | Short, blunt cuts |
| Distressed Braids | Loosen plaits, gently tug for softness | Layered, thick hair |
How to Get the Look: Simple Steps
- Wash and air-dry, skip heavy conditioners on roots
- Apply dry shampoo or texturizer for volume and grit
- Style with hands, not brushes; scrunch, twist, or braid for natural effect
- Embrace imperfections—don’t fix every strand
- Use a lightweight serum (or nothing!) on ends if needed
In or Out: What’s Trending?
| Out in 2025 | In for 2025 |
|---|---|
| Glassy, ultra-sleek hair | Lived-in texture, “real” movement |
| Over-styled curls | Soft, brushed-out bends |
| Precise partings | Natural, off-center, finger-combed |
| Heavy shine serum | Matte, airy texture sprays |
Quick Tips from Stylists
- Mist texturizer and “scrunch don’t brush”
- For extra fullness, flip head upside down and dry roots
- Sleep with loose braids for easy, frizz-friendly waves
- Refresh second-day hair with a dab of lotion and water in palms
In 2025, the most stylish hair is the kind that looks like you barely tried—the “tired but chic” trend proves you don’t need to be flawless to be fabulous. Embrace your natural texture, skip the stress, and let your hair tell your story.