How To Wear Blake Lively's Iconic Messy Waves Without Looking Like A Mess

Spotted: our very own Serena Vanderwoodsen, aka Blake Lively has been sporting the era's most iconic hairstyle-the messy wave! Gossip Girl fan or not, you've got to admit that Lively's classic hairdo has gone down in hairstyle history. Not for the style in itself, but the ease in which she carries it (and doesn't look like she woke up on the wrong side of the bed). For years now, this actress has been pulling off the soft, beachy waves in different forms. Whether it's via a ponytail or a messy braid or simply just by itself, this diva seems to take a generic hairstyle and make it synonymous to her. We break down how to wear Blake Lively's iconic messy waves in different ways-without you having to look like a hot mess. You can thank us later! XOXO

#1 - The Classic Waves

Image credit: @culturacollectiva on Instagram

Easy, breezy, and perfectly messy, the Blake Lively soft, summer waves are coming your way. Here's how you can sport it, just by itself.

1. Step 1: Divide your hair into sections and apply Livon Damage Protect Serum to it. Twirl smaller sections of your hair onto a hair curler or a curling tong and create soft, beach waves.

#ProTip: To avoid getting those tight, Hollywood curls, make sure you wrap each section of your hair a little loosely on the wand.

2. Step 2: Repeat for all sections.
3. Step 3: Use a texturising hair spray on your hair and run your fingers to open up the waves. Ruffle it a little to give it that messy touch.

#2 - Wavy Ponytail

Image credit: @studiowcabeleireiros on Instagram

So now that you've mastered the art of the Lively waves, it's time to take it to a new level with a messy ponytail.

1. Step 1: Divide your hair into two sections-top and bottom. Take a small section from the top layer of your hair and backcomb the crown area to give it a little oomph and volume.
2. Step 2: Side part your hair and pull it into a mid-ponytail. Don't pull it tight, as you want the crown area to be lifted a little. Secure it with a hair-tie.
3. Step 3: Time to soften the look. Loosen out a few strands from the front of the hair and twirl them with your fingers. Pull out a few strands around the crown and in the front to give it that messy vibe.

#3 - Wavy Half Ponytail

Image credit: @listal on Instagram

Give the messy waves a slightly more interesting look with this half-up-half-down hairstyle.

1. Step 1: Once you're done creating your messy waves, take the top section from the both sides of your hair and pull it back into a loose half ponytail.
2. Step 2: You can either secure it with a scrunchie, hair-tie, or simply pin it together with some hairpins or even a small claw clip.
3. Step 3: Gently pull out strands to frame your face. Run your fingers through the rest of your hair to volumize it a little.
4. Step 4: If you've got pesky flyaways, simply spray on Livon Shake & Spray Serum to finish off the look.

#4 - Messy Braid

Image credit: @more on Instagram

This one is a little more tedious but trust us when we say it's totally worth the effort.

1. Step 1: Pull your messy waves into a low ponytail and start creating a fishtail braid. Do this by dividing your hair into two equal sections. Take a smaller section from the outer part of the bigger section, fold it over, and then loop under the opposite bigger section.
2. Step 2: Repeat it alternately on both sides and create a beautiful fishtail braid.
3. Step 3: Secure the braid with a hair-tie, and then place it over your shoulder.
4. Step 4: Pull out sections of hair from the front, to give the look that overall messy oomph factor.