Barbiecore Hairstyles That Are Totally On Trend

Greta Gerwig's upcoming "Barbie" movie has been making waves since it was announced. Leaked set photos of Margot Robbie's Barbie and Ryan Gosling's Ken, along with the recent trailer drop, have the internet buzzing about the movie (as does the potential of a "Barbie" and "Oppenheimer" double-feature when both movies release on July 21). Gerwig's film, plus the Valentino fall 2022 collection Valentino Pink PP, has people from all walks of life embracing the Barbiecore aesthetic.

Barbie has always been a trendsetter. Kim Culmone, the senior vice president and head of design for fashion dolls at Mattel told InStyle, "Her signature look and affinity for the color pink continues to serve as central inspiration for countless beauty brands, celebrity looks, and experts in the space." 

To follow Barbiecore and pay homage to the doll in question, you must include pink: bubblegum pink, magenta, fuschia, or any bright shade of your choice. You can also include things like floral patterns, frills, butterflies, ribbons, and similar feminine touches to round out your look. You can incorporate the Barbiecore aesthetic into your life through your outfits, makeup, and/or hair. Give any of the following Barbiecore hairstyles a try to help your inner Barbie shine through!

Bubblegum pink hair

Some people have embraced Barbiecore by dying their hair Barbie's signature color. If you are ready for a hair color shake-up, you can choose to do the same. In this example, the TikToker dyed their blonde hair a light bubblegum pink. However, any shade of pink will work depending on what you like best and what looks best with your natural hair color and skin tone. Once your hair is dyed, you can curl it with soft, beachy waves to evoke the summery, fun, girly style of Barbie.

Hot pink streaks

If you do not want to dye your entire head of hair pink, you can choose to just dye a few streaks. Whereas the blonde hair in the first example looked great with a lighter pink, if you have black or brunette hair, the striking contrast between dark hair and hot pink hair is a really nice combination for you to consider. And if you are not interested in a permanent Barbiecore look but still want to play around with pink hair, you can purchase hair dye that will wash out from temporary hair color brands.

Bouncy high pony

Dyeing your hair Barbie pink is not a requirement to have a fashionable Barbiecore hairstyle. Another option is a simple yet elegant high ponytail. To get a pony with maximum height, first, pull your hair up into a high ponytail as usual and secure it with a hair elastic. Then, separate a small section of hair directly above the elastic and pull your ponytail up and into it. Tighten the ponytail and let it fall. Now, your hair elastic will be covered and your ponytail will be bouncy.

Bubble braid

For a hairstyle that will keep your hair off your neck, consider the bubble braid, also known as a bubble ponytail. To achieve this look, smooth out your hair and pull it into a normal high ponytail. Then, add another hair elastic an inch or so down the ponytail. To create the bubble effect, pull on the sides of the hair in this second section. Once the bubble is rounded to your liking, continue this process until you've reached the end of your hair. If you have bangs, you can slick them down or style them your usual way.

Half-up, half-down

A classic half-up, half-down hairstyle with a little extra flair is a great way to honor Barbiecore. First, you will want to comb or brush out your hair and gather up the half that you want to pull back. Be sure to capture any rogue hairs or flyaways. Secure that section of hair with a hair elastic and grab your favorite hot tool — whether that be a curling iron or flatiron. Flip up the ends of your hair with the tool. Do the same for the miniature ponytail that you've pulled back, and you're done.

Sexy updo

For something with a sultry twist (literally), try this updo. First, curl your hair and spray it with volumizing hairspray. Then, tease the hair at the top of your head. Leaving two strands to frame your face, pull half of your hair up and over your head and twist it to keep the section together. Use bobby pins to secure it in place, and then repeat the process with the back half of your hair. @itsclaytonhawkins' special hack is to spray the hairpins with the volumizing hairspray before adding them to your hair so they don't slip.

Half-pink ponytail with extensions

@xshairqueen showcased a hot pink stripe in their hair and added hair extensions to achieve a dreamy, Barbiecore high pony. To get this look, pull your natural hair into a ponytail. Then, smooth your hair with edge control gel or hairspray, depending on your hair texture. Next, smooth out your bangs and secure the ends of them behind your ears. Once that's done, add the hair extension over your ponytail and style it as needed — i.e., curl the ends. Make final adjustments to your edges or baby hairs and then you're all set.

Space buns

For another updo, you can choose to style your hair in space buns. First, you will want to separate your hair into even pigtails. Then, twist one of them entirely and wrap it around the pigtail at the top of your head. Secure it with a hair elastic and do the same to the other pigtail, and finish off the look with hairspray. You should leave strands of hair to frame your face and can choose pink makeup to lean into the Barbiecore way of life.

Barbie's curled bangs

One way to commit to Barbiecore is to recreate the first-ever Barbie doll's hairstyle. To do so, pull your hair half-up, half-down when it's damp. Pull the bottom half of your hair into a ponytail. In the top half of the hair, create pencil curls. Cover the curls with a silk scarf and let them dry. Once dry, remove the scarf and take out the curls. Add some volume by fluffing them and roll them into one big faux bang on the top of your head. Pin it and spray it with hairspray. Wear white-and-black stripes to complete the look!

Braid headband

You can also recreate hairstyles from animated Barbie movies. To get Erika's hair from "Barbie as the Princess and the Pauper," pull your hair into three sections: one big ponytail for the back of your hair, a small ponytail underneath for the front of your hair, and enough hair loose on one side to braid. Braid that section and pull it across the top of your head, pinning it on the opposite side. Leave the small ponytail but remove the big one, pulling that hair half-up, half-down. You'll have a hairstyle worthy of an (almost) princess.