There’s a certain kind of hair that doesn’t try too hard—but makes everyone else want to try. It’s lived-in, laissez-faire, and a little bit louche. And this summer, it’s everywhere: the Olsen wave is having a moment.
The look, made famous by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen in their post-movie, pre-The Row fashion evolution, is the ultimate in bohemian refinement—half New York cool girl, half Malibu afterthought. Think barely-there bends, dry texture, and the kind of unstudied imperfection that takes… just the right amount of effort.
Why Everyone’s Obsessed
In the glossy age of bombshell blowouts and glassy curtain hair, there’s something quietly radical about a texture that’s a little rough around the edges. Olsen waves aren’t about polish—they’re about presence. They’ve long been the hair embodiment of The Row: understated, luxurious, and hauntingly off-kilter.
Scrolling through TikTok this summer is like stepping into a 2007 Polaroid—low-rise jeans, slip dresses, and soft waves tucked into oversized sunglasses. Tutorials abound, all chasing that same quietly rumpled aesthetic the twins have worn like a signature scent for years. It’s boho, but reimagined for the girl who wears vintage Margiela and drinks iced espresso with oat milk.
The Origins of an Icon
The twins’ longtime hairstylist Mark Townsend recently peeled back the curtain on their most requested texture during an episode of the Gloss Angeles podcast. Originally, the look came from a combo of a full blowout, curls wrapped with an iron, and then softened with styling creams. Later, the process became more organic—less hot tool, more air-dry, with a dusting of salt spray and a generous mist of dry shampoo for that windswept, “I woke up like this” vibe.
Interestingly, the sisters’ hair textures aren’t identical. “Ashley’s hair is curlier and darker; Mary-Kate’s is coarser,” Townsend shared. As fraternal twins, their strands require separate strategies—but the end result? Unmistakably Olsen.
How to Get the Look
If achieving Olsen wardrobe energy means investing in cashmere and silk, getting their hair is refreshingly democratic.
For naturally wavy or straight textures, she recommends starting with a hydrating curl cream—Aveda’s Be Curly Advanced is a stylist and editor favorite. Apply through damp hair, part as you please, and let air dry to about 70%.
From there, it’s less technique, more intention. Section hair into four braids and secure them with soft scrunchies—no tight elastics here, please. Once hair is fully dry, undo the braids and gently rake through with fingers.
For that signature Olsen grit, finish with a misting of texturizing spray—Oribe’s Dry Texturizing Spray is a cult classic—or a bit of salt spray like Bumble and Bumble’s Surf Spray. Townsend himself swears by dry shampoo used almost like a volumizing mist. And don’t fuss too much—these waves should feel tousled, undone, and just a little slept-in. Too perfect is missing the point.
Shortcut City
In a rush? Loosely braid dry hair and press with a flat iron, letting it cool before releasing the waves. Or opt for a waver tool (a three-barrel iron does wonders in seconds). Whatever your method, always prep with heat protectant—and resist the urge to over-style.
