Soft curls, ribbons, and just the right amount of undone
Bows are back, curls are softer, and suddenly everyone wants to look like they walked straight out of a Jane Austen novel. The coquette aesthetic is having a modern-day moment, and naturally, hair plays a huuuge role. Picture it: loose waves, delicate ribbons, vintage-inspired updos, and a soft, feminine finish that looks effortless but is anything but.
From TikTok to red carpets, coquette hairstyles are all about romanticizing everyday moments. Be it you're tying your hair back with a silky bow, perfecting the art of soft curls, or channeling old-money elegance with a sleek half-up style, there’s a coquette look for every length and texture. The best part? These hairstyles feel dreamy but don’t take an entire Regency-era courtship to perfect.
Ahead, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about coquette hair—what defines it, the must-have accessories, and how to achieve the look, whether your hair is long, short, or natural.
What is a coquette hairstyle?
A coquette hairstyle is soft, romantic, and effortlessly feminine—tousled curls, delicate waves, and perfectly placed accessories like bows and ribbons pretty much define the look. Inspired by vintage beauty with a modern twist, it blends old-Hollywood glamour with a hint of French girl nonchalance. The key? A look that’s polished yet slightly undone, like you just stepped out of a novel (or a Sofia Coppola film).
Coquette hair embraces soft textures, volume, and elegant details, making it perfect for both everyday wear and special occasions. Whether worn in cascading curls, a flirty updo, or sleek with a velvet bow, the aesthetic is all about romanticizing the little moments.
Typical coquette hairstyle accessories
– Satin or velvet ribbons
– Pearl or rhinestone clips
– Lace or silk headbands
– Floral barrettes
– Delicate bows
– Gold or pearl hairpins
– Scrunchies in soft fabrics
Coquette hairstyles to romanticize your look
Heads up: Before you tackle these styles, the right styling tool makes all the difference, helping you achieve long-lasting curls, waves, or sleek styles without the crunch or excessive effort. The TYME Iron Pro does just that, creating curls that hold while still feeling light, airy, and touchable: a MUST for that effortlessly romantic look.
Coquette hairstyles for long hair
Arguably the easiest length/style to play with, long hair offers endless possibilities for coquette-inspired styles—from flowing waves to elegant updos. Here are the best styles to try and how to achieve them:
Soft curls with a ribbon
Loose, romantic curls tied back with a satin ribbon.
1. Use a heat tool to create soft, flowing curls by twisting sections of hair away from your face.
2. Lightly brush out the curls for a more effortless look.
3. Gather the top half of your hair and secure it with a velvet or satin ribbon for that signature coquette touch.
Classic half-up bow style
A half-up style with volume and a bow for a polished-yet-playful aesthetic.
1. Curl your hair into loose waves using a large-barrel curling iron.
2. Section off the top half of your hair and secure it with a small elastic.
3. Tie a ribbon or lace bow around the elastic to complete the look.
Romantic low bun with tendrils
A soft, slightly undone low bun with loose pieces framing the face.
1. Curl your hair to add texture and movement.
2. Gather your hair at the nape of your neck and twist it into a loose bun, securing it with bobby pins.
3. Gently pull out a few face-framing tendrils for an effortlessly romantic touch.
4. Finish with a delicate pearl clip or gold hairpin for an extra luxe feel.
Side-swept waves with pearl pins
Elegant, flowing waves pinned to one side for an effortlessly romantic look.
1. Create soft, voluminous waves using a heat tool or large rollers for extra bounce.
2. Sweep your hair to one side and secure a few pearl or gold pins just above the ear.
3. Lightly tousle the waves for a soft, undone finish.
4. Optional: Add a delicate barrette or bow for extra coquette charm.
Braided ribbon ponytail
A low, loose braid intertwined with a ribbon for a delicate, old-money feel.
1. Start by loosely curling your hair for soft movement.
2. Gather it into a low ponytail and secure with an elastic.
3. Weave a satin or lace ribbon through the braid, tying it into a bow at the end.
4. Gently pull apart sections of the braid to add softness and volume.
Coquette hairstyles for short hair
Short hair? No problem. The coquette aesthetic isn’t just for long, flowing locks—soft texture, delicate accessories, and romantic styling work just as beautifully on bobs, lobs, and pixie cuts. Adding waves, pinning in pearls, or embracing a tousled updo, no matter your vibe, here are the best coquette hairstyles for short hair and how to achieve them.
Soft waves with a side part
A deep side part with effortless waves, giving a vintage-meets-modern coquette feel.
1. Use a small-barrel curling iron or flat iron to create loose, face-framing waves.
2. Flip your part to one side for that old-Hollywood-inspired volume.
3. Lightly brush out the curls to keep them soft and touchable.
4. Tuck one side behind your ear and secure with a pearl clip or dainty barrette.
Flirty bow-tied half-up style
A chic, half-up style finished with a small satin bow for a playful coquette touch.
1. Curl or wave your hair for added texture.
2. Take the top half of your hair and gently pull it back, securing with a clear elastic.
3. Tie a small ribbon around the elastic, letting the tails fall slightly over your waves.
4. Gently loosen pieces around the face for a softer, romantic vibe.
French-girl pin curls
Soft, sculpted pin curls inspired by vintage Parisian beauty.
1. Apply a light mousse or setting spray to damp hair.
2. Use a curling iron to curl small sections of hair, pinning each one in place while it cools.
3. After 10-15 minutes, unpin the curls and lightly brush them out for a soft, airy finish.
4. Pin back one side with a pearl bobby pin or delicate barrette.
Tousled pixie with hairpins
A soft, tousled pixie cut finished with dainty hairpins for a coquette-meets-modern feel.
1. Apply texturizing spray or a light pomade to give the hair soft movement.
2. Use your fingers or a small curling wand to twist a few sections for definition.
3. Pin back one side with gold or pearl bobby pins for a chic, effortless finish.
Coquette hairstyles for Black hair
Black hair is in a league of its own: rich in texture, history, and endless styling possibilities. From intricate braids to gravity-defying curls, it holds shape, volume, and detail in ways no other hair type can. That’s why coquette styling hits differently. It goes beyond the simple soft waves and ribbons—weaving romantic, vintage-inspired touches into braids, twist-outs, and sleek protective styles.
Soft curls with silk ribbon
Some styles don’t need much to make an impact. A simple silk ribbon tied into a loose half-up style can turn a wash-and-go or twist-out into something straight out of a period drama.
1. Start with well-moisturized hair and define your curls using a cream or mousse.
2. Use a diffuser or flexi rods to add volume.
3. Gather a small section of hair at the crown and tie a silk ribbon in a loose bow.
4. Pull out a few tendrils for a softer effect.
Braided crown with pearls
A modern take on the classic milkmaid braid, but with the texture and elegance of a traditional protective style. This look works beautifully on long braids or locs, adding a soft, coquette-approved finish without taking away from the strength of the style.
1. Part your hair into two sections and loosely braid each side.
2. Wrap the braids across the top of your head and pin them in place.
3. Weave in pearl pins or small gold cuffs for a delicate touch.
4. Smooth any flyaways with edge control for a polished yet effortless look.
Sleek low bun with a bow
Minimal effort, maximum elegance. A sleek bun with a satin bow feels both timeless and playful, the kind of style that works just as well with a slip dress as it does with an oversized sweater.
1. Use a smoothing brush and styling gel to create a low ponytail.
2. Twist the ponytail into a bun and secure with bobby pins.
3. Choose a black, pastel, or jewel-toned satin bow and tie it at the base.
4. For extra softness, leave a few wisps of hair loose at the sides.
Bubble ponytail with gold hairpins
Braided or unbraided, this ponytail has movement. The stacked, bubble-like sections keep things playful, while gold accents elevate the look to something a little more refined.
1. Secure your hair in a mid-to-high ponytail.
2. Add small elastics every few inches, creating a "bubble" effect by gently tugging each section apart.
3. Slide in gold hairpins or pearl accents between the bubbles for extra detail.
4. Finish with a light mist of shine spray for that polished finish.
Soft twist-out with lace headband
Defined curls and a lace headband? Very soft girl coded. This look keeps things romantic while letting your texture do the talking.
1. Set your hair in twists overnight using a leave-in conditioner or styling mousse.
2. Take them down in the morning, fluff for volume, and separate for definition.
3. Place a lace or silk headband just behind your hairline for that vintage touch.
4. Lay edges softly for a polished yet effortless finish.
Coquette hairstyles are a dream for low-maintenance girlies
Soft waves, delicate bows, and vintage details; coquette hair is all about leaning into beauty without overcomplicating it. A loose braid with a ribbon, a low bun with wispy tendrils, curls pinned back with pearls—small touches make a big impact. No need for stiff styles or overdone curls. Just a little polish, a little playfulness, and a hairstyle that feels as good as it looks.
And if you need the right tools to bring it all together? TYME’s got you covered.
