Little Women Inspired Hairstyles

This post is sponsored by Little Women

My latest hairstyle tutorials are inspired by the movie LITTLE WOMEN.

I remember my mother giving me the book by Louisa May Alcott to read when I was little and then she introduced me to the films too.

Such lovely childhood memories.

This latest version of Little Women is so beautifully told and this film, more than the others, really emphasises the strength of the characters and true layers of friendship between sisters.

As soon as the movie started, I was captivated by Jo and her natural waves. I loved the hairstyles in the film and knew I would have to create modern versions that you can wear now.

Hairstyles can often share so much about a place and time, but like the enduring relationships in Little Women, these styles are timeless.

Little Women hairstyles – Easy half-up hair tutorial

Most often seen on Meg March (played by Emma Watson) and Beth March (played by Eliza Scanlen). This is a classic style that anyone can wear and it’s so easy to do.

What you need:

• Bobby pins
• Hair elastic (optional)
• Hair accessories (optional)

Step-by-step hairstyle tutorial:

1. Let’s start at the front by working out which layers to leave out. If you have a fringe/bangs you can leave them out or pin them into the style.
2. Take a section of hair from each side of your face and twist these up to meet at the back of your head.
3. Twist the sections together and wrap them around to form a bun. You can tie the ends with an elastic if you need to. Pin the bun in place with bobby pins.
4. Adjust the twists so that they’re sitting against your head. You can use a bobby pin to secure them if you need to.
5. Add a little extra detail with another twist. Pick up another section of hair and wrap it around your bun to emphasise the style.

Bonus step: Add in an accessory – feature some cute clips or a ribbon for that extra little detail.

Little Women hairstyles – Low loose bun hair tutorial

As seen on Jo March (played by Saoirse Ronan). Our heroine is given a richer view in Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of Little Women. Her loose waves that won’t be tamed represent her creative and tomboyish nature.

What you need:

• Bobby pins
• Hair elastic

Step-by-step hairstyle tutorial:

1. Start with wavy hair, or whatever your unstyled hair texture is. You can get this look in any hair type.
2. Leave some loose waves and layers out around your face to soften the style.
3. Gather the rest of your hair back into a low ponytail and secure it with a hair elastic.
4. Add some volume back in above your ponytail by pulling out some layers. This also helps to emphasise your hair’s texture.
5. Braid your ponytail into a basic 3-strand braid.
6. Secure the end of the braid with a small elastic if your hair starts to unravel.
7. Wrap your braid around to create a low, loose bun.
8. Pin the bun in place with bobby pins and stretch out the braid sections to make your hair look thicker.

Little Women hairstyles – Twist & pin upstyle tutorial

A modern take on the detailed hairstyles of Amy March (played by Florence Pugh) crossed with the loose updos of Jo March. This is my version of how you can get the look. This updo is perfect for wavy or curly hair and is much easier to do than it looks.

What you need:

• Bobby pins
• Hair elastic (optional)
• Hair accessories (optional)

Step-by-step hairstyle tutorial:

1. Defining the form of your hair at the start helps to plan this style. I like to leave out a few loose layers with a messy middle part.
2. Take a section of hair from the top of your head, twist it and use a pin to hold it in place at the back. This helps to create volume and shape on the top of your head.
3. Use the end of this twist to create a small bun to cover your pin.
4. Pick up another section of hair from the left side. Twist it around into another mini bun at the back of your head and pin in place with a bobby pin.
5. Repeat with a section from the right side, and twist and pin in place. It helps to twist with one finger, and then use your other index finger to hold the twist down so you can make the bun.
6. Continue twisting and pinning your hair across into mini buns at the back of your head. Try and keep the sections even, so you have evenly-sized twists.
7. Finish the style by pinning the final sections of hair at the nape of your neck.

Styling tips

Straight hair and want to get more waves?

You can use a 1-inch curling wand to curl your hair before starting any of these styles.

Don’t aim for perfection

Keeping it a little loose or messy keeps the style more effortless, just like Jo March’s style. It also helps turn the classic-looking styles in the movie into more modern looks.

Hold your style all day

If you want your style to stay in place, finish with a spritz of hairspray all over.

Maybe I’m always thinking about hair but I love how a character’s personality is brought to life through their hairstyle. It’s certainly the case in Little Women.

Little Women is such a beautiful movie. It is now available on Digital and coming to Blu-ray™ and DVD on April 7. You can find out more at https://www.littlewomen.movie/