Mastering Kristen Bell's Wavy Hair: Tutorials & Products

Edward Jul 28, 2026

Kristen Bell, the charming actress known for her roles in "Veronica Mars," "Frozen," and "The Good Place," is widely admired for her natural beauty and signature wavy hair. Her soft, loose curls have become a trademark of sorts, inspiring fans and followers to adopt similar hairstyles. But what makes Kristen Bell's wavy hair so covetable, and how can you achieve this look at home?

Reverse Waves, Mermaid Waves Bob, Kristen Bell Hair Short, Kristen Bell Lob, Kristen Bell Hair, Kristen Bell Bob Haircut, Kristen Bell Hair 2024, Kristen Bell Haircut, Beachwaver Short Hair
Reverse Waves, Mermaid Waves Bob, Kristen Bell Hair Short, Kristen Bell Lob, Kristen Bell Hair, Kristen Bell Bob Haircut, Kristen Bell Hair 2024, Kristen Bell Haircut, Beachwaver Short Hair

Bell's wavy hair is a testament to her embrace of her natural texture, and her effortless style has made her a hair icon. Celebrities like Chrissy Teigen and Emma Stone have praised her hair, with Teigen tweeting, "Kristen Bell's hair is my spirit animal." But achieving this look isn't just about embracing your natural texture; it also involves some styling tips and tricks.

a woman with long blonde hair standing in front of a blue sign and smiling at the camera
a woman with long blonde hair standing in front of a blue sign and smiling at the camera

The Science Behind the Style

Kristen Bell's hair is naturally wavy, but her locks don't simply air-dry into those perfect, loose curls. Her hairstylists often use heat and styling products to enhance and define her waves. Understanding the science behind this style can help you recreate it at home.

Kristen Bell Long Hair Type Side Parted Wavy Synthetic Hair Capless Wig
Kristen Bell Long Hair Type Side Parted Wavy Synthetic Hair Capless Wig

Our hair's shape is determined by its proteins and the moisture in our hair. Wavy hair, like Bell's, is shaped like a horseshoe, with hydrogen bonds and chemical cross-links inside the hair shaft holding the wave in place. By using heat and styling products, hairstylists can manipulate these bonds to create more defined, long-lasting waves.

Heat Styling

MATTHEW COLLINS on Instagram: "✨ KRISTEN @ KIMMEL ✨ @kristenanniebell last night at @jimmykimmellive and with fluffy textured waves with my @dysonbeauty #corrale Hair: me w/ @dysonhairpro @dysonusa Asst: @beccaa_hair 💄 @simonesiegl 👗 @nicolechavezstyle #jimmykimmel #kristenbell #dysonusa #dysonbeauty" Evening Event Hair Ideas, How To Style Wavy Hair, Long Hair Style Inspiration, Natural Wavy Hairstyle, Woman With Long Wavy Hair, Eras Your Hair, Kirsten Bell Hair, Kirsten Dunst Brown Hair, Kristen Bell 2024
MATTHEW COLLINS on Instagram: "✨ KRISTEN @ KIMMEL ✨ @kristenanniebell last night at @jimmykimmellive and with fluffy textured waves with my @dysonbeauty #corrale Hair: me w/ @dysonhairpro @dysonusa Asst: @beccaa_hair 💄 @simonesiegl 👗 @nicolechavezstyle #jimmykimmel #kristenbell #dysonusa #dysonbeauty" Evening Event Hair Ideas, How To Style Wavy Hair, Long Hair Style Inspiration, Natural Wavy Hairstyle, Woman With Long Wavy Hair, Eras Your Hair, Kirsten Bell Hair, Kirsten Dunst Brown Hair, Kristen Bell 2024

Heat styling tools, like blow dryers and curling irons, can help enhance waves by accelerating the evaporation of water from the hair. This allows the hair's proteins to "set" in a new shape, creating more defined waves. Bell's hairstylists often use a combination of heat and styling products to achieve her signature style, creating flexible, bouncy waves that hold for days.

To heat style your hair like a professional, start by applying a heat protectant to damp hair. This will help prevent heat damage and keep your hair looking healthy and shiny. Then, use a blow dryer with a diffuser to enhance your natural texture, or a curling iron to create more defined curls. Remember to turn the styling tool off before running it through your hair to avoid over-styling and breakage.

Styling Products

a woman with blonde hair and blue eyeshadow wearing a green dress at an event
a woman with blonde hair and blue eyeshadow wearing a green dress at an event

Styling products are essential for creating and maintaining Kristen Bell's wavy hair. Her hairstylists often use a combination of leave-in conditioners, styling creams, and texture sprays to define and enhance her natural texture, while also providing hold and protecting her hair from heat damage.

To recreate Bell's wavy hair at home, start by applying a leave-in conditioner to damp hair. This will help moisturize your hair and prevent frizz. Then, apply a styling cream or mousse to enhance your natural texture, followed by a texture spray for added volume and hold. When using styling products, focus on your mid-lengths and ends, as this will help create more defined waves and prevent weighing down your hair.

Top Tips for Achieving Kristen Bell's Wavy Hair

a woman in a strapless blue dress smiles for the camera while standing on a red carpet
a woman in a strapless blue dress smiles for the camera while standing on a red carpet

Now that you know the science behind Kristen Bell's wavy hair, it's time to put that knowledge into practice. Here are some top tips for achieving her signature look at home:

1. Embrace your natural texture: The first step to achieving Kristen Bell's wavy hair is to embrace your natural texture. If you have naturally wavy or curly hair, celebrate it by using styling products and techniques that enhance your waves, rather than fighting them. This will help you achieve a more natural, effortless look.

a woman with long blonde hair wearing a white dress posing for a photo in front of some trees
a woman with long blonde hair wearing a white dress posing for a photo in front of some trees
a woman with blonde hair and blue eyes smiles at the camera while wearing a strapless dress
a woman with blonde hair and blue eyes smiles at the camera while wearing a strapless dress
cute look
cute look
a woman with blonde hair and blue eyes is looking at the camera while wearing a black top
a woman with blonde hair and blue eyes is looking at the camera while wearing a black top
a woman with long blonde hair is looking at the camera and smiling while wearing a black top
a woman with long blonde hair is looking at the camera and smiling while wearing a black top
a woman with long blonde hair smiling at the camera and wearing a black off shoulder top
a woman with long blonde hair smiling at the camera and wearing a black off shoulder top
a woman with long hair wearing a strapless dress
a woman with long hair wearing a strapless dress
Miscellaneous
Miscellaneous

2. Use the "plopping" technique: Before bed, stack your hair on top of your head and secure it with an old t-shirt or microfiber towel. This will help smooth out your hair's cuticle, reduce frizz, and enhance your natural texture. In the morning, your hair will be ready to style with minimal heat and product.

3. Experiment with different curling irons: Kristen Bell's hairstylists often use different-sized curling irons to create her signature waves. Try using a 1.5-inch curling iron for larger waves and a 0.75-inch curling iron for more defined, piecey curls. You can also use your fingers to scrunch your hair into waves for a more laid-back look.

4. Focus on the mid-lengths and ends: When styling your hair, focus on your mid-lengths and ends to create more defined waves. This will help distribute the weight of your hair more evenly and prevent your waves from sagging throughout the day.

5. Don't be afraid to touched-up your hair: Kristen Bell's wavy hair often looks effortless, but it's important to touch-up your hair throughout the day to maintain its shape. Use a texture spray or light-hold hairspray to refresh your waves and tame any frizz.

Kristen Bell's wavy hair is a timeless, romantic look that's perfect for any occasion. By embracing your natural texture and using the right styling products and techniques, you can achieve this coveted look at home. So, embrace your natural waves, and let your hair be your crowning glory.