Aspen Waves: How to Get Winter’s Cool-Girl Hair Trend

Soft, effortless and just a little bit expensive-looking, “Aspen waves” are the cold-season hairstyle set to be everywhere this winter. Think of the kind of hair you’d expect to see on someone stepping out of a chic chalet in Aspen: groomed but not overdone, full of subtle movement rather than beachy chaos, and with a fresh, glossy finish that instantly elevates a jumper-and-coat outfit. For UK readers wondering how to translate this snow-globe aesthetic into daily life, the good news is that the look is surprisingly achievable with the right prep, tools and technique.

What Are Aspen Waves – And Why Are They Different to Beach Waves?

While summer’s go-to beach waves are deliberately undone and salt-sprayed, Aspen waves belong firmly to the winter wardrobe. They are smoother, softer and more polished, with less frizz and fewer dramatic bends. The wave pattern is elongated and relaxed, more of a gentle S-shape than a tight curl or kink. This gives the hair that “moneyed” movement we often see in celebrity blow-dries without looking overly glam or set.

In UK salons, stylists are describing the trend as a cross between a bouncy blow-out and minimal waves: hair that moves, but still looks like you could run a brush through it. It works beautifully on mid-length to long hair, but can be adapted for lobs and longer bobs by softening the bend further and keeping the ends straighter.

Key characteristics of Aspen waves include:

• Soft, elongated waves rather than tight curls or deep beach bends
• Healthy, glossy finish with minimal visible frizz
• Subtle volume at the roots instead of big, round-brush lift
• Ends that skim coats and scarves without tangling easily
• A “rich girl” ease – it looks luxurious, but not like you’ve tried too hard

Importantly, Aspen waves aren’t about chasing impossible perfection. They are meant to move, loosen and soften through the day – ideal for British weather where a commute, drizzle and central heating can all affect your style. The technique is about getting a sheer, polished base so that the hair relaxes beautifully rather than collapsing into frizz.

How to Prep Your Hair for Aspen Waves

Any stylist will tell you that the gloss and movement we associate with this look starts in the shower, not with your curling tong. Winter in the UK brings central heating, wind and damp, all of which can leave hair feeling parched and static. To mimic that Alpine-fresh finish, focus on hydration, smoothness and light control.

Many stylists recommend the following prep routine before you even plug in a tool:

• Use a moisturising shampoo and conditioner to counter winter dryness, focusing conditioner on the mid-lengths and ends rather than the roots.
• Detangle gently with a wide-tooth comb while conditioner is in to minimise breakage.
• Blot – don’t rub – with a microfibre towel or soft cotton T-shirt to reduce frizz.
• Apply a heat protectant evenly through damp hair; this is non-negotiable if you are using hot tools.
• Add a lightweight smoothing cream or serum through the lengths, avoiding the scalp so roots do not become greasy under hats and hoods.

For those with finer hair, a volumising spray at the roots can help maintain lift so the waves do not weigh the hair down. If your hair is coarser or naturally curly, layering a richer cream or leave-in conditioner through the ends can help keep the finished style supple and shiny once you’ve smoothed or blow-dried it.

From a practical point of view, wash and prep hair the evening before you want your Aspen waves if your hair tends to be very slippery when freshly washed. Styling on hair that is one day old can often hold the wave pattern better, particularly for those with straight hair that drops quickly.

Step-by-Step: Creating Aspen Waves at Home

You do not need a full salon blow-dry to achieve this trend. A simple home routine with a hairdryer and one heated tool – either a large-barrel tong, wand or straightener – is more than enough. The aim is to create a soft, smooth canvas first, then build in relaxed bends through the mid-lengths.

Here is a straightforward method many UK stylists use and adapt for clients:

• 1. Rough-dry for root lift. Using your hairdryer, flip your head upside down or lift sections with your fingers, directing air at the roots until they are about 70–80% dry. This helps keep the finished look airy, not flat.
• 2. Smooth with a brush. Switch to a paddle brush or large round brush to smooth the lengths and ends as you finish drying. You are aiming for a sleek but not poker-straight blow-dry as your base.
• 3. Section your hair. Once dry and cooled, split the hair into two horizontal sections: top and bottom. Clip the top away. Work with 3–4cm wide sections at a time for softer, looser waves.
• 4. Create gentle bends with your tool of choice.
  • With a tong or wand: Wrap the mid-lengths around the barrel, keeping the roots and very ends slightly straighter. Hold for a few seconds, then release. Alternate the direction of each section for natural movement.
  • With a straightener: Clamp at mid-length, rotate the iron slightly away from your face, then glide downwards to create a subtle S-bend. Leave the ends straighter for that modern finish.
• 5. Let each section cool in place. Allow the wave to cool fully before touching it; this sets the shape and improves longevity, particularly important on damp winter days.
• 6. Repeat through all sections. Continue working around the head, keeping the bends soft and slightly lower down than a typical glam wave. The top layer should look the smoothest and most relaxed.
• 7. Soften and blend. Once everything is cool, gently brush through with a soft bristle brush or wide-tooth comb. This is the crucial step that transforms individual curls into that airy Aspen texture.
• 8. Finish with light hold. Mist a flexible-hold hairspray from arm’s length, or use a light styling cream on the ends to keep them neat. Avoid anything too crunchy or sticky.

If you are short on time, focus your energy on the top and front sections, where the wave pattern is most visible. Leaving the underneath slightly less styled still gives that relaxed, off-duty quality associated with the look.

Making Aspen Waves Work for Your Hair Type and UK Winter Life

One of the reasons Aspen waves are likely to take hold this season is their versatility. The look can be adjusted to suit different hair types, cut lengths and day-to-day realities – whether you are dashing between meetings in London drizzle or bundling up in a wool beanie in Glasgow.

Here are some practical tweaks and considerations:

• Fine or flat hair: Keep waves low and loose, but do not skip volumising mousse or spray at the roots. Using a larger barrel (around 32mm) can stop the style from collapsing into tight curls.
• Thick or coarse hair: Work in smaller sections so the heat passes through evenly. A smoothing cream before drying and a light oil on the ends afterwards can help control volume without losing movement.
• Naturally curly or wavy hair: Many people find it easier to first smooth their natural texture with a blow-dry or straightener, then add in just a few controlled bends. This provides the Aspen shape while respecting your natural density.
• Shorter cuts and lobs: Focus the bend just below the cheekbones or jawline so it flatters your face shape. Keeping the ends slightly straighter makes the look more modern and wearable for everyday UK office or pub settings.
• Colour-treated hair: Maintain regular trims to keep ends tidy – Aspen waves rely on clean lines through the bottom of the hair. Many colourists also suggest glossing treatments to boost shine, which really enhances this trend.

Winter accessories also matter. If you rely on hats, wrap a silk scarf or use a silk-lined beanie where possible to minimise friction and preserve the style. When you arrive at your destination, slip the hat off, flip your head upside down once, run your fingers through the roots, and your waves will usually bounce back into shape.

From a realistic, everyday perspective, you might reserve the full routine for key days – say, midweek meetings or weekend plans – and simply refresh your waves in between by re-bending the face-framing sections with a straightener or tong. This keeps heat exposure lower while maintaining the look.

Key Takeaways

• Aspen waves are winter’s answer to beach waves: smoother, glossier and more polished, with soft movement rather than messy texture.
• The style starts with good prep – hydrating wash care, careful detangling and reliable heat protection are essential for a healthy-looking finish.
• You can create the look at home with a hairdryer and either a large tong, wand or straightener by focusing on relaxed bends through the mid-lengths and straighter ends.
• The trend is highly adaptable for different hair types, from fine and straight to thick and curly, by adjusting product weight, section size and tool choice.
• For busy UK schedules, concentrate styling on the top and front layers and simply refresh key sections on non-wash days to keep maintenance realistic.

Frequently Asked Questions

How are Aspen waves different from a classic bouncy blow-dry?
Traditional bouncy blow-dries tend to have more root lift, stronger curl and a more “done” finish. Aspen waves are calmer: roots are softly elevated rather than big and round-brushed, and the wave itself is looser and more relaxed. The overall effect is more like hair that has settled beautifully a few hours after a professional blow-dry.

Can I get Aspen waves without using heat?
Heat tools offer the most predictable result, but you can mimic the shape to a degree with heatless methods. Some people find success by loosely plaiting slightly damp hair in two or three low braids, then undoing and gently brushing out once dry. The result will be less uniform than tonged waves, but if you prioritise condition over perfect styling, it can be a good compromise.

How long do Aspen waves typically last?
On most hair types, the look will last a day, softening gradually. Fine or very straight hair may see the bends relax by the evening, while thicker or more textured hair might hold the wave into the next day. Using heat protectant, allowing each section to cool completely and finishing with a flexible hairspray all help extend wear.

Is this style suitable for naturally curly or coily hair?
Yes, although the technique is slightly different. Many stylists will first smooth curls with a blow-dry or straightener, using plenty of heat protection and moisturising products, then add a few controlled bends through the mid-lengths. Others may enhance your natural curl pattern with strategic curling rather than fully straightening first, depending on your desired finish. It is worth discussing with a stylist who understands your curl type.

Will Aspen waves work with a fringe or face-framing layers?
They work particularly well with subtle layers. A soft curtain fringe or longer face-framing pieces can be curved away from the face with a round brush or straightener to blend into the rest of the waves. Short, blunt fringes are usually styled a bit smoother, letting the waves start just below the fringe line for a modern contrast.

What products should I avoid if I want light, airy waves?
Very heavy oils, thick waxes and strong-hold gels can weigh the hair down and make the style look rigid rather than floaty. In a UK winter, it is tempting to overload with rich products to fight frizz, but focusing on a balanced routine – hydration in the wash, light smoothing creams and flexible hold – usually delivers better movement.

How can I protect my hair from damage if I style it like this regularly?
Dermatologists and trichologists often suggest setting a safe maximum heat setting for your hair type, always using a good heat protectant and limiting how frequently you restyle from scratch. On in-between days, touch up only the areas that show the most – usually the top layer and front pieces – instead of re-curling the whole head.