How to Get Blake Lively-Inspired Glossy Date-Night Waves in Minutes

Blake Lively’s latest date-night look has reignited our collective obsession with glossy, undone waves—the kind that feel Upper East Side polished but still effortless enough for a Thursday night in Shoreditch. While the original inspiration nods to her Gossip Girl era, the technique itself is surprisingly achievable at home, even if you’re working with limited time, a basic tong and less-than-salon-fresh hair. This guide breaks down how to recreate that soft, romantic texture in under 10 minutes, with advice rooted in professional styling practice and realistic for everyday UK routines.

Why Blake Lively’s Waves Still Define Modern “Date Hair”

Lively’s signature hair sits at the sweet spot between done and undone: polished enough for a Michelin-starred dinner, relaxed enough for tapas and a late bus home. It’s a style that works in the real world—over a jumper and jeans as easily as with a bias-cut slip dress—and on a wide range of hair types.

From a UK hairdressing perspective, the appeal lies in three things professionals talk about constantly: shine, movement and believable texture. The waves aren’t tight or overly “bridal”; instead, they look like your natural hair on its very best day. That makes this look ideal if you’re heading from desk to date, squeezing styling into a small window between work and the restaurant booking.

Many stylists in London and across the UK also appreciate this kind of wave because it’s adaptable. With small tweaks, it can complement:

• Fine hair – by adding volume at the mid-lengths without overloading roots.
• Medium to thick hair – by refining bulk into defined, elongated S-waves.
• Wigs and extensions – by blending natural hair with added pieces for a seamless finish.

If you’re planning a night out this weekend, this is a genuinely practical style to try: you can prep hair the evening before with a good blow-dry, then spend just a few minutes refreshing and waving before you leave.

Prep Like a Pro: The Foundation for Glossy, Lasting Waves

Every session stylist will tell you the same thing: the glossiest hair on the red carpet usually starts well before the tongs come out. For an at-home date-night version, think in terms of simple, sustainable changes rather than an elaborate ritual.

In the UK, where humidity, drizzle and central heating can all conspire against shine, many stylists recommend focusing on three pillars: clean-but-not-stripped hair, protection from heat, and lightweight products that won’t collapse your style.

• Wash and condition strategically: If your hair gets greasy quickly, wash on the day with a gentle shampoo and concentrate conditioner on mid-lengths and ends. For drier hair, a richer conditioner or weekly mask can help maintain that Blake-style gloss.
• Detangle with care: Use a wide-tooth comb on damp hair, starting from the ends and working up. This minimises breakage and helps curls and waves form more smoothly later.
• Apply heat protectant: UK stylists consistently emphasise this step. Mist or smooth a heat protectant through from roots to ends before blow-drying or using any hot tools.
• Blow-dry for polish: Rough-dry until 80% dry, then use a round brush to smooth the hairline and ends. You’re looking for soft movement, not poker-straight hair.
• Set your parting: Decide on a side or centre part before styling. Lively often opts for a side-swept look, which flatters many face shapes and feels true to that subtle Gossip Girl nod.

A practical step you can take tonight is simply to introduce a good heat protectant into your routine if you aren’t already using one; it’s one of the easiest ways to future-proof shine before you start waving.

The 8-Minute Glossy Wave Routine: Step-by-Step

While celebrity stylists may have an entire kit bag and a team at hand, the essence of Blake’s waves can be recreated with just a tong, a brush and a few clips. The trick is to work smarter, not harder—focusing on the sections that actually show.

• 1. Choose your tool: A medium to large barrel tong (around 26–32 mm) or a straightener used to create bends will give that softer, modern wave. Smaller barrels tend to create curls that feel more prom than polished date night.
• 2. Section the hair: Split your hair horizontally into two or three layers, clipping the top out of the way. If you’re rushing, concentrate on the crown and front pieces—they frame the face and do most of the visual work.
• 3. Wrap mid-lengths, not ends: Take 2–3 cm sections. Wrap the hair around the tong, keeping the clamp (if it has one) loose and leaving the last 2–3 cm of ends out. This keeps the look relaxed and more “Manhattan rooftop bar” than ultra-formal.
• 4. Alternate directions: For a more natural effect, wrap one section away from the face, the next towards it. Around the face, most stylists prefer wrapping away to open up your features.
• 5. Hold briefly, then cool: Hold each section for a few seconds, then release and cup the curl in your hand for a moment before letting it fall. Allowing hair to cool in shape helps the wave last through humidity, tube journeys and late-night taxis.
• 6. Focus on the “money pieces”: Spend a little extra time on the front sections near your parting and hairline. These are the ones most visible in photos and across the table—Lively’s waves are always particularly polished here.
• 7. Brush out for Blake-level softness: Once your hair is completely cool, gently brush through with a soft bristle brush or wide-tooth comb. This transforms ringlets into that elongated, red-carpet wave we associate with Blake.
• 8. Add gloss, then gentle hold: Many UK stylists recommend a pea-sized amount of lightweight serum worked through mid-lengths and ends to mirror that screen-worthy shine, followed by a light mist of flexible hairspray.

If you’re nervous with hot tools, try the routine at a lower heat temperature on a quieter evening first, so you’re confident before a big date or event.

UK-Proofing Your Date-Night Waves: Weather, Time and Texture

Real life—especially in the UK—rarely offers still, dry air and a chauffeur. Rain, wind and crowded tubes can quickly sabotage a polished blow-dry. Fortunately, Blake-style waves are forgiving; they can look even better with a little lived-in texture, as long as you prep wisely.

• In humid or drizzly weather: Use an anti-humidity or anti-frizz spray over the finished style, focusing on the outer layer and hairline. Tucking hair loosely into a scarf or coat while you travel can also preserve your waves.
• For fine hair that drops quickly: Apply a lightweight volumising mousse or texture spray before blow-drying. After waving, allow the curls to cool fully before brushing out; skipping this step is a common reason styles fall flat.
• For thick or naturally wavy hair: You may not need to wave every section. Instead, refine the front and top layers with a tong to bring cohesion, leaving your natural texture through the back.
• If you’re restyling second-day hair: Refresh the roots with a touch of dry shampoo, brush through, then add waves only where they’ve dropped. Second-day hair usually holds waves particularly well.
• On wigs and extensions: Always check the fibre type. Heat-safe synthetic fibres have temperature limits; human hair pieces should be treated with the same careful heat protection you’d use on your own hair.

A simple adjustment you can make before your next night out is to pack a small brush or comb and a travel-sized flexible hairspray in your bag; a 30-second refresh in the bathroom can bring waves back to life after the journey.

Key Takeaways

• Blake Lively’s signature waves balance polish with ease, making them a realistic choice for UK date nights and evenings out.
• Gloss and longevity come from thoughtful prep: gentle cleansing, careful detangling and diligent heat protection before styling.
• An 8-minute wave routine is achievable by focusing on face-framing sections, mid-lengths and alternating curl directions for natural movement.
• Brushing out cooled curls is essential to transform tight ringlets into soft, elongated waves reminiscent of Lively’s red-carpet hair.
• Adapting your routine to UK weather and your hair texture—fine, thick, or textured—helps your style last beyond the first drink.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get Blake Lively-style waves without damaging my hair?
Many stylists recommend always using a heat protectant, keeping your hot tools on the lowest effective temperature for your hair type, and avoiding going over the same section repeatedly. Limiting hot tool use to a few times a week and allowing hair regular “heat breaks” can also support long-term condition.

What size tong is best for soft, glossy waves?
For most medium-length UK haircuts, a barrel between 26 and 32 mm offers that relaxed, Blake-inspired wave. Shorter hair may benefit from a slightly smaller barrel, while long or very thick hair often responds well to a 32 mm tong for more elongated bends.

My hair never holds a wave. What should I change?
If your waves drop quickly, try prepping with a lightweight mousse, fully drying hair before styling and letting curls cool completely before brushing them out. Using a flexible-hold hairspray rather than a very soft one can also improve longevity, particularly in damp British weather.

Can I create this look on natural curls or coils?
Yes—many people with textured hair create Blake-style waves by first stretching the hair with a tension blow-dry or banding method, then adding soft bends with a tong on a low heat setting. It’s important to protect curls with appropriate products and, if in doubt, seek advice from a stylist experienced in your specific curl type.

Is this style suitable for a professional setting before a date?
Soft, brushed-out waves are generally considered office-appropriate in the UK, especially when paired with a neat parting and smooth hairline. You can wear the style to work, then simply add a touch more shine spray or serum before heading out for the evening.