Suki Waterhouse has long been synonymous with an easy, lived-in British glamour — the kind of hair that reads as undone but deliberately so. In recent interviews and styling notes she outlines a clear philosophy: favour texture over polish, treat the scalp as the root of healthy hair, and adopt low-effort routines that build shine and shape over time. This guide distils those principles into practical steps you can try at home, whether you want soft, rock‑and‑roll waves, a blunt bob with body, or simply healthier, more resilient hair.
Signature Principles: Texture, Shape, and Restraint
Waterhouse’s approach is refreshingly minimalist. Rather than chasing salon-perfect sleekness, she prioritises texture and shape. That means embracing natural movement, using weightless products to encourage body, and leaning on simple styling gestures — a rough blow-dry, a few strategic twists with a curling tool or even air-drying with product to create separation. The result is hair that looks like it belongs to a life lived, not a photoshoot.
Scalp and Health: The Quiet Foundations
Underpinning Waterhouse’s style is a focus on scalp health. Healthy hair begins with a balanced scalp: regular, gentle cleansing to remove product build-up; occasional exfoliation to clear blocked follicles; and using oils or tonics sparingly to nourish without weighing hair down. She emphasises patience — investing in routines that support growth and strength over weeks and months rather than quick fixes.
Tools and Techniques She Uses
Rather than a suitcase of specialist gadgets, Waterhouse favours a curated toolkit. A mid-sized barrel tong for loose waves, a vent brush for volume during blow-dries, and a lightweight paddle brush to smooth without flattening are staples. Heat is used judiciously — lower temperatures, quick passes, and protection products are non-negotiable. She also recommends finishing techniques like finger-ruffing and light backcombing at the roots for lift that looks natural.
Everyday Routine: Simple Steps to Better Hair
The following list condenses Waterhouse’s practical hair habits into steps you can adopt. These are not product endorsements but sensible actions aligned with the model’s long-term approach to style and health.
- Cleanse with a gentle, scalp-friendly shampoo 2–3 times weekly; avoid daily stripping unless you have oily hair.
- Condition mostly on mid-lengths and ends; use a lightweight leave-in on damp hair for manageability.
- Apply a heat protectant before any hot styling, and opt for lower heat settings where possible.
- Create texture with sea-salt sprays or light styling creams; scrunch rather than brush out waves to keep shape.
- Give hair a break from heavy styling and stronghold products periodically to restore natural movement.
How to Build Lived‑In Waves
To achieve that signature Suki wave without looking overdone, start with damp hair and apply a salt spray or mousse to encourage texture. Rough-dry with your fingers or a diffuser until mostly dry. Use a mid-barrel wand to curl random sections away from the face, leaving ends softer to avoid a ringlet effect. When cool, separate curls with your fingers and finish with a dry-texturising spray at the roots for lift. The goal is undone cohesion — waves that move and fall rather than clinging to a set shape.
Styling Shorter Cuts and Bobs
For cropped styles, the same philosophy applies: texture over polish. A matte cream or light pomade can add separation to a bob without making it look greasy. When drying, angling the dryer slightly downward reduces frizz and helps the cut sit correctly. For extra bounce at the crown, try a quick root-blow with a vent brush or rough-dry while lifting sections with your fingers.
Key Takeaways
- Prioritise texture and shape instead of intense polish for a natural, modern look.
- Scalp care is foundational — gentle cleansing and occasional treatments support healthy growth.
- Use heat sparingly and always with protection to maintain hair resilience and shine.
- Simple tools and light, weightless products produce the most authentic results.
- Patience and consistency in routine beat frequent, aggressive interventions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I wash my hair to follow this approach?
A: Most people benefit from washing 2–3 times a week with a gentle shampoo. If your scalp is oily, a more frequent cleanse may be needed; if hair is dry or colour-treated, extend intervals and focus conditioning on lengths rather than roots.
Q: Can I create Suki-style waves without heat?
A: Yes. Try braiding damp hair or twisting sections into buns while damp and sleeping on them. Use a lightweight mousse or sea-salt spray before setting. When you undo the braids in the morning, tousle with your fingers and add a texture spray.
Q: What is the best protection for coloured or chemically treated hair?
A: Look for products labelled for colour protection and thermal defence. Bond-building treatments and protein-balanced masks can help strengthen chemically treated hair, but avoid overloading with heavy oils that weigh colour-treated hair down.
Q: How do I add volume without backcombing each day?
A: Use a volumising mousse at the roots when hair is damp, blow-dry upside down for a few minutes, and finish with a lightweight root-lift spray. Strategic layers in a professional cut also add natural volume without daily teasing.
Q: Are occasional salon treatments compatible with this low-effort approach?
A: Absolutely. Regular trims and occasional gloss or conditioning treatments can maintain shape and shine while keeping the day-to-day routine simple and sustainable.
