Beauty

If You Love Sabrina Carpenter’s Hair, Ask Your Stylist For These Things

From a flattering cut to the perfect blonde, the Sabrina Carpenter-inspired mane will definitely require some expert styling. So, make sure to go to your hairdresser's appointment prepared with a few very specific requests.

By Simone Sydel6 min read
Getty/Amy Sussman

The 25-year-old pop singer has been making waves in the entertainment industry with her talent, style, and, of course, her gorgeous hair. Often sporting various shades of blonde, Sabrina's hair is always styled to perfection, whether she's walking the red carpet or performing on stage. So much so that many have rushed to their hairdressers with Sabrina's Instagram profile loaded up, ready to recreate her signature look.

But what exactly does it take to achieve Sabrina's desirable mane?

Below, we will break down her iconic hairstyle, from her luscious locks and how to achieve them to the various shades she has sported since her debut in the industry, and help you recreate the perfect Sabrina-inspired look that will flatter your unique features.

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Embracing the Blonde Bombshell Look

With many gravitating toward lighter locks for their vacations, it's no wonder that Sabrina Carpenter's sun-kissed strands have become the most sought-after style of the season. Synonymous with glamour, confidence, and, of course, fun, this summer's it hair trend is all about the pale, buttery blonde reminiscent of Hollywood stars from decades past, which also seems to be Sabrina's overall vibe.

Different Shades of Blonde to Consider

The first thing you want to decide before committing to the blonde bombshell look is the shade of blonde that will look most flattering against your unique coloring.

For example, while Sabrina's hair has undergone slight changes in shade, from a cool-toned ashy hue to a warm honey blonde, she seems to always go back to the buttery, Hollywood blonde base that suits her skin tone perfectly and makes her signature look even more iconic.

However, this shade may not be the best choice for everyone, and, unlike Sabrina, most of us don't have the luxury of constantly changing our hair color, so choosing a shade that you will love because it suits you is critical.

Some popular shades of blonde to consider are:

  • Platinum: Bold and striking, perfect for those who lean towards the neutral to cool palette.

  • Honey: Warm and inviting, ideal for accentuating a neutral to warm complexion.

  • Ash: Cool and sophisticated, suitable for those with cooler skin tones.

  • Golden: Sun-kissed and natural, perfect for a beachy, effortless look and a warm undertone.

Highlights and Lowlights

Even if you have never dyed your hair, it doesn't take a genius to see that Sabrina Carpenter's strands aren't just one shade of blonde. Instead, most of her looks seem to feature a stunning mix of highlights and lowlights that create a rich, multi-dimensional look and make her hair appear even longer, fuller, and bigger than it naturally is.

If you aim for that same wow factor, discussing this with your hairdresser will likely help you decide what to do based on your unique hair type, texture, skin tone, maintenance requirements, etc.

Here's a quick breakdown of the two main techniques Sabrina's hairdressers use on her Barbie-like hair:

  • Highlights: Highlights are thinner strands of hair dyed lighter than the natural color to create a contrast and add brightness. They are ideal for darker blondes or brunettes who want to lighten and add dimension to their hair without a full color change.

  • Lowlights: Lowlights are darker strands of hair, applied to give a multi-dimensional effect by creating shadows and adding depth and richness to the overall look. These are fantastic for full-haired blondes who want to get rid of the flat look.

Tips for Maintaining Vibrant Color Between Salon Visits

Blonde hair, while absolutely stunning, particularly complementing a stylish summer vibe, is known for being high-maintenance. Be it the brassiness that comes with natural and artificial light exposure, dullness caused by heat styling, fading due to regular washes, or, of course, the dreaded growth, keeping those strands vibrant and fresh can be a real struggle.

But fear not, as although you might not have access to Sabrina Carpenter's hairdresser or A-list budget, here are a few things that you can do to maintain the color between salon visits:

Use a Purple Shampoo

A purple shampoo will neutralize any brassy tones that develop in blonde hair, particularly those caused by sun exposure, which can alter the color and make it appear more yellow or orange. The Olaplex No.4P Blonde Hydrating & Brightening Purple Toning Shampoo is an excellent option to counteract this issue and is one of the brand's more affordable products for the size, quality, and effect it provides.

Hydrate

Blonde hair can be prone to dryness, especially if the natural hair needed a lot of bleaching to achieve the desired hue. Therefore, treating your hair with proper hydrating and nourishing hair masks is crucial for maintaining its vibrancy and delaying the color's fade while also prolonging the time between cutting sessions, which will help you grow your hair long and strong.

The Amika Bust Your Brass Intense Repair Hair Mask is a fantastic option for blondes with damaged strands, thanks to its color-persevering formula infused with vitamins, minerals, and five fatty acids to support hair growth.

Protect from Heat

Blonde hair can be more susceptible to heat damage due to the chemicals used during coloring. And with Sabrina Carpenter's hairstyle requiring a lot of heat styling, an extra layer of protection is definitely needed to maintain the health and color of your luscious strands.

So, grab yourself a heat protectant spray such as the Joico Heat Hero Glossing Thermal Protector, which happens to be Sabrina's hairdressing team's favorite, and apply it before blowdrying or styling your hair with hot tools to maintain the vibrancy of your blonde while also protecting from heat damage.

The Perfect Cut: Bangs, Layers, and Length

Sabrina's wispy curtain bangs perfectly complement her naturally petite facial features and add a playful, youthful vibe to her recognizable look. This is somewhat balanced by the longer layers and length at the back, which add a more elegant, bombshell element to her overall style. So, it hardly comes as a surprise that the combination of playful youthfulness with a sexy edge is what makes Sabrina Carpenter's haircut highly sought after and inspiring to so many.

With the three main components of Sabrina's haircut being bangs, layers, and length, here's what to consider when recreating the it haircut on your unique facial features:

Customizing Curtain Bangs for Your Face Shape

Sabrina Carpenter's short and wispy curtain bangs are a key feature of her hairstyle, framing her face beautifully and adding a youthful flair.

However, it's important to remember that the length and style of bangs should be tailored to complement your unique face shape for the most flattering results.

  • Oval: If you have an oval face, most bang lengths will work for you, but longer curtain bangs that graze the cheekbones can beautifully accentuate your natural features.

  • Round: If you have a round face shape, you should opt for longer curtain bangs that extend below the cheekbone. This length will elongate the appearance of your face and add structure. However, if you want to add a wispy flair to it, don't go as thick as Sabrina's bangs and opt for a slightly thinner style to avoid making your face look super round and short.

  • Square: If you have a square face, consider softening the angles by going for longer Bardot bangs that are cheekbone length to create a more rounded silhouette around your features.

  • Heart-Shaped: If you have a heart-shaped face, shorter curtain bangs that hit the forehead can highlight your eyes while gracefully balancing the narrower chin.

Layers: The Secret Behind Volume and Movement

Layers are the key to adding volume, movement, and dimension to your hair, and Sabrina's layered locks are the epitome of bombshell chic. Therefore, during your consultation with your hairdresser, make sure to ask for a lot of long, face-framing layers. Additionally, consider leaving the ends thin and wispy, as this will give them that flick after styling them with your preferred hot tool.

Length: Finding the Perfect Balance

Sabrina's hair is mostly one length, with the exception of her bangs and layers. This allows for a longer length to maintain the hair's body and bounce while also making it easier to style and manage it.

Remember that the ideal length will vary depending on your face shape, hair type, personal style, and lifestyle, as longer hair is often more demanding and takes longer to style and maintain. When it comes to your face shape, consider the fact that smaller, more delicate facial features can often get engulfed by longer hair. And while this doesn't seem to be the case with Sabrina Carpenter, it's also worth noting that most of the time, she wears makeup that helps open up her features and draws attention to her eyes, lips, or cheeks. If you have smaller features and don't wear makeup frequently, consider going for a slightly shorter length and focus on adding volume and movement with layers instead.

Your hair type can also play a huge role in determining the perfect length for you. For instance, if you have thin hair, going for a shorter length can add more body and thickness to your locks, but if you have thicker hair, a longer length can be more flattering as it can weigh down the hair and prevent a frizzy look.

Make sure to consult with your hairdresser and customize the cut to suit your unique features, style, and hair type to avoid disappointment and leave the hairdressing chair feeling like a blonde bombshell instead.

Styling Like a Pro: Tips and Tricks

Once you have the perfect cut, it's time to learn how to style it for the most flattering result. Here are some basics and options for achieving the perfect Sabrina Carpenter-inspired hairstyles by using various styling tools and methods:

Blowdrying for Volume and Smoothness

Blowdrying is the preferred option for many due to the unmatched volume and movement this styling method creates.

To achieve Sabrina's signature style, start by applying a heat protectant spray to damp hair and dry it to 80%. Once dry, separate your hair into larger sections for bigger waves or smaller ones for tighter curls, depending on your hair type and preferred style.

Use a round brush to curl your strands towards your face, keeping it at the roots for a second longer to create volume and lift and curling it down the length of your hair for rounder, bouncier locks.

Secure each section around a Velcro roller towards your face and finish off by spraying your hair with a hairspray, such as the Drybar Final Call Frizz & Static Control Mist, to settle any frizz and static caused by the hot air. Let it cool for 15-30 minutes, depending on your hair type and desired result.

Curling for Natural-Looking Waves

For those who can't maneuver a blowdryer and round brush like a pro, curling your hair with hot tools can also give you bouncy, voluminous locks reminiscent of Sabrina's, with less work and time.

Before beginning, make sure to choose a curling iron with a larger barrel for bigger waves or smaller for tighter curls, depending on your preference.

Protect your hair from heat damage by applying a heat protectant spray or cream, and start by taking sections of hair and wrapping it around the barrel in a spiral motion, holding it for a few seconds before releasing.

Repeat this process until all of your hair is curled before applying some texturizing spray, such as the OUAI Wave Spray, and then run your fingers through the curls to loosen them up and create a more natural look.

The downside of this method is that it won't give you the voluminous bounce at the roots that blowdrying does, so consider backcombing or teasing your hair slightly to add some oomph before curling.

Special Attention to Bangs

As the focal point of Sabrina's haircut, her bangs require special attention when styling.

To achieve her wispy fringe, start by blowdrying or curling your bangs in the opposite direction, away from your face, to give them flexibility and movement. Then, curl towards the inside and hold the ends of your bangs for a few seconds to give them an inward flick.

Once you've done this, grab a Velcro roller and roll your bangs towards the outside. Leave them to cool for a few minutes before removing them. This will give your bangs that natural framing effect and help amp up the volume at the same time.

Closing Thoughts

From layers to length to styling techniques and tools, achieving Sabrina Carpenter's signature hairstyle requires careful consideration of various factors. But with the right cut and styling methods that suit your unique features and hair type, you can achieve voluminous, bouncy locks that will have you feeling like a Hollywood golden girl within minutes.

So go ahead and book that appointment with your hairdresser, and make sure to communicate your desired look and preferences to ensure a perfect Sabrina-inspired hairstyle that will turn heads wherever you go.

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