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7 Celebrity-Inspired Hairstyles To Copy Before Your Next Night Out

by Madge Maril
Updated: 
Originally Published: 
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Night-out hairstyles inspired by trend-setting celebrities
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Wherever there are fizzy drinks, going-out tops, and boots made for walking, there are — and always will be — night-out hairstyles accompanying each look. But in modern times, what defines a night-out style is open to interpretation: Not everything is about the carefully coifed updo or the larger-than-life, bombshell curls anymore. The fashion crowd has embraced simpler shapes, such as a statement braid, a sleek bun, or even your natural hair texture, worn loose and barely styled.

Then again, this doesn't mean that the hairstyles worn by fashion-forward celebrities have become any less stunning. While the looks may be more minimalist these days (and involve less hairspray) they still deliver the same wow factor à la your favorite '90s supermodels. Some are even as simple to achieve as they look; like the pinned-back '40s hairstyle Cara Delevingne wore to the second annual Girl Up #GirlHero Awards, or the slicked-back ponytail Gigi Hadid was spotted with at the Savage x Fenty Fall/Winter 2019 fashion show.

Because yes, you will be inspired by both celebs and many more if you keep on scrolling; and you might even already own everything you need to pull off some of the easier styles. Ahead, seven celebrity-approved hairstyles to keep in mind before your next big night out.

1. Retro Touch

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Cara Delevingne's white eyeshadow and Guy Laroche jumpsuit may've caught your eye first when it came to this look — but her subtly styled hair was key in pulling it all together. Reach for any decorative hair accessory you have on hand to pin back a twist to achieve this '40s-inspired look.

2. Short & Polished

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Leave it to Charlize Theron to pave the way for shorter styles. At a screening for the upcoming film Bombshell, the actor wore her hair sleek, yet with a touch of hydrated volume and texture. Use your go-to moisturizing product to achieve a similar look at home, regardless of your hair's length.

3. Glam Waves

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Trade in your typical everyday soft waves for Zendaya's romantic Old Hollywood style when you hit the town. If your hair doesn't naturally take on uniform curls or waves, invest in a heat tool created specifically to pivot with your tresses, like Kristin Ess' affordable curling iron.

4. Modern Braid

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Tracee Ellis Ross' latest hairstyle couldn't be easier to DIY. The star complemented her neon green S.R. STUDIO. LA. CA. dress with a thick over-the-shoulder braid; the relatively laid-back stye balanced the frock's bright shade and loud print, while still adding a touch of put-together elegance to her ensemble.

5. Subtly Accessorized

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Sure, Angelina Jolie's spike-studded headband may not be your definition of simple. But for a punk-inspired look, it's quite easygoing: The actor's middle-parted hair is kept understated, giving the headband all the room it needs to shine. Just pop on your own favorite headband — studs optional — and head out the door.

6. Classic Updo

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Sometimes, you just want to pull off a classic, dressed-to-the-nine updo. If so, take a page from Rihanna's style book. The star left out a few face-framing front pieces from the style, creating a relaxed look that balanced her black Givenchy gown perfectly.

7. Elevated Pony

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Oh, how far the humble ponytail has come. Steal Gigi Hadid's look by smoothing down your hair into a tight pony (via gel, or whichever product works best for you), then leaving the tail itself volumized and natural.

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