Do you need some help in describing the hairstyle of a character in your story? In this post, we explain how to describe hairstyles in writing using the following 10 words.
1. Extravagant
Definition
Something that’s impressive, elaborate, or costs a lot of money.
Examples
“The young girl looked into the salon and admired the extravagant hairstyles. She wished she could have her hair professionally styled.”
“Your hair is looking rather extravagant this morning. Did you take inspiration from the latest fashion show?”
How it Adds Description
“Extravagant” shows that the character’s hair is elaborate and detailed, and therefore, it might impress other characters in the book. An “extravagant” hairstyle might have more volume, lots of color, or many accessories. Sometimes, “extravagant” hairstyles might cost a lot, and this may frustrate the character who has to pay for the service.
2. Conventional
Definition
Something that’s normal or ordinary.
Examples
“John’s hair was always conventional. Many thought he was a square for ignoring the trends, but he wasn’t comfortable with taking risks.
“Penelope secretly wished her daughter would opt for conventional hairstyles. But she had to admit, there was a strange charm to her neon yellow mohawk.”
How it Adds Description
Not all hairstyles are dramatic or unique, and you can show a character plays it safe with their locks via “conventional.” Characters with “conventional” hairstyles might follow the rules and avoid making controversial statements. They could also value tradition, and therefore, they don’t try out any modern hair trends.
3. Flammable
Definition
Something that catches fire or burns easily.
Examples
“Do you need any more hairspray, Ella? Your hair is positively flammable!”
“Wendy had to steer clear of the smokers outside of the club due to her flammable hair.”
How it Adds Description
If a character’s hairstyle uses a lot of hairspray, it’s more likely to catch fire. In pop culture, it’s common to call these kinds of styles “flammable.” This shows they’re at risk of burning, but it also portrays how much time and effort has gone into styling it via hairspray. Characters with “flammable” hair might value style over comfort, which shows they care what others think of them.
4. Daring
Definition
Something that might shock or anger others.
Examples
“Andrew stocked up on bleach, dye, and scissors. He was ready to create the most daring hairstyle in the world.”
“The woman looked around the room at the young students. Each had a daring hairstyle, and she wondered how they all persuaded their parents to approve the cut.”
How it Adds Description
Hairstyles that are deliberately shocking can be called “daring.” For example, this could include bright colors, shaved patterns, or experimental cuts. Sometimes, a “daring” hairstyle will even anger a more conservative character, as it doesn’t fit within their traditional worldview.
5. Minimalist
Definition
A style that takes inspiration from minimalism and uses simple elements.
Examples
“The boy wanted his life to be simple and straightforward, so he opted for a minimalist haircut.”
“Verity’s blunt bob was endearingly minimalist. Not many people could pull off such a simple hairstyle.”
How it Adds Description
You can show a character has a very simple hairstyle via the adjective “minimalist.” This shows that the cut is very simple or doesn’t include over-the-top details. A “minimalist” cut doesn’t mean they’re boring, though. It can be a style statement that illustrates their commitment to being fashionable without effort.
6. Feminine
Definition
Something that had qualities associated with women.
Examples
“Grace tied an ornate bow onto her head to complement her feminine haircut. She instantly felt silly and longed to cut it all off.”
“Billy’s long, hippy locks made everyone stare. Some even called his hair feminine, but he knew he was channeling the rock legends of the past.”
How it Adds Description
The adjective “feminine” can show your reader that the hairstyle in question mimics qualities typically associated with womanhood. This could be because it’s long or delicately styled. Some characters might embrace the “feminine” style. In contrast, others might be uncomfortable with it, especially if they don’t resonate with womanhood.
7. Sleek
Definition
Hair that looks shiny, smooth, and healthy.
Examples
“The TV showed images of dancing girls and their sleek hairstyles. This enraged Jenny, even though she knew their hair didn’t really look like that.”
“Maintaining sleek hair was Beth’s only life goal. Every morning, she woke up, brushed her tresses fifty times, and generously applied argan oil.”
How it Adds Description
“Sleek” describes hairstyles that are very healthy and shiny, which further implies that the character either takes care of their hair or uses expensive products to keep it looking smooth. Other characters might be jealous of someone with a “sleek” hairstyle, as they may secretly wish their hair looked better.
8. Stiff
Definition
Something that is very firm and doesn’t bend.
Examples
“Hailey, you’ve gone overboard with the gel again! Your hairstyle’s so stiff that it’s not even moving with the wind!”
“The makeup artist made sure the actor’s hairstyle was stiff enough to withstand the on-set wind machine.”
How it Adds Description
If a hairstyle has lots of products in it (e.g., gel, mousse, or hairspray), it becomes hard or “stiff.” “Stiff” hairstyles are great if you want to keep everything in place, but they don’t always look good. Therefore, a character with “stiff” hair might be unhappy with their look, and others might laugh at their failed hairstyle.
9. Frizzy
Definition
Hair that’s very tightly curled or unruly.
Examples
“Sam wanted to leave the salon with beachy curls, but instead, she was left with a rushed and frizzy hairstyle.”
“We need to get out of the humidity now. My hairstyle has turned frizzy!”
How it Adds Description
When a hairstyle becomes “frizzy,” it means the style is either losing shape or becoming curlier than planned. This can happen due to humidity, time, or lack of product. A character will probably become annoyed or upset when this happens, as “frizzy” hair isn’t usually in fashion.
10. Voluminous
Definition
Something that’s extremely large.
Examples
“Every day, Simon backcombed his hair until it reached his trademark voluminous style.”
“As the old man walked down the street, he couldn’t help but notice the kids were all wearing their locks in voluminous hairstyles.”
How it Adds Description
“Voluminous” shows that the fictional hairstyle is very tall or wide to the point that it stands out from the rest. If a character chooses to wear a “voluminous” style, they might like attention and look different. This may also imply that they’re confident, as they’re not scared of being different.