Certain hairstyles are forever defined by their primary source—and Princess Leia hair is among the ultimate of examples. As with the Bardot bouffant, Cher hair, and Birkin bangs, it’s impossible to see a set of space bangs positioned pastry-like on each side of the head without thinking of the Star Wars franchise in its myriad inceptions. That instant recognition makes for an instantly winning Halloween costume, an express character study achievable through beauty alone.
Princess Leia hair has evolved since the series’ inception in 1977, morphing into the space buns favored by Zenon, Y2K darlings, and a date-night-ready Taylor Swift alike. More subtle variations of the two-bun style can read playful or romantic depending on both the tautness and placement of each twist. But if it’s a costume-ready aesthetic that you’re after, sticking to Leia’s tried, true, and fairly exaggerated styling is the best referential route.
The Star Wars of recent years hold up, with mind-blowing special effects and classic characters like Chewbacca, Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, C-3PO, and Princess Leia returning to continue on their mission to free the galaxy through nostalgia, humor, and futuristic action. Noticeably missing, though, is Leia’s iconic hairstyle, a look that actress Carrie Fisher has lovingly referred to as “cinnamon buns.” For all the high-impact updos we’ve seen on-screen in the films (see Daisy Ridley’s triple knot), the princess’s oversize twin twists have become one of Hollywood’s most memorable beauty moments.
“It’s slimming,” says editorial hair whiz Ilker Akyol of the look, which we asked him to re-create on model Andreea Diaconu in the series of GIFs below. “[The buns] cover the ears, which changes the whole face shape.” Better yet, they require very little Force to recreate. “It takes 10 minutes,” promises Akyol—and little more than thoughtful ponytail placement and a few bobby pins. Here, Akyol and Diaconu demonstrate how to execute a style that transcends decades, galaxies, and lightsaber battles.
Place Your Ponytails
In terms of length, “the longer, the better,” asserts Akyol, who added waist-long extensions to Diaconu’s already impressive lengths. A duet of tightly bound ponytails are positioned above each ear. This step will look awkward, but properly placed ponies are essential to this hairstyles success.
Twist It Up
Next, do the twist—and our stylist suggests that you take this step seriously. “You have to twist perfectly,” says Akyol, who twirled the hair in one direction from ties to ends. The twisted texture will create the foundation of your rolls, so we recommend making sure that each ponytail is brushed and touched with styling cream, the better to create perfect and polished buns.
Wrap Around
It’s shaping time! “In one movement, wrap it up,” says Akyol, who spirals the hair with one hand while holding the bun in place with the other. The exaggerated twists should be substantial in size and wrapped to cover ears completely.
Pin In Place
Keeping your Princess Leia hair in place calls for an assemblage of well-placed pins—the more, the merrier. “If you don’t secure it with a lot of pins,” Akyol says, “the whole thing will come out in one minute”—and a galaxy-defending princess doesn’t have to time to deal with any mane-level fallout.
Secure the Style
To keep your style extra secure throughout revelries and galactic missions, transparent nets and a misting of your favorite hairspray will help to ensure that not even a baby hair makes its way out of your updo.
Lead the Alliance
Now it s time to get to work leading your faithful rebels and protecting their liberties. And when people tell you that they love your look? The correct answer is, of course, “I know.”
Director: Cass Bird
Fashion Editor: Jorden Bickham
Featuring: Andreea Diaconu
Hair: Ilker Akyol
Makeup: Jen Myles
DP: Tyler Kohlhoff
Diaconu in a J.W.Anderson printed puff sleeve blouse, $1,095, for information: maxfieldla.com; J.W.Anderson elasticated cuff trousers, $630, Dover Street Market, NYC, 646.837.7750
24 hours of love, lightsabers, and Star Wars in New York City:
