From the runway to the ren fair? We all know trends love to come and go, but we’re talking more than the return of low-rise jeans. Renaissance curls are making a four-century comeback straight out of the 1600s and onto our For You pages. And this modern-day masterpiece is easier to achieve than you might think.
Featured Experts
- Danielle Priano is an expert hairstylist and ambassador for SexyHair
- Gonn Kinoshita is an expert hairstylist and ambassador for Balmain Hair
- Alyssia Dotson is a member of the Sr. National Creative Team for Alterna Haircare
What Are Renaissance Curls?
If you’ve seen a runway recently, you’ve probably spotted a Renaissance curl or two among the hottest hairstyles of the season. They’re dreamy and full, but what defines the trend and how do we attain it ourselves?
“Renaissance curls are inspired by the art and fashion of the Renaissance period (14th-17th century) and are categorized by their elegant, romantic, and voluminous appearance,” explains SexyHair ambassador and expert stylist Danielle Priano. “Key features include tight, defined curls, structure and uniformity, voluminous and full, soft and romantic.”
If you’re thinking artful ringlets, you’re on the right track.
“These curls are more sculpted and polished than other popular styles,” says member of the Sr. National Creative Team for Alterna Haircare, Alyssia Dotson. “When you’re creating Renaissance curls, the definition is everything. You also want to make sure that you don’t have any frizz happening when you’re setting the hair into the style.”
Fitting Your Hair Type
“Naturally curly (Type 3a to 3c) hair is ideal for this style as it can hold the structure and definition of the curls well,” explains Priano. “And Type 2 (wavy), with the right techniques and products, can be styled into Renaissance curls.”
This trend requires a hair type that can hold a ringlet curl, which means very tight coils may need a different approach to hold the look in place.
“Renaissance curls are served to beautify the individual’s aesthetic with very controlled and organic curls,” explains ambassador for Balmain hair and expert stylist Gonn Kinoshita. “Straight, wavy, and curly hair textures can work perfectly for this look. Tight curly hair would be harder to hold this hair texture.”
But that doesn’t mean impossible!
“If you have coily hair, you would want to smooth out the hair first and create the curls by heat styling and setting it,” Dotson recommends. “This will reduce frizz and allow you to sculpt the curls.”
ProTip: Wet or Dry
Another key feature of the Renaissance curl trend is that you can set these curls pretty much however you like. “You can achieve the look by setting the hair wet or dry,” Dotson says. “It just depends on whether you’d like it to be an updo or down.”
Renaissance Curls Styling
If you’re already blessed with curly locks, then your focus is going to be on creating curl definition and setting that look for a frizz-free day. “For curly hair, you can use Caviar Anti-Aging Professional Styling Working Hairspray and Caviar Anti-Aging Replenishing Moisture Leave-In Smoothing Gelee on wet hair and set the hair wet to create curl definition.”
“I love the SexyHair STYLE Curling Crème and the SexyHair HEALTHY Love Oil combo applied on wet hair right after a shower for extra curl definition!” adds Priano.
For those who need to create a curl (which can also be done after straightening coily hair types), you’ll need a trusty curling method and products to keep your hair feeling soft while keeping the style.
@makeup.trash Curling my hair with a 3/8” curling iron (Curly girls may not want to watch the next part) #curlyhair #tinycurlingwand #curlinglonghair #renaissancehair ♬ Pop Star – Coco & Clair Clair
“My method to creating this look is simple,” Kinoshita explains. “For Renaissance curls, I would use a smaller curling iron versus the regular curling iron that is in my kit. I’d also recommend using a lower heat option when piecing this look together. Finally, I blow the hair using my fingers (no brushes) to keep the curls individual.”
To keep your style soft and locked in place, you’ll want a well-balanced leave-in conditioner and a volume spray that will keep your curls set all day long.
“My favorite products for this hair are the Balmain Hair Leave-In Conditioning Spray (currently sold out) and Texturizing Volume Spray,” Kinoshita explains. “These two products are my go-to’s and work so well together!”
How to Get the Look
KEY BENEFITS
Curl definition, frizz control, moisture control
Key Benefits
Root-lifting volume, heat protection, moisture control
Key Benefits
Lightweight hydration, fights frizz, improves smoothness and shine
