If the ‘90s flip and the ‘80s pageboy want to stay ahead of the trend forecast, they better get on the horn with their publicists because I’m seeing another dark horse coming for their crown—and this one is a deep cut: it’s the resurgence of the Gibson Hairstyle. A messy bun-esque straight out of The Gilded Age, the internet saw your mom’s mom’s mom ‘do and said "YES. THAT." So how exactly does one wear the chicest style of the 1890s in 2025? I chatted with a hairstylist to learn more about this iconic reimagined look.
This TikTok-Trending 19th-Century Hairstyle Is Frizzy-Hair Friendly—Here's How Wear It in 2025
The OG messy bun
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Published Jan 16, 2025
HBO/Getty Images/Sony Pictures
Meet the Expert
Jennifer Korab is a celebrity hairstylist and owner of Renaissance Salon in New Jersey. She has over a decade of experience working in commercial, runway and editorial spaces. She is certified in all coloring techniques, haircutting and hand-tied extensions.
What Is the Gibson Hairstyle?
“The Gibson hairstyle is a classic Edwardian look that features a soft, voluminous chignon or bun placed high on the head. With gently waved hair and face-framing tendrils, it blends elegance with a romantic, polished feel,” explains Korab. Also known as the ‘Gibson Girl Updo,’ it was named after Charles Dana Gibson’s creation, who often depicted this particular hairstyle in his art. He believed the ‘Gibson Girl’ was the embodiment of the 19th century woman, someone who’s graceful, independent and elegant—starting with the larger-than-life look.
Why Is the Gibson Hairstyle Trending Right Now?
In 2019, Vogue predicted modern Victorian updos were going to be everywhere. Four years later, our very own SEO Editor Marissa Wu caught wind that the Baroque Bob—a voluminous ‘do that popped up around the 1600—was hitting the runways. All signs are leading to us pushing away ‘80s and ‘90s hair in favor of taking a trip back (way back) in time. At first, the Gibson hairstyle reminded me of the evil stepmother, Lady Tremaine from Cinderella, but Korab shares that it’s been completely revamped for 2025.
“It has a more relaxed, modern feel while keeping its timeless romantic appeal. The volume is softer and more natural, often achieved with loose waves or texturizing products instead of heavy teasing,” she shares. “Face-framing tendrils are styled with a sleek, effortless finish, and low chignons or buns at the nape are trendy alternatives to the traditional high placement. Modern touches like braids, sleek edges and contemporary accessories such as pearl pins, minimalist clips or metallic combs give this classic look a fresh, stylish update.”
Does the Gibson Hairstyle *Really* Work On All Hair Types?
I’ll admit I didn’t think it was going to work on my hair type. Let’s face it: My hair looks exactly like this after a few days of sleep, but to wear it outside purposely with my curly, low porosity hair (yeah, no thanks). I try to avoid frizz at all cost yet this poofy hairdo thrives on unruly tendrils and lots of volume, so can it really work for all hair types?
Well, I was proven wrong. I was pleasantly surprised to see a plethora of hair textures and lengths represented on my feed like creator Essence above. According to Korab, it’s all about embracing your natural texture, but using a styling cream or mousse to define curls and minimize unwanted frizz. She adds, "Lightly gather the hair into a bun, allowing some curls to frame the face or fall softly around the style for a more effortless, live-in look.” As for straight hair, Korab says texture is key. “Use a texturizing spray or dry shampoo for grip, before creating loose waves with a curling iron to build volume and softness,” she says. “Then lightly tease at the crown to add height and then move into a bun or chignon with face-framing strands for a romantic touch.”
How to Achieve the Gibson Hairstyle
If you’re already graced with voluminous locks, a neat trick is flipping your hair forward and gathering all your hair at the crown of your head in one motion like Kath Hughes above. Or, you can section your hair into two parts and use a teasing comb to fluff up the top section before tying it loosely in a small ponytail. Then work the bottom section up and connect all your hair together, twisting and wrapping it into a bun. Then, use bobby pins and light hold hairspray to set your Gibson in place.
But if you need more help in the shaping department, there are a few ways to go about it. You can use a comb to tease your hair, brushing down from the ends to create volume. There’s also the option to use a blow dryer and round brush combo to lift up your roots. For heatless options, use a curling set or velcro rollers as a guide to recreate the shape and add some oomf to your hair. And if you have curly or short hair, you can use your fingers to coil your hair inwards and pin each section in place like Nadii above.
Regardless, which way you prefer it, don’t forget to apply texturizing or hairspray to keep the puff in place. The final step is pulling out a few pieces near the hairline to give it an effortless look and frame the face.
