Rom-Com Core Hair Inspires Me to Serve Main Character Energy No Matter the Occasion

Feeling uninspired with your hair lately? One writer shares why rom-com core hair could be the antidote, plus 3 easy hairstyles to fall in love with.

By Marie Lodi & Powered By L’Oreal Professional Products Division
Update Date: 01 Sep 2026

If you love falling in love, always have a crush, and fantasize about finding yourself in a meet-cute every time you go to the grocery store, rom-com core may just be your thing. The latest viral social media trend to inspire everyone’s beauty and style directions for the new year is inspired by—you guessed it, rom-coms, aka romantic comedies. Feeling uninspired with your hair lately? This viral aesthetic might be the antidote.

Try This Heart-Shaped Hairstyle for Valentine’s Day | #Shorts | Hair.com By L’Oréal - YouTube

Try This Heart-Shaped Hairstyle for Valentine’s Day | #Shorts | Hair.com By L’Oréal

Rom-com core is especially perfect for hair for myriad reasons. Whether it’s an updated version of the ‘90s messy bixie cut worn by a stylish Gen X slacker or a new way to curl your hair that’ll make you feel like a women’s magazine writer (trying to get a guy to break up with you in a certain amount of time), there are rom-com hairstyles galore.

What Is Rom-Com Core?

It makes total sense why the rom-com aesthetic is having its moment in our wardrobes and beauty closets. Not only do these feel-good films serve as a cinematic balm to us in these trying times, but they low-key have some of the best fashion and beauty moments. And because ‘90s and aughts-era style have made their way back into the trend cycle in recent years, it’s understandable why we’d look to the movies of these decades for inspo.

Rom-Com Core Hair

One of the great things about copping a rom-com hairstyle for yourself is there isn’t just one type of haircut or style that represents the whole genre. In fact, there are plenty of options to fit your own personal rom-com aesthetic, no matter if your hair is short, long, straight, or curly. Got a blonde, chin-length haircut? Perhaps a perky, flipped-up bob is more suited to your taste (especially if you and an old friend pretend to date each other to make your exes jealous). If you have long, curly red locks, you’re practically destined to procure a red tuxedo jacket and some thigh-high boots and channel one of the most iconic rom-com queens of the ‘90s.

But even with all the different rom-com hair options, there is something about a classic curl or wave that embodies that whole romantic vibe for me.

How to Get Rom-Com Core Hair

Loose Waves Like a Wedding Planner Who’s Unlucky in Love

A middle part with loose, wavy ends is easy to do but is still soft and pretty. After making a center part, it’s time to use a 1.5-inch curling iron to make some curls that I’ll comb out into waves. Editor tip: Always use a heat protectant, such as Biolage Professional Thermal Active Spray, before using a hot tool!

A Side Part and Flipped Ends Like an NYC Fashion Editor

A side part with flipped ends creates a cute hairstyle that is a little more put together. For this look, it’s all about the hair being smooth and teased. First, make a side part. Next, straighten your hair with a flat iron, and don’t forget the heat protectant!

A High Ponytail for a Lawyer Wannabe in Love

A high half ponytail with curly ends is a great choice for a fun updo that can be worn for various events. Wrap a piece of hair around the pony to camouflage the hair tie, and then go ham with your favorite hairspray to lock everything in place.

Marie Lodi is an LA-based writer and editor covering beauty, fashion, costume design, lifestyle, and pop culture. Marie is also the co-host of the Fishnet Flix Podcast, where she interviews costume designers and breaks down the fashion in movies and TV.

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