How to achieve the ‘dirty hair’ trend that swept the Spring/Summer ’24 runway

Do you know how your hair gets at the end of a long, sweaty commute or when it’s been a hectic week and you haven’t had the time to wash your hair? Turns out, this unkempt look is a new hairstyle trend. Fashion week season is always a big source of inspiration and an indicator of upcoming trends in the fashion and beauty world, and as per the Spring/Summer ’24 season that wrapped up recently, intentionally dirty-looking, grungy hair is making waves right now. The look uses hair products to add texture in a way that makes your hair look like it is on its second, third, or even fourth day since wash. 

Ahead, discover more about the trend and how you can recreate it. 

What is the ‘dirty hair trend’ in a nutshell?

The hairstyle trend is about creating a look that deliberately appears like your hair hasn’t been washed in a while—think greasy, stringy hair that is left open, combed back, or tied in a messy ponytail. 

How did it become popular?

While mermaid hair, which is a slick, wet hairstyle, has been doing the rounds of runways since the start of the year due to the popularity of mermaidcore, ‘dirty hair’, a similar looking new trend, was popularised by Miu Miu at its Spring/Summer ’24 show at Paris, where its models, including Gigi Hadid, walked down the ramp with ‘hangover hair’. The amount of messiness varied throughout the Miu Miu show, with some looks extremely oily and ropey, while some were just a little matted and clumpy. 

How can you pull it off?

One way you could achieve the look is simply by going longer between your washes, and embracing the result. Earlier this year, the concept of washing your hair only once or twice every fortnight was doing the rounds, where those who tried it out claimed it made their tresses healthier. While we can’t vouch for that in a hot and humid country like ours, you can still get the trending look and grungy aesthetic by using a combination of hairspray, mousse, and gel.