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Members of the Bey Hive may have noticed the “Irreplaceable” singer is sporting a new ‘do. Upon embarking on the Cowboy Carter tour earlier this month, Beyoncé revealed her new hair, which Essence refers to as “the Western Wave.” Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter tour hairstyle includes large, soft blonde curls (and naturally, a white cowboy hat).
But how can fans emulate the new look? We spoke to celebrity stylist Kelly Novobielski, whose portfolio boasts Erin Brockovich, Brittany Snow, Anna Paquin, Whoopie Goldberg and more. The Novo Bridal Beauty owner and John Paul Mitchell educator weighed in on how anyone can cop Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Western Wave tour hair, sans a wig — or, dare we say, a personal hair stylist.
Prep First for Healthy Hair and Great Final Results
Heavy styling and healthy hair are a very hard combination to maintain, so Novobielski says that prep is key. Without it, your hair will lose all that life.
1. Lock in Moisture: First, he recommends preparing the hair with Biotera Color Lock Leave-in Conditioner to moisturize and heat protect the hair.
“Start by misting the lengths of your hair,” he explains. “Focus on the mids to ends!”
2. Add Some Body: Next, you’ll layer in a lightweight and alcohol-free styling mouse that wont dry your hair out and will still provide volume.
“I like to start with a golf ball size and finger rake it from scalp to ends,” Novobielski explains. “Always finish applying product by brushing it through roots to ends with a wet detangling brush to ensure even product distribution.”
3. De-Knot: Detangle and spread the product throughout your hair with a wet detangling brush.
“Always finish applying product by brushing it through roots to ends,” he says. This is to ensure “even product distribution.”
Texas Two-Step Heat Styling Makes Western Waves
Most folks aren’t born with Western Waves, so for Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter tour hair, styling tools are required. And to really step into the role, Novobielski recommends using Beyoncé’s hair care brand, Céred. We get ours from Ulta.
1. Dry Without Frizz: “Styling the perfect blowout on Afro-textured hair, I’d use my blow dryer with a comb attachment nozzle versus a round brush,” he explains. We like the very affordable Kiss Tourmaline.
2. Ultra Protection: Make sure to keep your hair moisturized with Céred Moisture Sealing Lotion, especially when you’re going to be styling with heat! Work it in throughout your hair to avoid breakage, especially at the ends.
3. Curly Babe: For voluminous curls, Novobielski says use a 1.25” -1.5” curling iron set throughout the hair, making sure to keep things big and voluminous.
“All curls are sitting at eye level and lower,” he explains. “Pro tip: Curl your hair back and away from the face.”
Finishing Touches to Really Hold ‘Em
To lock in the look, adding these finishing touches is crucial… especially if your hair isn’t particularly cooperative.
1. Loosen Things Up: Sine these are “Western Waves” as opposed to curly q’s, you’ll want to make sure it all looks loose and hydrated.
“I would use Céred Nourishing Hair Oil as a finishing product to finger-comb out curls,” Novobielski tells us.
2. Hold ‘Em: Make sure your waves stay in place with a salon-quality hairspray “for a little extra hold,” he said, “To lock in the look.”
