Audrey Hepburn's Iconic Breakfast At Tiffany's Hairstyle: A Step-By-Step Guide

how to do audrey hepburn breakfast at tiffany

Audrey Hepburn’s iconic hairstyle in *Breakfast at Tiffany’s* remains a timeless and elegant look that continues to inspire generations. Characterized by her sleek, high chignon and delicate fringe, this hairstyle perfectly complements her sophisticated character, Holly Golightly. Achieving this look involves careful preparation, from styling the hair into a smooth, polished bun to adding accessories like a statement headband or decorative pins. Whether for a special occasion or a touch of vintage glamour, mastering Audrey Hepburn’s *Breakfast at Tiffany’s* hair is a beautiful way to channel her enduring charm and grace.

Characteristics Values
Hairstyle Name French Twist with a Bouffant
Hair Length Medium to long
Hair Texture Straight or slightly wavy
Parting Deep side part (usually on the right)
Volume Significant volume at the crown (bouffant effect)
Twist Placement Hair twisted and pinned at the nape of the neck
Accessories Pearl-studded hairpin or decorative comb
Fringe/Bangs Optional soft, side-swept bangs
Products Needed Volumizing mousse, hairspray, bobby pins, comb, brush
Tools Needed Teasing brush, curling iron (optional for slight waves)
Time Required 20-30 minutes
Occasion Formal events, weddings, or vintage-themed parties
Key Technique Teasing the crown for height, twisting and securing the hair neatly
Maintenance Requires touch-ups with hairspray to maintain volume and shape
Inspiration Audrey Hepburn's iconic look in Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961)

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Tools Needed: Brush, comb, hairspray, bobby pins, and a hair donut for volume

To achieve the iconic Audrey Hepburn hairstyle from *Breakfast at Tiffany’s*, you’ll need a few essential tools to create the elegant, voluminous updo. The first tool is a brush, preferably a paddle or boar bristle brush, to detangle your hair and smooth it out before styling. Start by brushing your hair thoroughly to remove any knots and ensure a sleek base for the updo. This step is crucial because Audrey’s look relies on a polished and refined appearance, and any tangles or frizz can detract from the final result.

Next, a comb is essential for sectioning your hair and creating precise lines. Use a tail comb to part your hair deeply on one side, mimicking Audrey’s signature side part. The comb will also help you gather your hair into a high ponytail, which is the foundation of the updo. Precision is key here, as the side part and ponytail placement significantly contribute to the overall elegance of the style.

Hairspray is another must-have tool to hold the style in place and add shine. Opt for a strong-hold hairspray to ensure the updo lasts all day or night. Lightly mist your hair before and after styling to tame flyaways and maintain the sleek look. When creating the bouffant volume at the crown, use hairspray to secure the teased sections and keep them lifted throughout the day.

Bobby pins are indispensable for securing the updo and maintaining its shape. Choose bobby pins that match your hair color for a seamless finish. After twisting the ponytail into a bun, use the bobby pins to fasten it securely against your head. Insert them in a crisscross pattern for maximum hold, ensuring the bun stays in place without shifting. Audrey’s updo is known for its neatness, so take your time pinning it carefully.

Finally, a hair donut is the secret weapon for adding volume and structure to the bun. Place the donut over your high ponytail and pull the hair around it to create a full, rounded shape. The hair donut ensures the bun looks perfectly rounded and proportional, just like Audrey’s. Once the hair is evenly distributed around the donut, secure it with bobby pins and smooth any loose strands for a flawless finish. With these tools—brush, comb, hairspray, bobby pins, and a hair donut—you’ll have everything needed to recreate Audrey Hepburn’s timeless *Breakfast at Tiffany’s* hairstyle.

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Creating Volume: Tease hair at roots, use a hair donut for height and fullness

To achieve the iconic volume of Audrey Hepburn’s *Breakfast at Tiffany’s* hairstyle, teasing the hair at the roots is a crucial first step. Start by sectioning your hair into small, manageable layers, focusing on the crown area where height is most desired. Using a fine-toothed comb, gently backcomb the roots by inserting the comb about 2 inches from the scalp and lightly pulling downward toward the roots. This creates a textured base that adds lift and structure. Be careful not to over-tease, as it can lead to tangling or damage; the goal is to create a subtle foundation for volume. Work section by section, ensuring the entire crown area is teased evenly to achieve a uniform lift.

Once the roots are teased, the next step is to incorporate a hair donut to enhance height and fullness. Choose a hair donut that matches your hair color for a seamless blend. Gather the teased hair at the crown and secure it loosely with a hair tie, leaving the ends free. Place the hair donut at the base of the ponytail and gently pull the ends over it, spreading the hair evenly around the donut to create a smooth, rounded shape. This technique not only adds instant volume but also provides a sturdy base for the elegant updo that characterizes Hepburn’s look.

After positioning the hair donut, smooth the hair around it to create a polished finish. Use a boar bristle brush to gently pat down any flyaways and blend the teased sections with the rest of the hair. Ensure the donut is completely covered and the volume appears natural and effortless. This step is essential for achieving the sleek, sophisticated appearance of Hepburn’s hairstyle while maintaining the fullness created by the teasing and donut technique.

To secure the volume and ensure longevity, lightly mist the styled area with a flexible hold hairspray. Focus on the roots and around the hair donut to lock in the lift without making the hair stiff or crunchy. The hairspray will help maintain the shape throughout the day, allowing you to channel Audrey Hepburn’s timeless elegance without worrying about your style falling flat. This combination of teasing and using a hair donut is key to recreating the iconic height and fullness of her *Breakfast at Tiffany’s* look.

Finally, take a moment to refine the overall shape of the hairstyle. Adjust any areas where the hair donut might be visible, ensuring the volume looks seamless and natural. This attention to detail is what elevates the look from ordinary to iconic. By following these steps—teasing the roots and utilizing a hair donut—you can achieve the voluminous, graceful updo that defines Audrey Hepburn’s character, Holly Golightly, in *Breakfast at Tiffany’s*.

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Securing the Bun: Twist hair, wrap around donut, pin securely, smooth edges with hairspray

To achieve the iconic Audrey Hepburn-inspired bun from *Breakfast at Tiffany’s*, securing the bun is a critical step that ensures elegance and longevity. Begin by twisting your hair into a tight, neat coil. This twisting motion helps to gather the hair into a compact shape, which is essential for creating the sleek, polished look Audrey Hepburn is known for. Hold the twisted hair firmly at the base of your head, where you intend to place the bun. The twist should be tight enough to maintain structure but not so tight that it causes discomfort.

Next, take a hair donut—a styling tool that provides volume and shape—and wrap your twisted hair around it. The donut acts as a foundation, giving the bun its signature fullness and roundness. Position the donut at the desired height, typically at the crown of the head for a classic Hepburn look. Ensure the ends of the twisted hair are neatly tucked around the donut, covering it completely. This step is crucial for achieving a smooth, seamless finish that mimics Audrey’s effortless style.

Once the hair is wrapped around the donut, secure it firmly with bobby pins. Insert the pins in a crisscross pattern to ensure maximum hold. Focus on pinning through the twisted hair and into the donut, making sure the pins are hidden from view. For added security, use pins that match your hair color to keep the look flawless. Take your time with this step, as a well-secured bun is key to maintaining the hairstyle throughout the day or evening.

After pinning, smooth the edges of the bun to create a refined appearance. Use your fingers or a fine-tooth comb to gently tuck in any loose strands, ensuring the bun looks neat and uniform. For extra hold and shine, apply a light mist of hairspray around the bun and the surrounding hair. This not only helps to keep the style in place but also adds a touch of glamour, reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn’s timeless elegance.

Finally, take a moment to adjust the bun as needed, ensuring it sits perfectly on your head. The goal is to achieve a balanced, symmetrical look that frames your face beautifully. With the bun securely twisted, wrapped, pinned, and smoothed, you’ll have successfully recreated Audrey Hepburn’s iconic *Breakfast at Tiffany’s* hairstyle, ready to step out with confidence and grace.

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Accessorizing: Add a delicate headband or scarf for an elegant, Hepburn-inspired touch

To achieve the iconic Audrey Hepburn look from *Breakfast at Tiffany’s*, accessorizing with a delicate headband or scarf is essential. These accessories not only add an elegant touch but also evoke the timeless sophistication Hepburn embodied. Start by selecting a thin, satin or velvet headband in a neutral tone like black, navy, or cream. The headband should sit gracefully across your forehead, just above your brows, to frame your face and complement the sleek updo. Ensure it’s snug enough to stay in place but not so tight that it causes discomfort. This simple addition instantly elevates the hairstyle, giving it that signature Hepburn charm.

If you prefer a scarf, opt for a lightweight silk or chiffon material in a classic pattern or solid color. A small, square scarf works best for this look. Fold it into a thin band and tie it around your head, allowing the ends to drape gracefully to one side or in a small bow at the back. The scarf should sit slightly higher on your forehead, similar to the headband, to maintain the elegance of the style. This method adds a touch of whimsy while staying true to Hepburn’s refined aesthetic.

When pairing a headband or scarf with the *Breakfast at Tiffany’s* hairstyle, consider the overall balance of the look. The hair is typically pulled into a sleek, high bun with soft tendrils framing the face, so the accessory should enhance, not overpower, the hairstyle. A delicate headband or scarf complements the clean lines of the updo while drawing attention to your facial features. Avoid overly wide or embellished accessories, as they can detract from the understated elegance Hepburn is known for.

For a modern twist, experiment with textures and colors that align with your personal style while staying true to the Hepburn-inspired theme. A pearl-embellished headband or a scarf with subtle metallic accents can add a touch of glamour without veering too far from the classic look. Just remember to keep the focus on simplicity and sophistication, as these were the hallmarks of Hepburn’s style.

Finally, practice placing the headband or scarf to ensure it stays in place throughout the day or evening. Use bobby pins in a matching shade to secure the accessory discreetly, especially if you’re wearing a scarf. With the right accessory and careful placement, you’ll achieve an elegant, Hepburn-inspired look that pays homage to one of cinema’s most iconic styles.

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Final Touches: Lightly mist hairspray, smooth flyaways, ensure bun is centered and polished

To achieve the final polished look of Audrey Hepburn's iconic Breakfast at Tiffany's hairstyle, start by lightly misting hairspray over the entire style. Use a flexible hold hairspray to maintain the softness of the look while ensuring it stays in place throughout the day or evening. Hold the spray about 12 inches away from your hair and apply in even, sweeping motions. Avoid over-saturating, as this can make the hair stiff and less natural-looking. The goal is to provide a subtle hold that keeps the bun and flyaways under control without compromising the elegance of the style.

Next, smooth flyaways to create a sleek and refined finish. Use a small boar bristle brush or a fine-tooth comb to gently tame any stray hairs around the hairline, crown, and bun. For extra precision, lightly coat the brush or comb with a small amount of hairspray or smoothing serum before gliding it over the flyaways. Pay special attention to the sides and back of the head, as these areas are more prone to frizz. If you have stubborn flyaways, consider using a toothbrush (clean and unused) lightly coated with hairspray for more targeted control.

Ensuring the bun is centered is crucial for maintaining the classic, symmetrical look of Audrey Hepburn's hairstyle. Stand in front of a mirror and check that the bun sits directly at the crown of your head, neither too far forward nor too far back. Gently adjust the bun by loosening the hair tie, repositioning the hair, and securing it again. Make sure the bun feels secure but not overly tight, as this can cause discomfort and affect the overall shape. A well-centered bun elevates the entire style, giving it that timeless, sophisticated appeal.

Finally, polish the bun to achieve a smooth and flawless appearance. Use your fingers or a small brush to gently pat down any loose strands within the bun, ensuring it looks neat and cohesive. If needed, twist a small section of hair around the base of the bun to conceal the hair tie and create a seamless finish. Add another light mist of hairspray directly to the bun to set it in place and enhance its shine. The bun should appear elegant and structured yet soft, mirroring Audrey Hepburn's effortless grace in *Breakfast at Tiffany's*.

For the ultimate finishing touch, take a step back and assess the overall look. Ensure the hairline is smooth, the bun is centered and polished, and the style exudes the timeless elegance of Audrey Hepburn. Make any final adjustments as needed, whether it’s smoothing a stray hair or adding a touch more hairspray. With these final touches, your *Breakfast at Tiffany's* inspired hairstyle will be ready to turn heads and capture the essence of Audrey's iconic charm.

Frequently asked questions

Audrey Hepburn’s iconic hairstyle in *Breakfast at Tiffany’s* is a sleek, high chignon bun with a few soft tendrils framing her face.

Start by straightening your hair, then pull it into a high ponytail. Twist the ponytail into a bun and secure it with pins. Leave a few strands loose around your face for a soft, elegant finish.

You’ll need a hairbrush, hair ties, bobby pins, a fine-tooth comb, and optionally a hair straightener or curling iron to smooth or style the hair before creating the bun.

Use a light hairspray to set the style and secure the bun with enough bobby pins. For extra hold, tease the hair slightly at the crown before pulling it into the ponytail.

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