Are You Even a New Yorker If You Don't Get 'The Bend'? How to Perfect the East Coast Blowout

If you haven’t noticed, all the coolest hairstyles are coming straight out of New York these days. From the butterfly cut to the bottleneck bob, New Yorkers are finding low-maintenance looks that fit their busy schedules. That’s where ‘The Bend’ comes in. It’s the latest style sweeping the bustling city, so we tapped NYC hairstylist Frédéric Fekkai to share how to nail the trendy blowout at home.

• Frédéric Fekkai is a NYC hairstylist and founder of Fekkai

To recreate the look, all you’ll need is your go-to styling products, a curling (or flat) iron and a wide tooth comb. It’ll only takes a few steps—and a few minutes—to get The Bend, so you’ll soon be a pro without any serious hair skills necessary.

• Step One: Wash your hair as usual before applying a heat protectant and blow drying your locks. Fekkai recommends blow drying with the nozzle point downward to prep your hair for the bend style.
• Step Two: Once your hair is completely dried and protected, reach for your curling iron. The styling tool is key to creating the signature waves. Fekkai suggests that you start wrapping each section around the curling iron at the cheekbones. “It’s an ideal starting point, as it looks flattering for all hair lengths.” Oh, and here’s another idea: Alternate between wrapping away and towards your face for movement and dimension.
• Step Three: Wait a few minutes before gently dragging the section down for a loose texture. Remember: Avoid curling the ends so you can maintain that stretched, S-shape throughout your hair. Fekkai points out that it’s OK to miss a few strands so you’re not over curling your hair.
• Step Four: Run your wide tooth comb, boar bristle brush or your fingers through the curls for a tousled look. The goal is to have loose curls that add movement and show off beachy waves that would make a West Coaster jealous. (Sorry not sorry.)
• Step Five: Spritz on texture spray to add shine, volume and hold to your new ‘do. After a few days, add some dry shampoo to your root for more volume.