How to Do Cindy Lou Who Hair: Step-by-Step Styling Guide and Pop Culture Trivia Explained
Executing this style at home requires roughly 30 to 45 minutes and basic craft supplies. Have on hand: clear elastic bands, bobby pins, hairpins, an 18-gauge craft wire, a standard 16-ounce paper cup, red ribbons, and a can of extreme hold hairspray.
Step 1: Sectioning and Securing the Core Ponytail
Begin by sectioning out two 2-inch pieces of hair on either side of the head just above the ears; these will form the braided antennae loops later. Gather all remaining hair into a high ponytail directly at the apex of the head. Fasten it tightly with a snag-free elastic band.
Step 2: Placing the Cup
Take your paper or plastic cup and punch two small holes through the bottom rim. Pull the ponytail straight up and position the inverted cup directly over the pony, resting flat against the scalp. Feed a few large bobby pins through the punched holes and cross-pin them directly into the base of the ponytail elastic to lock the cup in place.
Step 3: Covering the Structure
Divide the hair flowing out from underneath the cup into three or four uniform sections. Lift each section upward, smoothing it over the surface of the cup to hide the material completely. Gather the ends at the peak of the inverted cup and secure them tightly with a small elastic band. Generously coat the surface with extreme hold hairspray, smoothing flyaways with a boar-bristle brush.
Step 4: Crafting the Braided Loops
Return to the two side sections left out in Step 1. Cut two lengths of floral wire roughly 14 inches long, bending the sharp tips inward into small loops to protect the scalp. Secure a wire to the root of each side section with an elastic. Divide the hair into three strands, keeping the wire aligned with the center strand, and weave a standard three-strand braid to the end.
Step 5: Shaping and Embellishing
Bend the wired braids upward into the signature upside-down U-shape, pinning the tips securely near the base of the central cup. Finish by tying wide red satin ribbons around the tip of the central tower and at the base of each braided loop. Mist the entire structure with a finishing freeze spray.