While Love Story wrapped up last month, the FX series sparked a hairstyle trend that seems poised to last all summer long. Among the most eye-catching traits of Paul Anthony Kelly’s JFK Jr. is a crop of dark, wavy hair (when he’s not sporting a backwards cap, of course). Below, celebrity hairstylist Marcos Diaz tells us what makes the style so popular and how to recreate the look with your own locks.
“There’s absolutely a renewed interest in these understated, heritage-inspired looks,” Diaz notes. His words carry weight. With a resume marked by high-profile soirees — the Met Gala and NYFW, to name a couple — and a clientele filled by the likes of Sienna Miller, Katy Perry, and Hailey Bieber, Diaz has worked with a breadth of styles and textures.
STILLS COURTESY OF FX NETWORKS AND DISNEY+.
Describing the look as “polished, but still approachable,” Diaz says his clients have the most success when they work with their natural texture — just as JFK Jr. did. “It’s about capturing the essence of the look rather than recreating it exactly,” Diaz explains. The key to stealing Kelly’s on-screen waves? Restraint. “What works on camera is often more exaggerated, so in real life I soften everything,” Diaz explains. “That means less product, more natural movement, and tailoring the shape to the individual’s hair type and face.”
“What we’re seeing now is a shift away from over-styled hair and back toward something more natural, effortless, and quietly refined. The ‘90s aesthetic, especially someone like JFK Jr., represents confidence without trying too hard.” Marcos Diaz
To pull off a Love Story-esque look (or any hairstyle, mind you), it’s imperative to identify your natural hair texture. While curl creams and blowdryers can create textures, it’s better to think of products as tools to augment what’s already there rather than transform it.
“What we’re seeing now is a shift away from over-styled hair and back toward something more natural, effortless, and quietly refined,” Diaz adds. “The ‘90s aesthetic, especially someone like JFK Jr., represents confidence without trying too hard.” Working with your own wild curls will pay dividends in the long run.
STILL COURTESY OF FX NETWORKS AND DISNEY+.
So, in lieu of Kennedy genetics, it’s best to put your own spin on the JFK Jr. hairstyle. That means growing a slight shag, then asking for subtle layers that allow your natural texture to shine. “What stands out is the balance. The length is slightly longer but never heavy, the layering is soft, and the hair moves naturally,” Diaz explains. “There’s a sense of ease to it that’s very difficult to replicate unless the cut is right.”
Once you’ve got the cut sorted, it’s time to bust out the blowdryer. “Blow-drying is essential. This look isn’t just about product, it’s about direction,” Diaz explains. Instead of a hairbrush, use your fingers to gently shape your curls as you blow-dry. “Focusing on airflow rather than overworking the hair helps maintain that effortless finish,” adds Diaz.
“The goal is touchable hair, not something that looks set. It’s about controlling shape without losing movement.” Marcos Diaz
Leave-in conditioner is just as crucial. “I would stay away from anything too heavy or greasy, and especially avoid gel entirely. Gel dries hard and crunchy, which is the opposite of this look,” Diaz advises. Instead, choose a cream that styles and conditions — Diaz recommends Bumble and Bumble’s Grooming Styling Cream — to highlight any curls or waves without restricting natural movement.
“The goal is touchable hair, not something that looks set,” he adds. “It’s about controlling shape without losing movement.” Of course, specifics are subject to change. As a general rule, the thicker your hair, the more product you’ll need.
STILL COURTESY OF FX NETWORKS AND DISNEY+.
But before you hop on your bike with a backwards cap and a bespoke suit, remember that — as SHARP‘s own Ben Kriz put it — you are not JFK Jr. “The guys who actually dress well aren’t copying looks beat for beat. They’re editing,” Kriz wrote. “The goal is to look like yourself, not a Kennedy.” So, much like you wouldn’t give JFK Jr.’s suit measurements to the tailor, you shouldn’t expect your hair to fall exactly like his, either. Instead of a simple copy-paste, the best way to mimic JFK Jr.’s suave style is to go for lightweight products and subtle layers that spotlight your natural hair texture.
“Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette” is now streaming on Hulu on Disney+ in Canada.
