30 Valentine’s Day Hairstyles: Soft Curls, Half-Ups and Heart Braids

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Valentine’s Day hair should feel pretty, a little special and easy to wear, whether you are going out to dinner or staying in.

This year’s favorites are soft curls, half-up styles, bows and heart braids. Bows are still a top trend, according to Glamour UK, and Dyson suggests half-up styles with loose curls. Here are 30 Valentine’s Day hairstyles, starting with silver and gray looks for women over 40.

How to Pick a Valentine’s Day Hairstyle

CURLS

Soft Curls Are Always Romantic

Big, loose curls from a 1.5-inch curling iron or jumbo hot rollers look soft, not set.

HALF-UP

Half-Up Is Easy and Flattering

Pull the top back with clear mini elastics and add a bow or clip.

BOWS

Let a Bow Do the Work

A red velvet hair bows or a black velvet bow clip makes any style feel festive.

HEARTS

Try a Heart Braid

Section neatly with sectioning clips and use a volume and texture spray for grip.

Shop the Key Pieces

Red velvet hair bows for a classic Valentine’s color
A black velvet bow clip for half-ups and ponytails
Pearl claw clips for an easy elegant touch
A 1-inch curling wand for soft waves
Jumbo hot rollers for big curls
A curl defining cream for natural curls
Clear mini elastics for half-ups and braids
A purple shampoo for bright silver hair

1. Loose Silver Curls With a Soft Middle Part

Smiling woman with long loose silver curls and a soft middle part — 📷: @mindy.gale

Look formula: Defined curls + middle part + diffused volume

Long, loose silver curls with a soft middle part are proof that the most romantic Valentine’s look can be your natural texture, simply defined and left full. The silver tones look bright against a light top and a little jewelry.

How to do it: Apply a curl defining cream to soaking-wet hair, scrunch, then dry with a a diffuser attachment on low heat.

Silver tip: Wash with a purple shampoo once a week so the gray stays bright, not yellow.

Shop the look: a curl defining cream, a diffuser attachment, a purple shampoo

It is one of the easiest Valentine’s Day hairstyles for women over 40 with natural gray.

2. Shoulder-Length Silver Ringlets

Smiling woman with shoulder-length silver ringlet curls — 📷: @novaperruquers

Look formula: Ringlet curls + shoulder length + root lift

Shoulder-length silver ringlets look playful and polished at the same time. The shape sits wide at the sides and lifts the whole face, which is very flattering with a bold lip.

How to do it: Define curls with a curl defining cream, let them air dry most of the way, then diffuse the roots for lift.

Refresh: On day two, mist with a detangling leave-in spray and scrunch.

Shop the look: a curl defining cream, a detangling leave-in spray, a diffuser attachment

3. Bouncy Salt-and-Pepper Curls

Smiling woman with bouncy salt-and-pepper curls holding a coffee mug — 📷: @gratefulandgray

Salt-and-pepper curls with a little bounce feel warm and relaxed, the kind of hair that suits a Valentine’s breakfast or a cozy night in. The mix of dark and silver strands adds natural dimension.

How to do it: Wrap 2-inch sections around a 1.5-inch curling iron and loosen with fingers once cool.

Shine tip: Smooth a drop of an argan hair oil over the ends.

Shop the look: a 1.5-inch curling iron, an argan hair oil, a heat protectant spray

4. Tousled Curls With Natural Gray Streaks

Woman with tousled shoulder-length curls and natural gray streaks — 📷: @sweet.simple.something

Tousled curls with natural gray streaks have a soft, lived-in shape. Leaving the curls a little undone keeps the look modern instead of set.

How to do it: Curl random sections with a 1.25-inch curling iron, alternate directions, then rake through with fingers.

Hold tip: Mist a volume and texture spray at the roots for movement that lasts.

Shop the look: a 1.25-inch curling iron, a volume and texture spray, a heat protectant spray

5. Long Silver Waves With a Deep Side Part

Woman with long silver waves and a deep side part — 📷: @anchorartists

Look formula: Deep side part + brushed-out waves

Long silver waves with a deep side part look elegant and confident, especially with an open neckline. The deep part adds instant volume at the crown.

How to do it: Flip your part to the side, then wave mid-lengths with a 1-inch curling wand.

Finish: Brush waves out gently with a paddle brush for a soft finish.

Shop the look: a 1-inch curling wand, a paddle brush, an anti-humidity smoothing spray

6. Curly Half-Up Top Knot

Smiling woman with long silver curls and a half-up top knot — 📷: @sylver_bel

Pulling just the top section of long silver curls into a small knot keeps curls out of your face while showing off the length. It is relaxed, fun and quick.

How to do it: Gather the top third of your hair, twist it into a small bun and secure with U-shaped hair pins.

Curl care: Sleep on a mulberry silk pillowcase to keep the curls from frizzing.

Shop the look: U-shaped hair pins, a mulberry silk pillowcase, a curl defining cream

7. Silver Half-Up Twist for Shorter Hair

Back view of a silver bob-length half-up twist styled in a salon — 📷: @imhannahrose.hair

Look formula: Bob-length curls + twisted half-up

A half-up twist works beautifully on shorter silver hair, too. Dyson lists half-up styles with loose curls among its Valentine’s ideas, and this version shows that you do not need long hair to wear one.

How to do it: Curl the ends with a 1.25-inch curling iron, twist two small front sections back and pin them together with bobby pins.

Hair type note: Fine silver hair holds pins better after dry shampoo.

Shop the look: a 1.25-inch curling iron, brunette bobby pins, dry shampoo

It suits women over 50 who want a dressy look without an updo.

8. Half-Up Waves With a Twisted Crown

Back view of soft ash waves in a half-up style with a twisted crown — 📷: @catelouise.hairartistry

Soft ash waves pulled half up through a twisted crown look romantic from every angle. The twist adds detail without much effort.

How to do it: Wave hair with a 1-inch curling wand, pull the top section back, flip it through itself and secure with clear mini elastics.

Grip tip: Back-comb the crown lightly with a teasing comb first.

Shop the look: a 1-inch curling wand, clear mini elastics, a teasing comb

9. Soft Silver Textured Updo

Side view of a soft textured updo on silver hair — 📷: @haireducator1

Look formula: Loose twists + pinned texture + soft front pieces

A soft textured updo on silver hair feels romantic and grown-up. Loose pieces at the front stop it from looking too formal.

How to do it: Mist a volume and texture spray, twist sections loosely toward the back and pin each one with U-shaped hair pins.

Finish: Leave a few face-framing pieces and curl them with a 1-inch curling wand.

Shop the look: U-shaped hair pins, a volume and texture spray, a 1-inch curling wand

10. Silver Low Bun Wrapped in a Red Silk Scarf

Silver low bun wrapped with a red and white silk scarf — 📷: @pitrathelabel

Wrapping a red silk scarf around a low silver bun is an easy way to bring Valentine’s color into your hair. It is chic, comfortable and hides the elastic.

How to do it: Make a low bun with U-shaped hair pins, fold a scarf into a thin band and tie it around the base.

Grip tip: Use mulberry silk scrunchies under the scarf so it does not slip.

Shop the look: U-shaped hair pins, mulberry silk scrunchies, an anti-humidity smoothing spray

11. Glossy Bouncy Blowout Curls

Back view of long glossy brown hair with big bouncy curls — 📷: @carogracesmith

Look formula: Smooth blow-dry + large rollers + finger brush-out

Big, glossy, bouncy curls look polished and very date-night. The shape is round and full, like a salon blowout.

How to do it: Blow dry with a hot air brush, then set large sections in jumbo hot rollers for 15 minutes.

Finish: Brush out lightly with your fingers so the curls stay big.

Shop the look: a hot air brush, jumbo hot rollers, a heat protectant spray

12. Hollywood Wave High Ponytail

A high ponytail with sculpted Hollywood waves is dramatic and glamorous. It is a strong choice for a formal Valentine’s dinner.

How to do it: Curl hair in one direction with a 1.25-inch curling iron, pin each curl to set, then tie a high ponytail and brush the curls into waves.

Cover the elastic: Wrap a small strand around the base and pin it.

Shop the look: a 1.25-inch curling iron, sectioning clips, a boar bristle brush

13. Old Hollywood Waves

Back view of long light brown hair in sculpted old Hollywood waves — 📷: @esse_beauty_studio

Look formula: Uniform curls + brush-out + side part

Old Hollywood waves feel classic and romantic, and they work for any age. The waves are deep, glossy and brushed into one smooth shape.

How to do it: Curl all sections away from the face with a 1.25-inch curling iron, clip to cool with sectioning clips, then brush out with a boar bristle brush.

Shine tip: Finish with an anti-humidity smoothing spray.

Shop the look: a 1.25-inch curling iron, sectioning clips, a boar bristle brush

14. Half-Up Curls With an Ivory Satin Bow

Half-up curls tied with an ivory satin bow — 📷: @nelya.stylist

Half-up curls tied with a satin bow are a soft, sweet Valentine’s look. Bows are still everywhere, and Glamour UK calls them one of the easiest ways to dress up your hair.

How to do it: Curl with a 1-inch curling wand, tie the top section with clear mini elastics and tie a ribbon over it.

Hold tip: IPSY suggests securing with an elastic first so the ribbon does not slide, especially on fine hair.

Shop the look: a 1-inch curling wand, clear mini elastics, brunette bobby pins

15. Sleek Half-Up With a Pink Bow

Woman with long straight hair half up with a pale pink bow — 📷: @alannah.turnbull

Sleek, straight hair half up with a pale pink bow is simple and pretty. The smooth finish lets the bow stand out.

How to do it: Smooth with a 1-inch flat iron, pull the top back with clear mini elastics and add a pink bow or clip.

Shine tip: Smooth flyaways with an anti-humidity smoothing spray.

Shop the look: a 1-inch flat iron, clear mini elastics, an anti-humidity smoothing spray

16. Half-Up Waves With a Skinny Pink Ribbon

Back view of brown waves half up with a thin pink ribbon bow — 📷: @pinterecee

A skinny pink ribbon tied over a half-up section on soft waves is delicate and very wearable. It looks good with a sweater or a dress.

How to do it: Wave hair with a 1-inch curling wand, tie the top section with clear mini elastics and knot a thin ribbon over it.

Hair type note: Prep fine hair with a volume and texture spray so the section holds.

Shop the look: a 1-inch curling wand, clear mini elastics, a volume and texture spray

17. Half-Up Twin Knots With Black Ribbons

Back view of soft waves with two half-up sections tied with black ribbons — 📷: @nacchim333

Two small half-up sections tied with black ribbons give a playful, slightly coquette feel. Soft waves underneath keep it romantic.

How to do it: Part the top section in two, tie each with clear mini elastics and add a black ribbon bow.

Finish: Wave the lengths with a 1.25-inch curling iron.

Shop the look: clear mini elastics, a 1.25-inch curling iron, a black velvet bow clip

18. Red Bow Half-Up on Soft Waves

Back view of brown waves half up with a red bow — 📷: @alexx_bondd

Look formula: Soft waves + half-up + red bow

A red bow on a half-up section is the classic Valentine’s choice. Soft waves make it feel relaxed rather than formal.

How to do it: Curl with a 1.25-inch curling iron, pull the top section back and clip red velvet hair bows over the elastic.

Hold tip: Slide two bobby pins in an X under the bow.

Shop the look: red velvet hair bows, a 1.25-inch curling iron, brunette bobby pins

19. Big Red Bow at the Crown

Back view of long dark hair with a big red bow at the crown — 📷: @luckieluz

A big red bow placed higher at the crown makes a bold statement. Long, smooth hair underneath keeps the focus on the bow.

How to do it: Pull a small crown section back, secure with clear mini elastics and add red velvet hair bows.

Shine tip: Smooth lengths with a boar bristle brush and a little an argan hair oil.

Shop the look: red velvet hair bows, clear mini elastics, an argan hair oil

20. Red Ribbon Half-Up on Long Dark Hair

Back view of long dark hair half up with a red satin ribbon — 📷: @reputationextensions

A red satin ribbon tied over a half-up section on long dark hair is simple and striking. Long ribbon tails add movement.

How to do it: Tie the top section with clear mini elastics, then knot the ribbon over it and let the ends hang.

Smooth finish: Use an anti-humidity smoothing spray so the hair looks glossy.

Shop the look: clear mini elastics, an anti-humidity smoothing spray, small dark red velvet bow clips

21. Bow Ponytail With a White Ribbon

Woman with a mid-height ponytail tied with a large white bow — 📷: @polishedstylejustine

A ponytail tied with a large white bow is fresh and pretty. Curled ends give it a soft, bouncy finish.

How to do it: Tie a mid-height ponytail, curl the ends with a 1-inch curling wand and add a big bow over the elastic.

Volume tip: Tease the crown lightly with a teasing comb.

Shop the look: a 1-inch curling wand, a teasing comb, clear mini elastics

22. Low Ponytail With a Velvet Ribbon

Back view of a soft low ponytail tied with a green velvet ribbon — 📷: @anaggayoso

A soft low ponytail tied with a velvet ribbon is understated and elegant. It works for dinner, work or a weekend date.

How to do it: Wave hair with a 1.25-inch curling iron, gather a loose low ponytail and tie a velvet ribbon over the elastic.

Bow option: Swap the ribbon for a black velvet bow clip for a quicker finish.

Shop the look: a black velvet bow clip, a 1.25-inch curling iron, clear mini elastics

23. Ribbon-Woven Braids

Back view of several thin braids woven with red ribbon — 📷: @bethanylaw_

Thin braids woven with red ribbon look festive and fun. Use several braids for a playful look or just two for something softer.

How to do it: Tie a ribbon at the top of a section, braid it in as one strand and finish with clear mini elastics.

Grip tip: Mist a volume and texture spray so braids hold.

Shop the look: clear mini elastics, a volume and texture spray, small dark red velvet bow clips

24. Two Braids Wrapped With a Silk Scarf

Woman with two braids wrapped with a bright orange silk scarf — 📷: @inessa_gromovaph

Wrapping a silk scarf through two braids adds color and texture. Pick red or pink for Valentine’s Day.

How to do it: Split hair in two, tie one end of a scarf at each root and braid it into the hair.

Finish: Secure ends with clear mini elastics.

Shop the look: clear mini elastics, a detangling leave-in spray, a paddle brush

25. Coquette Twin Lace Bows

Woman with dark hair in two low sections with white lace bows — 📷: @liannexcalvo

Two low sections tied with lace bows feel very coquette and romantic. It is playful, and it photographs well.

How to do it: Split hair into two low ponytails with clear mini elastics and tie a lace or white ribbon over each.

Wave tip: Wave the ends with a 1-inch curling wand.

Shop the look: clear mini elastics, a 1-inch curling wand, an anti-humidity smoothing spray

26. Pearl Barrette on Loose Waves

Side view of loose brown waves with a pearl barrette — 📷: @patiness_official

Look formula: Loose waves + tucked side + pearl clip

A pearl barrette on loose waves is one of the easiest ways to make your hair look special. It suits every age and length.

How to do it: Wave hair with a 1-inch curling wand, tuck one side behind your ear and secure with pearl claw clips or pearl hair pins.

Hold tip: A little dry shampoo stops the clip from sliding.

Shop the look: pearl claw clips, pearl hair pins, a 1-inch curling wand

27. Heart-Shaped Half-Up Twist

Back view of long blonde hair with heart-shaped twisted half-up sections — 📷: @hairartbyanna_

Twisting two small sections into a heart shape is a sweet Valentine’s detail that looks harder than it is.

How to do it: Take two front sections, twist them back and curve them down into a heart, then join with clear mini elastics.

Grip tip: Use a volume and texture spray first so the twists hold.

Shop the look: clear mini elastics, a volume and texture spray, sectioning clips

28. Dutch Heart Braid

Back view of long blonde hair with a Dutch braid shaped into a heart — 📷: @studiohilde

A Dutch braid shaped into a heart is a classic Valentine’s style. It works best on long hair and is fun for a holiday party.

How to do it: Part a heart shape on the back of the head, Dutch braid each side down toward the center and tie together with clear mini elastics.

Tools: Use sectioning clips to keep the rest of the hair out of the way.

Shop the look: sectioning clips, clear mini elastics, a teasing comb

29. Double Heart Braids

Top view of two braided heart shapes on brown hair — 📷: @brunetteszalon

Two braided hearts on top of the head are a bold, detailed look. Save this one for when you have time or a friend to help.

How to do it: Section with the end of a teasing comb, braid each half of each heart and tie the ends with clear mini elastics.

Hold tip: Mist a volume and texture spray for grip.

Shop the look: a teasing comb, clear mini elastics, sectioning clips

30. Heart Pin Curls With Red Clips

Back view of red hair styled into heart pin curls with red heart clips — 📷: @pincurledperfection

Pin curls shaped into hearts with red heart clips are a vintage, playful idea. It is perfect for a themed party.

How to do it: Wrap small sections around your finger into heart-shaped curls and pin with bobby pins.

Finish: Add small red clips or small dark red velvet bow clips for color.

Shop the look: brunette bobby pins, small dark red velvet bow clips, a volume and texture spray

Pick one style and practice it once before Valentine’s Day. A soft curl, a half-up section and a pretty bow are all you need.

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