Summer’s Hottest Hair Trend Is the “Business Woman Special”

In the seminal 1997 film Romy & Michele’s High School Reunion, the titular characters dress up in sleek black business suits and tight, polished French twist hairstyles in attempts to impress their classmates—and potentially score a cheap “business woman’s special” meal at a restaurant along the way. During the film, Romy and Michele discover that pretending to be people they’re not never works out and that embracing their true colors is what makes them stand out. They may let their hair down, both literally and figuratively, at the end of the film, but those “all business” updos are permanently cemented in our brains. 

And it seems we’re not alone! The French twist is a classic that never really goes away, but it’s been experiencing a resurgence that Romy and Michele would definitely approve of. (Maybe they’re still wearing it while they fold scarves in their boutique!) Whether you’re a business woman yourself or just trying to dress like one, this simple updo style is much easier to add to your styling repertoire than it looks.

The Trend

Like I stated above, the French twist is an eternal icon, much like Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion itself. It never gets old. It never looks out of place. Now, it’s being embraced by a whole new group of trendsetters, including Lana Del Rey, who recently wore a prim, ladies-who-lunch twist with a Chanel set, naturally.

The style is the ultimate match for both the ‘80s and ‘90s-inspired office siren aesthetic and the Palm Beach princess look, looking just as good with a blazer and tights as it does with a tweed jacket or retro print.

“The comeback of the ‘office siren’ aesthetic is a shift towards more polished and refined hairstyles,” says hairstylist Leo Izquierdo, co-founder of IGK Hair. He believes it signals a desire for sophistication, especially after years of more casual, laid-back styles. “The business woman look can inspire a sense of empowerment and professionalism, resonating with those who are redefining their work-life balance post-pandemic.” 

Celebrity hairstylist Ashley Streicher agrees. “I think it perfectly counters the loose, ‘undone’ beach waves in a way that just gives someone a new and different look and aesthetic,” she says. “This look is certainly more polished, and gives more face. I love a pulled back look for a ‘ladies who lunch’ vibe.”

How to Get the Look

It may take a few attempts to get your twist as perfect as Romy’s, Michele’s, or Lana’s, but with some practice and a few key products, you’ll be on your way to the boardroom or an Arizona truck stop diner in no time. 

Streicher advises starting with dirty hair for grit and grip. To add more texture, she recommends R+Co’s Zig Zag Root Teasing + Texture Spray applied at the roots; then flip your head and massage your roots with your fingertips to get that backcombed effect. “This gives you base volume and good texture for better grip for your French twist hair pins,” Streicher explains. Izquierdo’s pick is IGK’s Pick Me Up Maximum Lift Root Boost Spray, perfect for some Romy-worthy va-va-volume. If you have curls or waves, Izquierdo recommends prepping with IGK’s Mistress Hydrating Hair Balm “to smooth and hydrate the hair while maintaining its natural texture.” 

Part your hair in the middle or to the side, then brush your hair back like you’re gathering it into a low ponytail. Twist the hair and keep twisting upwards. “For a tighter twist, ensure you are twisting the hair firmly and pinning it as you go,” says Izquierdo. 

Pin close to the base and add more pins as you move upwards to secure the twist. If you want, pull a few pieces out around your face and finish with a spritz of R+Co’s Half Pipe Dry Wax Finishing Spray. See you at the office!