15 of Emily Ratajkowski's Most Striking Hair Looks

Emily Ratajkowski's beauty looks are largely informed by her medium-length brunette. Ease is a major element of the EmRata brand. Her seemingly effortless approach to styling, hair, and makeup leaves room for her natural features to do most of the work. Still, Ratajkowski knows how to go glam, a fact often demonstrated by her quietly metamorphic mane.

The bulk of Ratajkowski's hair looks feature waves and bends so subtle they could be natural—the easy texture furthering her hair's radiance. Updos range from clean and sleek to romantic and sumptuous, depending on the occasion, often relying on accessories to cement the statement. And while many of her preferred references are recent (think Y2K), some of EmRata's best hairstyles offer an ode to the dramatic decadence favored by Italian actresses of decades past. In keeping with her general styling practices, even the most glamorous of references tend to come tempered with a note of modernity, resulting in balanced looks that feel relevant yet refreshed. From undone plaits and partial updos finished in elegant ribbons, to insouciant waves and trompe-l'œil bangs, Ratajkowski's length looks each offer a quick lesson in cool—and emulateable—inspiration for your own mane menu.

Read on for 15 of the model's most memorable hair looks.

Beachy Bob

Ratajkowski’s initial departure from her everyday look came courtesy of subtle snips and chops. This side-swept style features an easy bend, in keeping with the model’s effortless approach to hair.

Italian Updo

Never one to shy away from a referential moment, Ratajkowski’s updo owes something to the Italian beauty bombshells of decades past. The trick is in the shapely bang, which veers from soft, short, and wisped into long and sharp as it moves toward the temple.

Beribboned Braid

This undone braid tied in a raw-edged red ribbon was all about careless romance. When paired with a gown this almost-plait is undeniably event-ready, but the style can be easily adapted for more casual wear. Finish your easiest ponies and braids with a color-coordinated ribbon for a similar effect.

Decorative Details

An air of effortlessness doesn't mean that opulence is off the table. In keeping with a celestial theme, Ratajkowski’s diamante headband, baby braids, and loosened tendrils transform a low-pinned updo into a work of art.

Classic Twist

EmRata knows how to carry off a classic moment. This French twist is personalized by two generous face-framing tendrils, a ‘00s-inspired hallmark that the model favors. A slight lift at the crown and finger-raked texture ensures the updo doesn't feel too done.

Glossy Waves

Ratajkoski’s hair may morph into different brunette variants, but medium-length, glossy waves serve as something of a baseline. A center part is a must for this somewhat bohemian look, as is a collection of barely there, brushed-out curls.

Easy Elegance

Long layers and a high-shine finish can make even the easiest of styles read red-carpet-ready. These loose lengths boast a subtle bend that helps open up the style around the face, long layers creating a perfect shoulder spill.

Extra, Extra

Although extra-long extensions aren’t a regular in Ratajkowski’s rotation, some occasional drama is always worthy of note. Worn straight but with enough texture to read natural, this elongated stint is a playful match to her iconic Galliano newsprint dress.

Full Fringe

A piecey, brow-reaching bang affords the model’s signature style a sweet and soft sort of glamour—a perfect choice for an appearance on a Cannes carpet.

Clean Knot

Though EmRata’s loose lengths tend to veer into bombshell territory, her updos lean clean. This super-slicked, center-parted knot pulls all focus to the face, with a lift at center offering a sculptural feel.

Luxury Lengths

Certain events call for a more-is-more approach, as demonstrated for this Met moment. A mane of brushed-up waves gets a chic and grounded addition via a set of blunt baby bangs and an oversized black ribbon.

Rumpled Waves

While Ratajkowski often favors glossy, polished waves, this rumpled aesthetic makes a memorable statement. The would-be undone texture is balanced by a bright carmine lip, a bold and romantic rarity for the model.

Va-va-voom Bouffant

This ‘60s-inspired look is all about the volume. The style owes something to Barbarella, carried off with a glossy polish that is entirely EmRata.

Femme Fatale

This sort of not-a-hair-astray look owes much to Old Hollywood, with Ratajkowski’s deep brunette and flick of liner providing a subtle noir spin. A generous side-part and rounded ends make for a recreateable look.

Graphic Knot

A slicked, middle-parted updo becomes something more striking with graphic sprays of hair. This Met-ready style featured a three-part fan of hair jutting from the bun, the sections long enough to be visible from the front.

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