If you close your eyes and think of 2004, you can practically smell the hairspray and the beach salt. The hair on Laguna Beach didn’t just define a show; it defined a decade. But as the cast returns for the massive Roku reunion this Friday, April 10th, the chunky highlights and “bump-its” have officially left the building.
In 2026, the “California Cool” look has grown up. It’s softer, shinier, and much more intentional. Here is how the icons of the MTV era have evolved their manes and exactly how you can get their modern, red-carpet-ready look at home.
The “Then”: 2004’s Most Wanted
We all remember the staples of the early 2000s that Lauren, Kristin, and Lo made famous:
- The Side-Swept Bang: Often pinned back with a single bobby pin or a sparkling clip.
- Chunky Highlights: High-contrast blonde and brunette “ribbons” that screamed early aughts.
- The Beach Crunch: Frequent use of sea salt sprays and mousses that left hair with a textured, “scrunchy” finish.
The “Now”: 2026 Modern Sophistication
Twenty years later, the cast has moved toward a “Quiet Luxury” hair aesthetic. It’s all about hair that looks healthy, hydrated, and effortlessly moved by the wind.
1. The “Rooted” Blonde (Kristin Cavallari)
Kristin has traded her all-over bleach for a sophisticated “lived-in” blonde. This look uses a shadow root to allow for more time between salon visits while maintaining that bright, sun-kissed face-frame.
- Get the Look: Ask your stylist for a Balayage with a focus on “money pieces” around the face.
- Essential Product: To keep that blonde bright for the reunion, Kristin is a fan of purple toning shampoos used once a week to banish brassiness.
2. The Polished Blowout (Lauren Conrad)
LC has mastered the art of the perfect blowout. Her hair in 2026 is less about beach grit and more about high-shine volume.
- The Tool of Choice: The Dyson Airwrap is the ultimate hero here. Use the 1.6-inch barrels to create those soft, bouncy curls that turn into elegant waves.
- Pro Tip: Always curl away from your face to keep the look open and youthful.
3. Glossy & Grounded (Lo Bosworth)
Lo has leaned into ultra-healthy hair that matches her wellness-focused lifestyle. She often opts for a sleeker, more refined wave that highlights her hair’s natural shine.
- The Secret: Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil. Apply a few drops to the mid-lengths and ends after styling to smooth down any flyaways and add a mirror-like finish.
- Reunion Ready: Lo recently shared that during her pregnancy, she’s been extra careful with ingredients, choosing Peter Lamas Energizing Shampoo to keep her hair thick and vibrant. (Also loved by Full House actress, Candace Cameron Bure)
Step-by-Step: The Modern “Laguna Wave”
Want to look like you’re attending the reunion yourself? Follow this simple 2026 formula:
- Prep: Apply a heat protectant to damp hair. We love the Kristin Ess Weightless Shine spray for an affordable, high-shine base.
- Dry: Rough dry until 80% dry, then use a round brush to smooth the top sections for volume.
- Wave: Using a 1.25-inch curling wand, wrap large sections of hair, leaving about an inch of the ends out. This “straight end” is what gives it that modern, cool-girl edge rather than a “pageant” curl.
- Finish: Once the hair is completely cool, brush through with a wide-tooth comb. Spray with a light-hold dry texture spray (not hairspray!) to give it that airy, Laguna wind-blown feel.
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Diana is the co-editor-in-chief of Feeling the Vibe. She loves pop culture and is always up to date on the latest news. If you have any tips or comments, email [email protected].