20 Western-Inspired Hairstyles for Cowgirl Summer

Country music is having a moment, so it seems fitting that Western-inspired hairstyles are taking center stage as well. What is Western hair, you ask? As Dolly Parton once put it, "The higher the hair, the closer to God." Think lots of volume, body, and shape.

Thanks in large part to Queen Bey's latest album release, Cowboy Carter, fans and celebs alike are ready to embrace cowgirl style. If you're among them, scroll on for 20 of our favorite Western-inspired hairstyles, as seen on some of the genre's biggest stars.

Cowgirl Glam

The easiest way to add a touch of glamour to your cowboy attire is to cover it in rhinestones. Country singer Tanner Adell lets her bejeweled cowboy hat do the talking on her way to a Beyoncé concert. It's the perfect accessory for adding a Western touch to third- or fourth-day hair.

On the Fringe

Speaking of Beyoncé: When the multi-hyphenate accepted the Innovator Award at the 2024 iHeart Radio Awards, she proved that Western hair doesn't have to be big. She paired her leather-fringed jumpsuit, heavy belts, and matching hat (all vintage Versace) with sleek, extra-long waves.

Feathered Layers

Dolly Parton is a country icon, so naturally, she provides a treasure trove of Western hair inspo. These heavily feathered layers are a great option for anyone with finer strands. Curling those face-framing layers away from the face will get you close to the look, but a teasing comb and some strong-hold hairspray are the real keys to successfully replicating her look.

Modern Mullet

Winnie Harlow is among the many celebs modernizing this country-inspired haircut by stretching its length (and, by extension, its boundaries). Also referred to as a stretched mullet, this cut is all about the trademark tapered sides and heavy fringe, but with an even longer length in the back. Don't be afraid to use clip-in hair extensions to get the look.

Classic Sweetheart

The country music scene loves a classic sweetheart look, and country singer Hailey Whitters has nailed it. A simple half-up hairstyle and side-swept bangs are shortcuts to a style fit for a Homecoming Queen. The large bubble heart earrings don't hurt, either.

Thick Curtain Bangs

These extra-thick curtain bangs bring K. Michelle's volume front and center. If you have a lot of hair to work with, don't be afraid to go heavy with your fringe. To up the Western factor, bring the rest of the hair up to your crown. Twist pins and donut buns are great tools for securing thick hair without the headache.

More is More

A safe rule when it comes to Western hair: More is more. More curls, more volume, and more hair are always a yes. Hair extensions can help you take brushed-out curls from simple to red-carpet-ready.

Double Dutch

Braids are a Western hair staple. To elevate your classic French braid and add volume, swap the direction of the hair and weave under instead of over for what's called a Dutch braid. As a bonus, if you Dutch braid your hair when wet, you can take the style out for some gorgeous waves on day two.

Healthy Highlights

Platinum blonde has historically been the go-to shade for Western-inspired hair. But these days, more hair-healthy and natural-looking techniques like balayage are more popular. No matter how blonde you go in your Western era, there are plenty of ways to keep your colored strands looking healthy.

Back to Bows

If you love to accessorize your hair, you aren't restricted to cowboy hats. Hair bows are a versatile option and many celebs, from Hailey Whitters to Hailey Bieber, are devoted bow-wearers keeping the trendy accessory alive and well (inside and outside the Western sphere).

Half-Up High Pony

Teasing your hair at the crown of your head isn't the only way to bring volume into your 'do. Priscilla Block's extra high half-up ponytail brings the eye to the same place without any backcombing. To replicate a full, flirty ponytail, slide your hair tie down your ponytail, flip the hair into a topsy-turvy, and stretch your ponytail in all directions until it's kissing your scalp again—but with more attitude than it had before.

Low-Profile Volume

Maybe you want that Western glam but wearing your hair up isn't your vibe. Enter a low ponytail that's anything but basic. Carrie Underwood's curled pony is teased for extra texture and interest, all while maintaining a low profile.

Rick Rack Waves

Tiera Kennedy's tight rick-rack waves give her hair a ton of volume, body, and movement—all things we want to replicate in Western-inspired hairstyles. Flexible foam rods can give you that perfect rick-rack shape without risking heat damage. Apply your favorite wet styling spray to small sections of hair, fold the rod in half, and weave the hair around the rod in a figure-8 pattern.

Bump-It Back

The Y2K pouf has been worn in many different ways. This classic half-up version is a great way for finer strands to bump it back and give the illusion of volume. It's Western-inspired without any exaggerated effort.

Asymmetrical Waves

An asymmetrical style isn't the first thing you associate with "Western hair." But, as T. Swift demonstrates here, adding volume can instantly up the country vibes.

'70s Meets Western

Country icon Reba McEntire bridges two classic hair trends for her signature look: '70s and Western. The voluminous '70s feathering gives her go-to style its larger-than-life shape.

Deep-Parted Elegance

Deep side parts are an efficient way to make any hairstyle look extra sophisticated. As we know, with Western hair, the bigger the better. So push that side part over a touch and use that larger-barrel iron to get bigger curls. You'll have a look that's polished, Western, and—of course—classically glam.

Sassy Stetson

Lainey Wilson paired her beachy waves with a Stetson hat on the CMA red carpet. The cheetah print and gold sparkle make the look all the more sassy and fun.

Bold Body

Tanner Adell proves bold waves with lots of body isn't going out of style anytime soon. Keeping tight waves in the same direction and combing them out will give your hair a lot of body while maintaining a soft, touchable appearance.

Western Glam

Classic red carpet waves will always register as glam. To give your Hollywood waves a Western twist, fluff things up by lightly back-brushing the bottom sections of your hair with a boar bristle brush.

Read the original article on Byrdie.