How To Get Amal Clooney’s Signature Waves Without Any Heat Damage

Let’s face it: Amal Clooney is the epitome of grace, beauty, and effortless style.

Whether she’s wowing at the 2024 Albie Awards or enjoying boat rides with George and their twins in Lake Como, one thing remains constant—her flawless, glossy waves.

But how does Amal keep her hair looking that radiant while balancing press tours, humanitarian work, and red carpet moments without succumbing to the perils of heat damage?

We’re spilling the tea on how to achieve waves worthy of this global icon while keeping your hair healthy.

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Heat Damage: Why Your Hair Deserves Better

You know how Amal always looks so put-together, whether at high-profile events or date nights in Venice?

Her secret might be avoiding the heat stress we’re all guilty of.

Celebrity hairstylist Jen Atkin warns, “Too much heat can strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving it brittle and prone to breakage.”

If you want Amal’s signature look without the damage, start by understanding how heat affects your hair. It dries it out, leads to split ends, and makes it impossible to maintain healthy, shiny locks.

Recognizing when your hair is damaged—hello, frizz and dullness—will help you pivot to healthier styling habits.

1. Start With a Clean, Fresh Base

Amal’s iconic waves always look fresh, and that starts with a clean canvas.

Before styling, make sure to cleanse your hair thoroughly to remove any product build-up.

Opt for a sulfate-free shampoo like Briogeo Curl Charisma, which cleanses without stripping your hair of essential moisture.

And trust me, clean hair makes all the difference when you’re trying to recreate Amal’s effortlessly glamorous waves.

How to Wash Your Hair Properly

1. Double-cleanse if you’ve got product build-up—shampoo twice, focusing the first round on the scalp and roots.
2. Massage shampoo gently into your scalp with your fingertips (never your nails) to stimulate circulation and clean thoroughly.
3. Follow with conditioner from mid-length to ends, avoiding the roots to prevent weighing your hair down.

2. Heat Protectants: The Non-Negotiable

If you’re reaching for the curling wand (because let’s face it, sometimes we all do), a heat protectant is a must.

Amal’s waves look like they’ve never met a damaged strand, and that’s probably thanks to top-notch products that protect her hair from heat.

Redken Acidic Color Gloss Heat Protection is a crowd favorite and especially good for colored hair—it creates a protective barrier, ensuring your hair doesn’t fry in the process.

How to Apply Heat Protectant

1. On damp hair: Spray from mid-length to ends before blow-drying. Keep the bottle 6-8 inches away from your hair to ensure even distribution.
2. On dry hair: Mist lightly before using heat tools (curling wands, flat irons). Comb through to ensure the product is evenly spread and don’t overdo it—too much product can weigh hair down.
3. Focus on areas prone to heat damage (the ends!), as these are the most fragile.

Top tip! Follow up with a nourishing oil or serum, like Moroccanoil Treatment, to lock in shine and moisture. This combo keeps your hair glossy, just like Amal’s, even after a little heat styling.

3. Lower the Heat, Raise the Glam

Amal’s hair is always styled to perfection without looking overdone. To achieve that balance, you need to adjust your heat settings.

As top celeb hairstylist Chris Appleton advises, “Start with the lowest effective temperature to minimize damage.”

Whether your hair is thick like Amal’s or on the finer side, using too much heat will only lead to heartbreak—and frizz.

Be patient, and let the waves form slowly.

How to Curl Hair with a Straightener

1. Start with dry, detangled hair and mist with heat protectant.
2. Use a 1-inch section of hair—clamp the hair straightener at the root, turn it 180 degrees, and glide it down the length of your hair.
3. The key is slow and steady—don’t rush the process. Twist the hair as you pull the straightener through to create waves, but avoid holding the tool on your hair for too long.
4. Let the curls cool before touching or styling them for best results.

4. Heatless Waves Are a Thing

Even Amal probably gives her hair a break from heat now and then, and you should too.

Heatless methods like overnight braids or the viral robe-curl technique give you those Hollywood waves while keeping your hair healthy.

It’s a win-win! Plus, you’ll wake up with Amal-approved waves—no curling iron required.

How to Do Overnight Braids

1. Start with slightly damp hair (not soaking wet). Apply a small amount of styling cream or mousse, like The Doux Mousse Def, to add hold.
2. Divide your hair into 2-4 sections, depending on how loose or tight you want your waves. For bigger, beachy waves, opt for larger sections.
3. Braid each section and secure with a soft hair tie. Sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce friction.
4. In the morning, undo the braids, finger-comb, and lightly mist with a setting spray or lightweight oil for shine.

5. Cool Down for Long-Lasting Waves

After styling, let your hair completely cool before touching it. This step locks in the waves and prevents frizz from ruining your Amal-inspired look.

Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to gently break up the curls once they’ve cooled.

It’s a simple trick, but it makes a world of difference, especially if your hair is color-treated or prone to damage.

How to Cool Down Your Hair Post-Styling

1. Once you’ve finished curling or waving your hair, avoid touching it while it’s warm.
2. For faster cooling, use the cool shot on your blow-dryer to blast each section with cool air. This helps set the style and adds shine.
3. After your hair has cooled, gently finger-comb or use a wide-tooth comb to separate the curls.

6. Regular Trims and TLC

Let’s be real, Amal’s hair always looks healthy. That kind of shine and bounce doesn’t come without a little maintenance.

Regular trims are essential for keeping split ends at bay. And don’t forget to indulge in a deep conditioning treatment, like Olaplex No. 3, to repair any existing damage.

Keeping your waves healthy is all about consistency—and that’s something Amal definitely knows.

How to Deep Condition Effectively

1. Apply deep conditioner to freshly washed hair. Focus on mid-lengths to ends where hair tends to be drier.
2. Leave the product in for 10-20 minutes (longer for extra hydration). Wrap your hair in a warm towel to help the product penetrate deeper.
3. Rinse thoroughly and style as usual, or let your hair air-dry to avoid excess heat.

Parting words

So, are you ready to channel your inner Amal Clooney and embrace those flawless waves without sacrificing your hair’s health?

Whether you’re recreating her chic red carpet look or her casual lake-side glam, these tips will help you get that effortless beauty.

Give your hair the love it deserves, and you’ll be turning heads just like Amal.

Found your perfect shade? We’d love to see it! Tag us on Instagram @coloredhaircare or Facebook and share your hair dye success stories. Looking for more hair care tips? Check out How to Look After Colored Hair: 11 Expert Secrets For Long-Lasting Color.

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  With over two decades of passionate hair dyeing experience, I’ve experimented with nearly every shade imaginable. My journey began long before blogging; as an award-winning copywriter in London and New York, I shaped narratives for iconic brands. However, when friends sought advice during lockdown for at-home hair dyeing, I realized my true calling. Beyond being your hair color expert, I’m a mom of two girls, wife to artist Tony, and an avid soccer player!

  
  
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