How to Achieve Hudson Williams' Heartthrob Hair, According to His Hairstylist

Heartthrob hair is particularly associated with the 1990s. Think Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, and Backstreet Boys’ Nick Carter, all sporting effortless, swoon-worthy ‘dos. Charming and androgynous, the floppy style features a length that lightly skims the chin—much like a bob—soft layers, and sometimes a curtain fringe.

The undone style seamlessly suits Hudson’s messy energy. While it appears to have a low-maintenance aesthetic, that certainly wasn’t the case to achieve it.

“I focused on touchable texture, natural movement/flow, and polished ease,” said Aika in an Instagram post. Heartthrob hair may appear effortless, but each strand was shaped with utmost intentionality. To recreate the tousled hair as seen on the star, it’s important to practice restraint and to align only with what’s natural. As Aika described it, “Nothing Stiff. Nothing overworked.”

For the special occasion, Aika entrusted the science-backed products of Redken, which is the number one professional hair brand in the USA. Learn all about the look ahead.

“Hudson has natural volume, but as the weather changes, sometimes fullness and structure suffer.” With this in mind, Aika started with the Full Volume Mousse, which built lift and body without compromising the hair’s softness. “Adding this as the first step assured me that his hair would have lasting volume throughout the day.”

According to the hairstylist, a golf-sized amount is enough. Deposit it into your hands, emulsify, and then apply from the roots to the ends.

The Naked Gloss is used to smooth and hydrate the hair while keeping it light. “It added a soft, healthy sheen and protected hair from heat without weighing it down, keeping everything fluid and natural to touch.”

If you have a similar hair length to Hudson's, start with only one pump, emulsify it as well, and apply it to the mid-length downwards.

With low heat, diffuse the ‘do. This helps “to set texture and volume while keeping everything soft, controlled, and camera-ready.” It brings out Hudson's natural waves, too!

Aika follows this with the Brushable Hairspray, which aids in preserving movement. This is the key for lasting control and humidity resistance, and it provides the opportunity to brush through and rework the hair if needed.

To add "subtle texture, separation, and dimension," Aika uses the Spray Wax. With its satin-matte finish, it gives a lived-in feel that makes heartthrob hair stand out. Finishing with this also enhances volume and definition without sacrificing softness.

Aika’s pro tip: Hold pieces where you want them to sit, and set them in place using the product.