Holly Willoughby has been rocking the same general hairstyle for years – and honestly, nobody’s complaining. The platinum blonde bob with soft waves has become so synonymous with her that fans still search for how to copy it, even now. It’s not complicated hair. It’s just done really well, every single time. Here’s how to get there yourself.
- Holly’s signature look is a wavy blonde bob with a gentle side parting
- Her personal hairstylist, Ciler Peksah, starts every style on damp hair with volume spray
- The Bellissima Italia Gemini Hairdryer was used on her Dancing on Ice appearance (January 2025)
- The style easily adapts from casual days to formal evening looks
What Is Holly Willoughby’s Signature Hairstyle?
Most women in the UK could pick Holly’s hair out of a lineup without thinking twice. Platinum blonde, sits around the shoulder, soft waves, and that relaxed side sweep she’s been rocking for years. It’s not a look that shouts for attention – it just quietly looks brilliant every single time.
Her long-time hairstylist, Ciler Peksah, once explained that no two shoots are ever identical. The hair always starts from the outfit. They brainstorm together, Holly included, and the style grows from there. That approach shows – the finished look always feels intentional but never overdone.
When Holly appeared on Dancing on Ice in January 2025, her wavy bob hairstyle instantly got people talking again. The loose, glossy waves Ciler created that night were a masterclass in doing a lot with very little fuss.
How to Achieve Holly Willoughby’s Signature Hairstyle
Step-by-Step Guide to Styling Hair Like Holly Willoughby for Medium Length Hair
Honestly, the steps are simpler than most people expect. You just need to do them in the right order.
- Wash and keep hair damp. Ciler never works with completely dry hair. Start fresh and towel-dry gently.
- Apply heat protectant. A leave-in conditioner or a lightweight heat spray goes on first – before anything else touches your hair.
- Spray the product all over. This is the non-negotiable step. Work it through from roots to ends while the hair is still damp. It’s what gives Holly’s style that lifted, bouncy look rather than a flat, limp finish.
- Blow-dry section by section. Take a medium round brush and work through the hair in sections. Roll the ends inward as you dry – this sets the shape early.
- Add waves with a large-barrel wand. Loosely wrap sections around the barrel and hold for a few seconds. For the exact tool Ciler used on Holly in January 2025, it was the Bellissima Italia Gemini Hairdryer – used with an attachment to create those soft bends.
- Fix the parting before the waves cool. Holly’s style uses a relaxed side parting. Push it into place while the hair is still slightly warm – once it cools, it holds.
- Finish with shine spray. Just a light mist, not a drench. This final step is what makes the hair look healthy and camera-ready rather than styled and stiff.
What Hair Products Does Holly Willoughby Use for Volume?
Volume is everything with Holly Willoughby’s signature hairstyle. Without it, a bob can look flat and shapeless. Ciler has shared her go-to product routine through Holly’s Wylde Moon platform, and it’s more accessible than you’d think.
| Product Type | Purpose | Recommended Example |
| Heat protectant / leave-in conditioner | Protects strands and aids blow-dry | Applied to damp hair before drying |
| Volume spray | Lifts roots, adds body throughout | Applied all over on wet hair |
| OUAI Wave Spray | Defines and softens the wave | Nourishes while adding texture |
| Kitsch Satin Heatless Rollers | Overnight wave option, no heat | Available at Boots for around £10.50 |
| Shine or gloss spray | Seals and adds luminosity | Final step before leaving the house |
If you’d rather skip the hot tools altogether, Ciler regularly recommends the Kitsch Satin Pillow Rollers. Pop them in before bed and wake up to waves. They’re satin, so they’re gentle on the hair shaft and don’t cause the breakage you’d get from sleeping in standard foam rollers.
How Holly’s Hairstyle Maintains Shine on Camera
Studio lighting is brutal – it picks up frizz, dryness, and flyaways immediately. The reason Holly’s hair always looks so healthy on screen isn’t just the products. It’s the condition of the hair underneath them.
Ciler has spoken about keeping heat use as low as possible between shoots, particularly during summer. When hair isn’t being constantly blasted with heat, the cuticle stays smoother and reflects light far better. That’s the real secret behind the shine – it starts well before anyone picks up a hairdryer.
On the actual day, a gloss spray is the last thing applied. It smooths down any lifted cuticles, keeps frizz flat, and gives that finished, luminous look that holds under lighting without going greasy.
Holly Willoughby Hairstyle for Different Occasions
One of the main reasons women keep coming back to this style is how easily it shifts between settings.
- Everyday casual: Rollers overnight, fingers to separate in the morning. Done in under a minute.
- Work or daytime: A proper blow-dry with the round brush gives a neater, more structured result that holds through the day.
- Evening out: Go tighter on the wave, add a little more shine spray, and the same cut suddenly looks entirely dressed up.
- Formal occasions: Holly’s stylist created a slicked-back, wet-look version of the bob for her September 2024 comeback appearance – smoothing gel, brushed back, clean and striking. Same cut, completely different energy.
FAQs
Can I get Holly Willoughby’s hairstyle with fine hair?
Yes – this cut actually works well for finer hair. The volume spray applied to damp roots before blow-drying gives a lift that lasts. Just don’t skip that step.
What length of hair do I need for Holly’s look?
Jaw to shoulder is the sweet spot. That length gives the waves enough weight to fall nicely without dragging them flat.
Does Holly Willoughby dye her hair?
She does. Holly is naturally brunette. The platinum blonde is colour-treated and maintained regularly by her professional hair team.
Can I recreate this without expensive tools?
Easily. The Kitsch Satin Heatless Rollers that Ciler uses cost about £10.50 at Boots. No wand, no heat, no drama.
How do I stop the waves from dropping by midday?
Don’t over-handle the hair once it’s set. A light mist of hairspray or texturising spray after styling helps them hold their shape without feeling crunchy.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Hairstyling techniques, products, tools, and recommendations mentioned are based on publicly available information, media reports, and expert commentary at the time of writing. Individual hair types, textures, and results may vary. Readers should perform a patch test before using new hair products and follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using heated styling tools. References to specific brands or products do not constitute an endorsement, sponsorship, or guarantee of results. Always consult a qualified hairstylist or hair care professional for personalised advice regarding hair treatments, colouring, or styling.
