1. Introduction: Jenna Ortega’s Signature Gothic Chic Vibe
Jenna Ortega has quickly become a style icon, particularly recognized for her bold, gothic chic aesthetic. With a striking presence and a fearless approach to fashion, Jenna has made waves in the fashion and beauty world, captivating fans and industry insiders alike with her unique sense of style. Her hair, in particular, has often been a key element in defining her look, from sleek, dark strands to textured, edgy styles that exude gothic sophistication. Known for embracing her individuality, Jenna’s hair has become a symbol of her gothic chic vibe, blending darkness with elegance. In this article, we’ll break down how to recreate some of her most iconic hairstyles, offering tips and tricks to achieve that effortlessly cool, gothic chic look.
2. The Rise of Gothic Chic: Jenna Ortega’s Hair Evolution
Jenna Ortega’s hair journey has been nothing short of transformative. From her early roles in Disney shows to becoming a rising star in Hollywood, her hair has evolved alongside her growing confidence and unique style. Initially, she embraced a more youthful, natural look, but as her career progressed, so did her aesthetic. With standout roles in Wednesday and Scream, Jenna fully embraced her gothic chic persona—bold, dark, and unapologetically edgy.
Her gothic chic style is marked by deep, dark hues and striking cuts, such as sleek straight hair, voluminous waves, or blunt bangs. Each style makes a statement, enhancing her natural beauty while reflecting a sense of strength and confidence. Her hair choices often incorporate elements of the gothic—think deep blacks, cool-toned hues, and sleek textures—blended with chic touches like soft waves or sharp, polished finishes. This combination of dark, edgy elements with a refined, fashionable twist has made Jenna’s hairstyle a hallmark of her identity.
As her style has evolved, so has the demand for her signature looks. Fans flock to recreate her hairstyles, using her bold, confident attitude as inspiration. Her choices are not just about aesthetics—they are a statement of individuality and empowerment. Whether it’s her dark side-swept bangs or her glossy straight strands, Jenna Ortega’s hair has become a symbol of gothic chic for a generation of fashion-forward fans. By embracing her natural beauty and experimenting with daring styles, Jenna has solidified her place as a trendsetter, making gothic chic hair a must-try for those looking to express their own boldness.
3. The Iconic Wednesday Addams-Inspired Look: Dark, Sleek, and Bold
Jenna Ortega’s portrayal of Wednesday Addams in Netflix’s Wednesday series has undoubtedly influenced her iconic gothic chic look, especially when it comes to her sleek, dark hair. The character of Wednesday is the epitome of gothic elegance—her look combines a bold, dark aesthetic with an understated, yet powerful presence. This portrayal of Wednesday was a perfect fit for Jenna, as it aligns perfectly with her natural edgy style and gothic-chic aesthetic. Her straight, middle-parted black hair quickly became synonymous with her role, offering a striking contrast to her pale complexion and intense stare.
The simplicity of the middle part and straight, sleek finish of her hair makes it one of the most iconic looks in modern gothic beauty. The sleekness of her hair, paired with its jet-black hue, evokes a sense of mystery and sophistication, perfectly capturing the essence of Wednesday Addams. This minimalist yet bold hairstyle has resonated with many, making it a highly sought-after look for anyone wanting to channel that gothic chic vibe.
How to Recreate the Look
Recreating this Wednesday-inspired hairstyle is surprisingly easy and doesn’t require a permanent commitment. If you’re starting with natural dark hair, begin by straightening your locks to achieve the sleek finish that defines the look. Use a flat iron to smooth out any texture and create a perfectly straight, polished style. To add a bit of shine and keep your hair looking fresh, apply a light serum or shine spray. This will elevate the glossy finish, giving it that clean, sharp appearance.
For those with hair that’s not naturally black, you can achieve the look with hair extensions. Choose a set of jet-black clip-in extensions to add length and fullness, then apply them to your natural hair, blending them seamlessly for a smooth, uniform appearance. Make sure to straighten both your natural hair and the extensions to match the sleek, polished look of Wednesday Addams. If you're looking for an even more dramatic effect, try adding some low-lighting or darkening the roots to mimic the depth and contrast that Jenna Ortega’s look brings to the character.
For extra hold and long-lasting shine, finish the look with a lightweight hairspray or finishing spray. This ensures that your sleek hairstyle stays in place all day while maintaining the gothic elegance of the Wednesday Addams look.
By embracing this hairstyle, you’re not only channeling a gothic icon, but also embracing a chic and bold vibe that’s sure to turn heads.
4. Soft Waves with a Gothic Twist: Adding Texture to Dark Locks
Jenna Ortega has mastered the art of blending softness with edge, especially when it comes to her textured hairstyles. While she’s often seen with sleek, straight hair, she also rocks voluminous, soft waves with a gothic twist, adding a unique layer of sophistication and drama to her overall look. This combination of texture and darkness perfectly mirrors her gothic chic persona, giving her a timeless, edgy yet feminine vibe.
The key to Jenna’s soft, voluminous waves is achieving that perfect balance of movement and structure, where the waves add dimension without softening the gothic undertone of her look. Her waves are never overly bouncy or too loose; they maintain a dark, dramatic effect, which keeps the focus on her overall chic yet edgy aesthetic. This style can be effortlessly recreated to add an element of volume and dimension to dark locks, while staying true to a gothic vibe.
How to Create the Perfect Soft Waves with an Edge
To recreate Jenna’s soft waves with a gothic twist, the first step is to ensure your hair is sleek and shiny. If you have naturally dark hair, you’re already on the right track—just make sure your locks are well-maintained and free of frizz.
1. Prepping Your Hair: Start by applying a heat protectant spray to shield your hair from heat damage. Then, work in a texturizing or volumizing mousse to give your hair a bit of body and hold before styling. This ensures that your waves stay in place and have that desired gothic edge.
2. Curling the Hair: Use a 1-inch curling iron or wand to create soft, loose waves. Begin by sectioning your hair into manageable pieces, starting from the bottom. Wrap each section of hair around the barrel, making sure to leave the ends out for a more relaxed wave. The key is to curl away from the face, alternating the direction of the curls for added texture. Avoid tight curls—opt for looser, more voluminous waves that create a tousled, undone look.
3. Adding Volume: After curling, gently tousle the waves with your fingers or a wide-toothed comb to break them up and give them that natural, lived-in feel. This step adds movement without sacrificing the sleekness of your dark locks. To amp up the volume, flip your head upside down and gently shake the roots, giving your waves some lift at the crown.
4. Finishing Touches: For that gothic twist, finish the look with a texturizing spray or dry shampoo to enhance the waves and add an edgy matte finish. You can also use a lightweight hairspray to ensure the waves hold all day. The key to Jenna’s gothic vibe is to keep the waves textured but not overly polished—this creates a relaxed yet dramatic style.
By embracing these soft waves with a gothic twist, you’re able to inject a bit of volume and movement into your dark hair while maintaining that mysterious, bold look. With the right products and techniques, you can easily achieve the perfect blend of softness and edge, just like Jenna Ortega.
5. Bold Braids: Gothic-Inspired Styles for Any Occasion
Jenna Ortega has often been spotted sporting bold braids that effortlessly blend into her gothic chic aesthetic, adding an element of structure, elegance, and rebellious beauty to her look. Whether it’s intricate French braids or edgy side braids, these styles create a striking contrast with her dark, sleek hair and offer a more playful, yet dramatic alternative to her usual sleek and straight locks. Braids, with their versatile appeal, bring a bold edge to gothic fashion, creating a sense of both power and mystique.
Braids can elevate gothic style by offering more than just a practical hairstyle—they add texture, visual interest, and a sense of rebellion. With the right accessories, such as dark pins, beads, or even leather ties, braids become a statement piece that enhances the overall gothic look. The contrast of neatness against the wild, untamed spirit of gothic fashion is what makes braids such an iconic, edgy choice for those who wish to embrace the dark side with flair.
How to Create Different Gothic-Inspired Braids
Here are a few ways you can recreate Jenna Ortega's bold, gothic-inspired braided styles for any occasion, whether you're aiming for a chic, intricate look or a more relaxed, rebellious vibe.
1. Intricate French Braids
Step-by-Step:
1. Start with clean, slightly damp hair and divide it into three equal sections.
2. Begin braiding at the crown, picking up additional sections of hair as you move downward, creating a French braid.
3. As you braid, make sure the tension is firm to keep the braid sleek and structured, but leave a little room for natural volume.
4. Once you reach the nape of your neck, finish with a regular braid, securing it with a dark, gothic-inspired hair tie (a leather or velvet band adds a chic touch).
5. For a more gothic feel, apply a matte hair spray to keep the braid in place without adding shine. A dark hair accessory, such as a skull pin or black ribbon, can add an extra layer of mystery and charm.
2. Edgy Side Braids
Step-by-Step:
1. Start with tousled hair or a messy texture to embrace the "undone" gothic aesthetic.
2. Create a deep side part, and gather a small section of hair near your forehead to begin a loose side braid.
3. Braid the section loosely, leaving some strands out to create a more natural, messy feel.
4. Continue the braid along the side of your head, securing it at the end with a dark elastic or hair cuff.
5. Pull a few strands free near the face for an added touch of drama, and spritz with texturizing spray to maintain the “untamed” look.
3. Double Dutch Braids
Step-by-Step:
1. Begin by parting your hair down the middle, dividing it into two equal sections.
2. Start a Dutch braid (similar to a French braid but with the strands woven under) on each side of your head, starting from the hairline and working your way down.
3. As you braid, pick up more hair from each side to maintain even tension, but keep the braids loose enough for a voluminous, gothic look.
4. Secure both braids with dark hair elastics or embellished accessories like black beads, chains, or even small gothic clips for added flair.
5. Finish with a light spritz of hairspray to keep the braids intact but still flexible.
4. Messy Braided Crown
Step-by-Step:
1. Start by creating a side part and separating a small section of hair from the front of each side.
2. Begin French braiding each section down the side of your head, working toward the back of your head.
3. Once both braids are completed, pull them towards the back and secure them together at the nape of your neck, crisscrossing them if you want a more intricate look.
4. Leave the rest of your hair loose or slightly wavy for a soft, ethereal effect.
5. For added drama, tuck in a few gothic-inspired pins or beads into the braids to elevate the look.
To make your braided look even more gothic chic, experiment with hair accessories like dark-colored clips, beads, or lace ribbons. These accessories add dimension and emphasize the rebellious nature of your braided style. You can also enhance the braid with texturizing sprays, pomades, or waxes to give your hair a slightly matte, tousled finish that complements your gothic vibe.
With these bold and rebellious braided styles, you can channel Jenna Ortega’s gothic chic vibe and turn heads wherever you go, whether it's for a casual outing or a special occasion.
6. Darker Hues and Highlights: Adding Depth to Your Gothic Hair
Jenna Ortega’s hair is often a masterclass in rich, deep tones that embody the essence of gothic chic. Her hair frequently features dark browns, jet blacks, and subtle highlights that add dimension while remaining true to her signature dark aesthetic. These shades exude sophistication, drama, and elegance, perfect for those looking to emulate her iconic style. The key to achieving the perfect gothic hair lies not just in the base color, but in how you enhance it with highlights and lowlights that bring depth and movement.
Dark Base Colors with Subtle Highlights
Ortega’s hair often starts with a deep, dark base—think rich, jet black or deep espresso brown—creating a bold canvas for striking highlights. These dark tones are timeless, offering both elegance and edge. The addition of subtle highlights in shades like dark purple, deep burgundy, or dark red can make the hair appear multidimensional without disrupting the gothic vibe. These slight pops of color subtly shimmer in the light, adding an ethereal, mysterious quality to the look.
The beauty of these highlights is that they don’t overpower the overall dark aesthetic. Instead, they offer a quiet yet captivating contrast, creating a sense of movement in the hair. This allows the color to feel alive and dynamic, especially when styled with waves or braids that showcase the depth of the hues.
Enhancing Your Gothic Look with Hair Extensions
For those looking to recreate Jenna Ortega’s dark, rich hair without committing to permanent dye, hair extensions are a fantastic option. They provide the opportunity to experiment with color and depth while maintaining the flexibility to change your look. Here's how to achieve this gothic style using hair extensions:
1. Color Matching
To recreate the deep, rich tones of Ortega’s hair, begin by choosing extensions in shades that mirror the natural hues you desire. For a base, opt for jet black or dark brown extensions. For highlights, look for extensions in deep plum, burgundy, or even dark red. Many hair extensions come in pre-colored shades, but you can also have them custom-colored by a stylist to match the exact tone you want.
Tip: Always match the extensions as closely as possible to your natural hair to ensure the most seamless blend. If you’re adding highlights, choose shades that complement your natural undertones. Warm-toned brunettes should opt for rich mahogany or deep auburn highlights, while cool-toned brunettes may prefer violet-infused hues.
2. Blending and Layering
To ensure your extensions blend smoothly with your natural hair, layer them in sections that follow the natural fall of your locks. Start with a deeper layer at the bottom for a richer, darker base, and then place your highlighted extensions on top, creating a subtle gradient of color.
3. Adding Dimension
For maximum dimension, place a few highlighted extensions near your face to mimic the way Jenna Ortega’s highlights frame her features. This will give your face a natural lift and enhance the gothic aesthetic. Avoid placing too many highlights at once—subtlety is key for that ethereal, mysterious look.
Maintaining Rich Color Vibrancy
Dark hair with subtle highlights requires some care to keep the color from fading over time, especially when using extensions. To maintain the vibrancy and health of your extensions:
1. Use Color-Safe Products
Sulfate-free and color-safe shampoos and conditioners are essential for keeping the rich colors intact. These products are gentle on both your natural hair and extensions, preventing them from stripping the color.
2. Regular Deep Conditioning
Dark hair can sometimes lose its luster over time, so it’s essential to deep condition your extensions regularly. This will help keep the hair soft, shiny, and healthy-looking, maintaining that rich depth and dimension.
3. Avoid Excessive Heat
Heat styling tools can dry out both natural hair and extensions, leading to dull, lifeless hair. If you must use heat, always apply a heat protectant and avoid excessive use of hot tools. Instead, consider air-drying your hair or using minimal heat for a softer, more natural look.
4. Storage
When you’re not wearing your extensions, store them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. This prevents color fading and protects them from tangling.
Jenna Ortega’s gothic hair looks are a blend of dark sophistication and subtle drama, made even more dynamic with the use of highlights. Whether you’re looking to add depth with dark reds, deep purples, or warm chestnuts, extensions provide a great way to explore these shades without permanent commitment. By matching extensions to your natural color, layering strategically, and maintaining them properly, you can achieve a look that's as rich, deep, and beautiful as Ortega’s signature gothic chic style.
7. Messy Yet Perfect: The Effortless Gothic Chic Look
Jenna Ortega has mastered the art of achieving that effortlessly messy, yet perfectly put-together hairstyle that has become a hallmark of her gothic chic persona. This "perfectly disheveled" look is not about looking unkempt, but about creating the illusion of just-rolled-out-of-bed glamour, with soft waves or tousled layers that maintain an air of mystery and sophistication. This look exudes an edgy, rebellious spirit while still feeling polished enough to turn heads.
The Art of Controlled Messiness
What makes this look so iconic is the balance between messiness and polish. Jenna Ortega's gothic chic style proves that a messy hairdo doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style or sophistication. The key to achieving this is soft, tousled layers that still have definition. This layered texture adds volume and movement to the hair, ensuring that it looks full and lively without being overly controlled or stiff.
While many think messy hair means unkempt, Ortega’s version is deliberately structured. The layers are purposefully styled so they fall naturally, creating an undone vibe that feels spontaneous yet carefully curated. To get this look, you need to embrace the controlled chaos of tousled hair and trust the process of styling that maintains volume while still looking effortless.
Creating the Perfect Messy Waves
The foundation of this style is texture, which is achieved through curls or waves that aren’t too tight but still provide movement and shape. Here's how you can recreate Ortega’s messy, yet perfect waves:
1. Start with Soft Waves
To begin, apply a texture-enhancing product or sea salt spray to damp hair. This will give your hair that gritty, lived-in feel that’s essential for the gothic chic vibe. Once your hair is dry, use a curling iron or wand with a larger barrel (about 1.5–2 inches) to create loose waves. The goal is to keep the curls soft and not too uniform.
2. Tousle and Separate
Once you’ve curled your hair, run your fingers through it to break up the curls. You want to achieve a look that feels lived-in and wild without being overly messy. If the curls feel too tight, use a texturizing spray to add volume and break up any rigidity.
3. Add Soft Layers
For added dimension, consider getting layers cut into your hair. Layers create more texture and movement, which contributes to the overall "effortless" vibe. Ortega’s hair often features soft, face-framing layers that add softness and flow to her look, helping it feel organic and free-spirited.
4. The Tousled Bun Twist
Another key aspect of Ortega’s messy gothic chic look is her ability to effortlessly throw her hair up into a tousled bun or low ponytail. To do this, gather your hair into a loose ponytail at the nape of your neck, allowing some strands to fall out naturally. Twist the hair around the base of the ponytail and secure it with a hair tie, pulling at the edges to loosen the bun. Use a few bobby pins to keep stray strands in place, but don’t worry about them being perfect—this adds to the laid-back vibe.
Styling Tools and Tips for Perfect Mess
Achieving this look does require the right tools and a bit of skill to master the "perfect mess." Here are some tips to get your messy, yet chic hair looking like Ortega’s:
1. Texturizing Products
Texturizing sprays or sea salt sprays are essential to get the perfect amount of grit in your hair. These products will help you achieve that lived-in, tousled look while also adding volume. Use them lightly, as too much product can make your hair feel sticky or weighed down.
2. A Large Barrel Curling Iron
For softer waves that aren’t too defined, opt for a curling iron with a large barrel. Smaller barrels create tight, defined curls that can look too neat for this look. Instead, larger barrels will help create looser, more organic waves that maintain movement and volume without looking too structured.
3. Dry Shampoo for Volume
Dry shampoo is another key tool in recreating this style. It absorbs excess oil and adds lift to the roots, which is especially helpful if you’re styling second-day hair. The added texture from dry shampoo gives your waves more bounce and volume, making them look effortlessly thick and full.
4. Minimal Hairspray
A light hold hairspray can be used to lock your look in place, but remember that the goal is to maintain that messy, effortless aesthetic. Apply a small amount of hairspray just to keep your layers from falling flat, but avoid over-spraying or making the hair too stiff.
Jenna Ortega’s messy, gothic chic hairstyles are the epitome of cool, understated elegance. With the right mix of texturizing products, soft waves, and face-framing layers, you can easily achieve a similar look. Whether you're going for full-volume waves or a tousled bun, the goal is to maintain a carefree, undone vibe that still feels intentionally styled. By embracing the beauty of texture and softness, you too can rock the gothic chic, messy-yet-perfect hair look.
8. Jenna’s Edgy Ponytails: Combining Gothic with Playful Volume
Jenna Ortega’s ability to blend edgy gothic elements with playful, voluminous ponytails has made her one of the go-to icons for effortlessly chic and rebellious hairstyles. From sleek, high ponytails to messy, voluminous ones, Jenna’s ponytail game is a perfect mix of youthful energy and dark elegance, creating a look that is both bold and versatile.
The Gothic Twist on Classic Ponytails
Ponytails are often seen as a simple and practical hairstyle, but when infused with gothic influences, they become something entirely unique. Jenna Ortega has shown that the ponytail can be both edgy and playful, combining the simplicity of the style with a darker, more mysterious vibe. Whether it's a sleek, tight high ponytail or a messy, voluminous one, Jenna’s ponytails evoke a sense of rebellious elegance, with just the right touch of goth-inspired drama. The beauty of the ponytail lies in its versatility—by adding volume, texture, or a slightly messy finish, it can easily transform into a chic and edgy style. Jenna’s ponytails offer a perfect alternative to more traditional or formal looks, making them ideal for anyone who wants to experiment with a dark, dramatic aesthetic without being overly complicated.
9. Celebrity Inspirations: How to Emulate Jenna Ortega’s Iconic Hair Looks
Jenna Ortega isn’t the only celebrity to embrace a gothic chic hairstyle. Many others have leaned into dark hues, edgy textures, and unique accessories to create a bold, mysterious aesthetic. Celebrities like Billie Eilish and Kourtney Kardashian have become icons in the gothic chic scene, with their dark hair and bold styling choices.
Billie Eilish, for instance, often mixes dark shades with neon highlights, playing with contrast to add depth and intensity to her looks. Her messy, voluminous hair often has a slight grunge vibe, maintaining an effortless yet edgy quality that mirrors Jenna Ortega’s style. To replicate this look, add some volume with texturizing spray, and consider experimenting with temporary color highlights for a fun twist.
Kourtney Kardashian also channels gothic chic, opting for sleek, jet-black locks paired with blunt bangs. Her style is more refined but still keeps that bold, dark edge that defines gothic chic. If you want to achieve this sleek, sophisticated look, use a flat iron to achieve smooth, straight locks and finish with a high-shine serum for added elegance.
For those looking to emulate these looks on their own, start with dark, glossy hair. Add volume or texture with the help of hairspray or mousse. Accessories like black ribbons, silver pins, or bold clips can enhance the gothic aesthetic. If you don’t want a permanent change, consider using extensions to try out different textures and lengths, as these can be a non-committal way to experiment with bold styles.
10. Conclusion: Embrace Your Inner Goth—Jenna Ortega's Hair Inspires Confidence and Boldness
Jenna Ortega’s iconic gothic chic hairstyles have become a symbol of confidence and individuality. From sleek, dark locks to edgy braids and playful ponytails, her hair choices perfectly reflect her bold, fearless personality. These looks have not only resonated with fans but have also inspired many to experiment with their own hair, embracing dark hues, volume, and unique textures.
If you’ve been inspired by Jenna’s iconic style, it’s time to step out of your comfort zone and try these edgy yet chic looks for yourself. Whether it’s a sleek middle part, voluminous waves, or gothic braids, there’s a style to fit every personality and occasion. Embrace your inner goth and make a bold statement, just like Jenna Ortega—your hair is the perfect canvas for expressing your unique, confident style.