Is Sofia Richie's 'sleek lazy girl' bun actually bad for your hair? The experts weigh in

When it comes to Sofia Richie's style, particularly in the 'Quiet Luxury' department, the internet's faith in her recommendations is usually unfaltering. However, Sofia Richie's 'sleek lazy girl' bun is another story.

The 'slicked back' bun is one of the chicest and most popular hairstyles around and one that Sofia has become pretty synonymous with. So naturally, we've all been waiting for the hair tutorial to drop. 

Alas though, it was not quite what fans were expecting, in fact, it's sparked some discourse over on TikTok about whether you should ever tie wet hair up. So, we've quizzed the experts on Sofia's tutorial to find out if it's actually safe or whether we should avoid it at all costs, to maintain healthy hair.

Is Sofia Richie's 'Sleek Lazy Girl' bun actually safe for your hair?

In case you missed it, Sofia took to TikTok on Saturday, September 2, 2023, to share her signature, sleek back bun or 'lazy girl' bun, to quote her.

How Sofia styles her signature bun

In the video, she begins her routine with wet hair, before spritzing in some Unite tangling spray (available at Amazon) and brushing it through. She then brushes out a 'strong center part' using a styling comb and applies an oil and hair mask.

@sofiarichiegrainge

Sleek lazy girl bun 🫶🏼

♬ original sound - Sofia Richie Grainge

After the prep, she explained how she likes to divide out two front sections before tying back the remaining hair into a ponytail—having decided on where she wants her 'bun to live'. She ties it up tightly, before brushing and slicking back the two front sections and gathering them up with the ponytail to then twirl and wrap them around the base, to create that bun. She secures it and the voilà, that classic slicked bun look, complete with a perfectly defined parting. 

However, there's one step in this routine that has caused some controversy—she did it with wet hair.

In response to her video, one fan commented: "Every hair stylist cringing a the wet hair being tied up."

While another wrote: "Ok she looks STUNNING but is anybody else worried about how she does this with wet hair? I mean breakage is likely to happen." And a third asked, "Isn't it bad to do a tight updo while wet as well as twisting a bud?" 

Now, we did of course see her apply a ton of nourishing hair products—like hair masks and lotions—but even so, should you ever tie your hair up with it's wet or is it a one-way ticket to damaged hair?

So, should you tie your hair up wet? What the experts say...

Tyler Moore, expert stylist at Live True London says it's best to avoid tight updos when your hair is still wet, as it can be very damaging. Moore explains: "Your hair is more prone to breakage when it’s wet—it will stretch more easily causing more tension as well. We don’t recommend tying up your hair when it’s wet, although the use of products like masks may prevent some damage. 

"In general, it’s best to wait until your hair is dry before tying it up into a bun, especially tighter styles."

That being said, Moore also says that you can follow Sofia's routine, as long as you're using protective products—as Sofia does in her TikTok. Moore adds: "If you’re low on time to do your hair and find this tutorial works for you, then by all means go for it. Using products like oils, serums and masks to mitigate damage will help keep your hair healthy." If your hair is already in need of some TLC though, perhaps skip this routine until your hair is stronger.

"In general," notes Moore, "we’d recommend starting on dry hair and doing a similar technique but using an oil, serum or mask to create that slicked-back look without the hardness of gel. Try this with the FUL Intense Moisture Mask and finish off with the Styling Spray to tame flyaways." We'd suggest the Living Proof No Frizz Smooth Styling spray (at Sephora).

So there you have it, you can do Sofia's routine if it works for you but be aware that products are necessary to avoid long-term damage!