“They’re just two braids”: Anne Hathaway reveals the hair trick that makes her face look like it’s had a facelift
In 2026, an Oscar-winning actress made headlines for a reason entirely different from her film roles. Anne Hathaway recently put an end to rumors of plastic surgery circulating about her, and her response sparked a full-blown hair trend on social media. Yet behind this simple gesture lie far more complex questions.
Rumors of a scalpel—a response in the form of two braids
Known for her roles in *The Princess Diaries* and *The Devil Wears Prada*, Anne Hathaway has long been the subject of speculation about her appearance. Shortly after promoting the sequel to “The Devil Wears Prada,” internet users claimed she had undergone plastic surgery. The actress, however, categorically denied these accusations.
In an interview with ELLE, she responded with irritation to the speculation surrounding her. Her face, deemed “too smooth” to be natural, is not, however, the result of heavy makeup or an anti-aging serum. It’s a simple, easy-to-achieve hairstyle that creates this optical illusion.
However, this revelation came as a surprise to many observers. Twenty years after the release of the first film, the actress seems almost unchanged, which naturally fueled doubts.
“Also, by the way, these are huge medical decisions that people assume I’ve made. (…) I wanted to show that no, I didn’t make a major medical decision. They’re just two braids.”
The Two-Ply Temple Braid Technique Explained
The concept is simple and requires no professional equipment. All you have to do is make two small braids at your temples, then tie them at the back of your head, tucking them under the other strands of hair. This creates an “instant facelift” effect without scissors or chemicals.
What’s more, this technique can be replicated at home in just a few minutes. It acts as a natural facelift for the facial features, lifting the cheekbones and elongating the eyes. As a result, the visual effect is similar to that of a cosmetic procedure, without the cost or the inconvenience.
A hair trend that’s taking social media by storm
The hairstyle made popular by Anne Hathaway quickly became a viral sensation across social media platforms. Beauty enthusiasts are filming their transformations on camera, clearly amazed by the results. In short, what was once a backstage trick is now accessible to everyone.
This trend follows in the footsteps of other well-known “volumizing” hairstyles. Think, for example, of American model Bella Hadid’s sleek bun or American singer-songwriter Ariana Grande’s tightly pulled-back ponytail. These styles share the same promise: to reshape the face without resorting to cosmetic surgery.
For its part, this hair trend appeals to people because of its simplicity and accessibility. However, as is often the case with viral beauty trends, the collective enthusiasm masks some less flattering realities.
- Make two small braids at the temples using the thin strands of hair.
- Tie these braids at the back of your head, under the rest of your hair.
- The result: lifted cheekbones, elongated eyes, and a firmer face.
- This technique does not require any professional tools or specific products.
- It’s similar to a variation of the “tension” hairstyles already worn by Bella Hadid and Ariana Grande.
What the scalp specialist warns against
Tina Mui, a trichologist and founder of AWARE Hair, warned against using this technique too often in an article for Bustle. According to her, “when the same strands are repeatedly used to create volume—especially at the temples or around the face—it puts a lot of pressure on very fragile areas.” The temples, in particular, are sensitive to traction.
As a result, wearing this hairstyle every day can cause gradual damage. The specialist encourages everyone to listen to their bodies: if you feel relief when you undo your braids, that’s a sign that the tension was too strong. The identified risks range from simple hair breakage and itching to varying degrees of hair loss.
An appealing trend, but one that raises questions
The double-braid hairstyle promises to erase signs of fatigue and give you a “lifted” look worthy of magazine covers. However, it silently damages your hair when done regularly. Anne Hathaway herself has never presented it as a daily routine, but rather as a one-time solution to meet the demands of a red carpet event.
Beyond the risks to one’s hair, this trend also raises questions about societal expectations regarding appearance. Given how Hollywood treats women over 40, this hairstyle feels more like pressure than true freedom. Thus, the line between a beauty hack and an imposed norm remains blurred.
On the other hand, this sudden popularity speaks volumes: many people are looking for affordable alternatives to costly cosmetic procedures. From this perspective,Anne Hathaway’s approach—denying the rumors and showcasing a simple solution—resonates with a genuine public expectation. Wearing this hairstyle occasionally, in moderation, does not carry the same risks as intensive daily use.
The key is to approach this hair care routine with care, paying close attention to the signals your scalp sends. After all, neither Anne Hathaway nor any viral trend is worth sacrificing healthy hair for.
