If you think Kourtney Kardashian has always been the sister with the "boring" hair, you haven't been paying attention. For years, she was the one holding the line for the "natural" look while her sisters cycled through neon wigs and waist-length extensions like they were changing socks. But lately? Kourtney has become the family's secret hair MVP.
She isn't just doing the same old thing anymore. Honestly, her shift from "classic Kardashian" to "rock-star wife" has completely flipped her aesthetic. We're seeing a lot more edge. A lot more risk.
The Evolution of Kourtney Kardashian Hairstyles
Most people remember the early days of Keeping Up. Back then, it was all about the "Calabasas Blowout." Think long, dark, and incredibly shiny. It was beautiful, sure, but it was safe. She stayed in that lane for a decade. Then Travis Barker entered the chat, and everything changed.
The most jarring shift was the chop. Kourtney's hair journey took a sharp turn into the "Hydro Bob" and the platinum era. People were shocked when she ditched the length for a chin-grazing blunt cut. It wasn't just a haircut; it was a personality shift.
Why the 2026 "YSL Haircut" is Dominating
Right now, everyone is talking about her newest look for 2026. Her stylist, Dimitris Giannetos, actually dubbed it the "YSL Haircut." It’s a complete departure from the sleekness we’re used to.
- The Vibe: It's very 1970s. Think Farrah Fawcett but with a high-fashion, "feathery" twist.
- The Technique: Giannetos used Great Lengths tape-in extensions to get that massive volume. It's not about length here; it's about thickness and that "fluffy" texture.
- The Bangs: She’s moved into heavy curtain bangs. They frame the face without being a full-on commitment like a blunt fringe.
I love that she’s leaning into this retro energy. It feels more lived-in. Less "perfect."
That Platinum Bob Phase (And the Fallout)
We have to talk about the blonde. In 2023, Kourtney went platinum. It was a vibe, but it was also a warning. She’s been very vocal about how much damage that bleach did to her hair.
Kourt actually revealed she had a "beauty blunder" back when she was 16—bleaching her hair until it turned a weird highlighter yellow. She told People that her hair basically "fried off" back then. Fast forward to her recent blonde era, and she was much more careful, but the stress on her strands was real.
If you're thinking of going Kourtney-blonde, you've gotta be ready for the maintenance. She didn't stay blonde forever for a reason. She’s a "brown-haired girl" at heart, and she’s said that dark hair just suits her better.
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The Secret Sauce: How She Keeps it Shiny
You've probably noticed that even when her hair is short, it looks like glass. It’s almost annoying how shiny it is. Her longtime stylist, Andrew Fitzsimons, has spilled some of the secrets on Poosh, and they aren't as expensive as you’d think.
Basically, Kourtney is a big fan of natural stuff. She uses a DIY hair mask that’s basically a salad for your head: honey, olive oil, lemon juice, and avocado. The avocado provides vitamin E and antioxidants, which helps repair the heat damage from all those red-carpet appearances.
She also does this thing where she rinses her hair with apple cider vinegar. It sounds smelly, but it helps maintain moisture and closes the hair cuticle so it reflects light better.
Quick Tips from her Glam Squad:
- Stop washing so much. Kourtney often just rinses with water to keep her natural oils intact.
- The Silk Turban. She sleeps in an Aquis x Poosh turban to prevent friction and breakage.
- Cold Water Rinse. This is a classic. Rinsing conditioner with cold water seals the hair and adds instant shine.
- Scalp Exfoliation. We exfoliate our faces, so why not the scalp? It removes buildup and keeps the hair follicles healthy.
Breaking Down the Iconic Bob
If there is one look that defines the "Modern Kourt," it’s the blunt bob. But not all bobs are created equal.
She often goes for the "Hydro Bob"—that wet, sleek look that looks like she just stepped out of a pool but somehow makes it fashion. To get this at home, you need a lot of shine serum and a very fine-tooth comb. It’s about making the hair look saturated without looking greasy.
Then there’s the 90s supermodel bob. Fitzsimons once said this was inspired by Yasmeen Ghauri. It’s all about the "va-va-voom" volume. Unlike the sleek bob, this one requires a round brush and some serious texture spray.
Actionable Steps to Get the Look
If you're looking to replicate Kourtney Kardashian hairstyles, don't just walk into a salon and ask for "the Kardashian." You'll end up with something from 2012.
For the 2026 Retro Look:
Ask your stylist for a "YSL cut." You want long, feathery layers and curtain bangs that hit just below the cheekbones. If your hair is thin, you might need a few tape-in extensions to get that "fluffy" 70s density.
For the Sleek Bob:
This needs to be blunt. No layers. It should hit right between the jaw and the chin. Tell your stylist to use super sharp scissors—it makes the edges look crisper.
The Maintenance Reality:
Kourtney gets "mini trims" every four to six weeks. Short hair shows growth way faster than long hair. If you wait three months, your bob becomes a lob, and the "cool girl" edge disappears.
The bottom line? Kourtney's hair evolution proves you don't have to stay in one box. She went from the "safe" sister to the one leading the trends. Whether it's a DIY avocado mask or a high-fashion YSL shag, she's showing that 40s hair can be way more interesting than 20s hair.
Start by swapping your cotton pillowcase for silk. It’s the easiest change you can make tonight to get that Kardashian-level shine without spending a dime on a stylist.