The trick promising lifted brows and sharper cheekbones in minutes is all over TikTok right now. Why? Because Anne Hathaway rocked up on the Devil Wears Prada 2 red carpet sporting nothing less than a tightening updo that was little short of miraculous (apparently). But before you try it at home, here’s what a hair expert wants you to know.
It costs nothing. It takes a few minutes. And according to the experts, it can make you look like you’ve just stepped off the a red carpet. The Devil Wears Prada 2, anyone?
Anne Hathaway’s hair-as-facelift trick has officially gone viral, and TikTok is doing what TikTok does, turning a professional styling technique into a DIY obsession. The appeal is obvious. A subtle, sculpted lift around the eyes and cheekbones, no appointments, no injectables, no surgeon involved. Just your hair, a few grips, and the right know-how.
But as with most things that look effortless on screen, there’s a right way and a wrong way to do it.
What Is the Hack, Exactly?
The technique involves pulling small sections of hair from the temple area and securing them discreetly at the back of the head. The tension creates the illusion of lifted brows, sharper cheekbones and a more sculpted face shape.
Done well, it’s clever, subtle and genuinely effective. Done too tightly or too often, it can cause tension headaches, breakage and, over time, traction damage around the hairline.
Danielle Louise, a hair expert on Fresha, the global beauty and wellness booking platform, has been fielding questions about the trend since it took off.
“Anne Hathaway’s look has taken off because it gives that polished, lifted red carpet finish without needing a treatment,” she says. “It’s clever styling rather than a real facelift, and when it’s done properly, it can create a beautiful lifted effect around the eyes and cheekbones.”
The problem is the TikTok version.
“TikTok often turns professional styling tricks into extreme DIY hacks. If people are pulling the hair too tightly around the temples, they risk causing tension, headaches, breakage and, over time, traction damage around the hairline.”
How to Do It Safely
According to Danielle, the key is subtlety. Here’s her step-by-step:
Step 1. Start with two small, clean sections of hair from the temple area or just above the ears.
Step 2. Gently pull them backwards, either twisting or braiding, and secure them flat behind the head with discreet grips or a small elastic.
Step 3. Style the rest of your hair over the secured sections so the technique stays hidden.
“The aim is a subtle lift, not pain or tightness,” Danielle says. “You should feel the hair is secure, but you should not feel your scalp being pulled.”
For a softer, more natural finish, she recommends adding movement through the lengths. “Loose waves, a soft blow-dry or face-framing layers can help disguise the pinned sections and make the lift look more natural. The mistake people make is pulling everything back too severely, which can look harsh and put unnecessary strain on the hair.”
The Red Flags to Watch For
This is the part most TikTok tutorials skip. Danielle is clear: if any of the following happen, loosen the style immediately.
Headache or scalp pain. The hair has been pulled too tightly.
Redness around the temples. Too much tension on the scalp.
Small broken hairs. Early signs of stress or breakage.
Thinning around the hairline. Possible traction damage from repeated tension.
Soreness after removing the style. The technique has been worn too tightly or for too long.
“If the style hurts, it’s not being done correctly,” Danielle says. “This should be an occasional styling trick, not something you rely on every day. The temple area is delicate, and repeated tension can weaken the hair over time.”
The Bottom Line
The hack works. Just not the extreme version making the rounds online.
Avoid sleeping in the style. Avoid tight elastics directly on the temple hair. And if you want the lifted effect as part of your regular rotation, Danielle’s advice is to see a professional.
“If you want the lifted effect regularly, it’s better to speak to a professional stylist who can show you a safer way to create shape and lift without putting pressure on the hairline.”
Because the best beauty tricks are the ones that still look after you long after the camera’s gone.
