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Throughout all ten seasons of Friends, Phoebe Buffay’s hairstyles served to cement her role as “The One With the Eccentric Nature.” The character (portrayed, unforgettably, by actress Lisa Kudrow) is a proponent of all things quirky, her long, naturally blonde lengths often playing up the preference. Rather than chopping or dyeing her mane to communicate her free-spirited nature, Phoebe’s shows off her personality through styling alone, offering up enduring inspiration to spare.
A medley of romantic sensibilities and crafty creativity define most of Phoebe's looks, with a few era bombshell moments thrown in for good measure. The result is a list of looks that feel just as relevant now as they did decades ago, all aspirational enough to be worn by any friend in a given group. From sets of bohemian braids to claw-clipped twists, face-framing ringlets to red ribbons and pigtails, Pheobe's hairstyles are anything but boring.
Here, ten of Princess Consuela Bananahammock's most iconic hair moments.
Boho Braids
Plaited pigtails are a tough look for most adults to carry off — some seriously chic quirk is required. Phoebe has the correct amount of stylish eccentricity to make the braids seem a subtle choice, the hairstyle serving as one of her introductory looks throughout the first season of Friends. The braids function as an additional accessory, their inherent bohemia furthering the character’s ever-present assemblage of bracelets and baubles.
1990s Natural
Buffay may favor out-of-the-box beauty, but her natural blonde turns heads without the need of much styling. Healthy hair worn extra long and loose was a hallmark of ‘90s indie singers like Alanis Morissette, Fiona Apple, and (of course) Phoebe. Her acoustic sets at Central Perk were the stuff of legend, performances featuring memorable music (hello, ‘Smelly Cat’) and that glossy blonde mane.
Curly Tendrils
Even half-up hair calls for a deliberate detail. Phoebe’s take on curly tendrils is characteristically fun, two tiny sections freed from her combed-back partial updo and styled in face-framing ringlets. A slight lift at the crown makes for a ‘60s-meets-’90s vibe.
Side-Swept Bangs
Shellacked, shiny, and side-swept bangs were the height of ‘90s glamour. This half-up moment skews more popstar than flower child, a rarity for Phoebe. A bouncy blowout with flippy ends, metallic lids, and a frosted lip team to prove that the decade’s more-is-more decadence touched everyone, regardless of their usual aesthetic.
The Phoebe
Forget ‘The Rachel’—Phoebe’s amply layered and buttery blonde blowout deserves its own moment in the spotlight. Face-framing laters, finger-raked curtain bangs, and a blend of piecey and full ends combine in a luxurious hairstyle that fits well within today’s beauty landscape. This fall’s top cuts? Long layers, kitty cuts, and The Phoebe.
Renaissance Twists
Many of Phoebe's go-to hairstyles owe something to the Renaissance, long waves and curls interspersed with intricate updos and plenty of braids. This two-twist style is simple yet regal, particularly when secured by gem-bedecked barrettes. Phoebe's naturally straight lengths ground the look, which feels more timeless than costumey or referential.
French Braids
Phoebe-ified French braids transform the sleek and at-times sporty style into something elegant and romantic. The duet of braids are woven down the back of the head rather than near the face, the woven style is supplemented by air-dried tendrils loosened to skim the cheekbones.
Ribboned Pigtails
This mane moment may be part of a Halloween costume, but the execution is in keeping with Phoebe's everyday aesthetic. Sleek side pigtails may be a cute enough choice for a standard superhero, but Phoebe secures playful styling choice with red ribbons. It's time to push past your bow fatigue! Just ask Phoebe: ribbons are forever fun.
Claw Clip Crown
Phoebe is no stranger to the milkmaid braid, and this iteration features an unexpected accessory. Rather than securing her twisted crown with covert pins, the character makes an appropriately idiosyncratic choice, topping the style with a decorative claw clip. Add a set of bouncy and wispy bangs, and you have a hairstyle that's quintessentially "Pheebs."
Wedding Ringlets
One must go glam for a final season walk down the aisle. For her wedding to Mike Hannigan, Phoebe ditches any pretense of bohemian in favor of tight platinum ringlets, a baby bouffant, and a tiara-style veil—though the tendrils around her face do owe something to her late-90s looks.