The History of Lived-In Hair
When Anh Co Tran first started experimenting with waves over a decade ago, he didn’t set out to create a signature style. He was simply drawn to an aesthetic which was inspired by ‘90s icons like Kate Moss: messy, undone, sexy but tough. He says he has always loved that cool-girl look. He likes the mix of effortless and intentional.
What began as a subconscious exploration slowly evolved into what is now known as “Lived-in Hair.” Defined by loose, bedhead-like waves and a perfectly imperfect finish, the look was first introduced by Anh around 10–15 years ago. At the time, he just wanted his clients to embrace what he called “the cool look.” Without realizing it, he was shaping a style that would grow into both a signature and a cut that adheres to your lifestyle.
Today, lived-in hair is more than a trend. Once reserved for editorial shoots, it has become a red carpet option alongside Hollywood waves and sleek updos. Anh recalls that the true shift happened when his clients began requesting it as a formal choice for red carpet events.
Career Beginnings and Breakthrough Moments
Anh’s journey didn’t begin on the red carpet. He got his start at Toni & Guy, working first as an assistant and then as part of the salon’s team. On weekends, the salon transformed into an academy, where Anh assisted in setting up and breaking down classes. This early exposure to education shaped his perspective as both a stylist and a teacher for Curated Cutting.
His entry into celebrity hair came unexpectedly. After cutting model Coco Rocha’s hair in 2013—a transformation that was featured in Allure—Anh began to attract attention from Hollywood. Soon, he was working with stars like Ginnifer Goodwin, eventually signing with The Wall Group, which represents leading talent in fashion and beauty.
From Trend to Timeless
What makes lived-in hair endure is its adaptability. It’s a look that works as well on city streets as it does under bright lights. For Anh, that’s the key: it’s a lifestyle.
“On a daily basis, I want hair that feels undone but intentional—something I can style quickly, wear anywhere, and still feel chic,” he says.
From beginnings in a salon academy to styling A-listers for red carpet events, Anh Co Tran has redefined what it means for hair to be effortless. The lived-in look has cemented itself as a timeless style that blends fashion, function, and personality.
To discover more lived-in hair inspo, make sure to follow @anhcotran on Instagram.