Cindy Lou Who hair is all about a super-tall, whimsical top section and cute braids or curls at the sides, often built around a hidden cup or tube to give it that cartoony height.

What youā€™ll need

  • Hairbrush and fine-tooth comb
  • Strong-hold hairspray and a few bobby pins
  • Clear hair elastics
  • A lightweight cup, small bottle, or cardboard tube (for the tall center)
  • Optional: curling iron, ribbons, bow, or Christmas accessories

Basic ā€œcup in the hairā€ method

  1. Brush hair smooth and part it down the middle from forehead to nape.
  1. Take a circle section at the crown (top center) and pull it straight up. Place a plastic cup or similar form in the middle of that section.
  1. Pull the hair up and around the cup, smoothing it so the cup is completely hidden, then secure at the top with a strong elastic.
  1. If hair is thin, lightly backcomb around the cup before smoothing to hide it better and add volume.
  1. Spray with hairspray to keep the tall cone standing.

Side braids and fountain curls

  • Leave hair at the back and sides out of the cup section at first.
  • Divide the remaining hair at the back into two sections and make smooth three-strand braids on each side, securing with clear elastics.
  • For the classic ā€œfountainā€ look, curl the loose ends and pin them so they spray outward and slightly upward like little fountains around the head.
  • In some tutorials, a small extra ponytail is added on top of the tall section, then folded or looped and curled to create extra whimsical curls above the cone.

Finishing touches and comfort tips

  • Add a red bow or festive ribbon at the base of the tall section or on the braids to make it look extra Grinch-themed and holiday-ready.
  • If the structure feels too heavy, use a lighter form (like a cardboard tube) and avoid pulling hair too tight at the scalp to prevent discomfort.
  • This style works for kidsā€™ crazy hair day, Christmas parties, Halloween, or Grinch-themed events and can be simplified by skipping some curls if you are short on time.

TL;DR: Build height with a hidden cup or tube at the crown, smooth hair up and around it, add two neat braids and curled ā€œfountainā€ ends, then finish with hairspray and a festive bow for that instantly recognizable Cindy Lou Who look.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.