How to recreate Kim K’s signature ‘Pammy’ updo
Kim Kardashian has made it clear that she’s not afraid of a statement hairstyle. From her Barbie blonde era to her buzz cut (maybe this is where Harry Styles got his inspo?), she’s sure had her fair share of iconic hair moments. And whilst her signature style has become long mermaid waves, her updo game is second to none.
Her latest go-to? A ‘90s-inspired updo. Kardashian has been spotted sporting the ‘Pammy’ at a plethora of major events in the past year. First to her sister Kourtney Kardashian’s wedding (we’re not saying she copied Kim by getting married in Italy…) and most recently at the launch of the Swarovski x SKIMS collection.
As you may have guessed, the hair trend gets its namesake from ‘90s icon Pamela Anderson. Picture the chicest undone top bun you can think of, add some wispy tendrils and voila – it’s messy, it’s chic, it’s the epitome of Y2K glam. And it’s the perfect updo for a red carpet appearance or party season glam.
Kardashian has been a loyal ‘Pammy’ wearer of late and according to her hairstylist, Chris Appleton, the look is actually quite easy to recreate. Appleton uploaded a full tutorial way back in 2022 and you best believe we took notes...
1
Loose waves
Use a wide-barrel curling iron to create some loose waves in the hair. “You want to be random with this. Leave the ends out for a bit more of a natural finish,” Appleton says. This will create the perfect texture that gives the updo that signature done-but-undone finish. The VS Sassoon Smooth Fusion 40mm Curler ($42.95 at Priceline) is our go-to for effortless waves on medium and long hair.
2
Add a texture spray
Next, Appleton goes in with the Color Wow Style on Steroids ($53 at Sephora) to hold the waves in place for “loads of texture and that kind of undone finish”. For a more affordable option, we love the ELEVEN Australia Dry Finish Texture Spray ($27.95 at Adore Beauty). Focus the spray on the roots for enhanced volume.
3
Section and clip
Now it’s time to pull the style together. Separate two tendrils from the front section of your hair and pull the rest of your hair back into a French twist. Appleton then uses a claw clip to lock the bulk of the hair in place, but if you’d prefer a more seamless look, sweep the hair up into a high pony instead.
On the last loop, don’t pull your hair all the way through the elastic so you have a loose half bun with the ends of the hair hanging out.
4
Pin into place
And finally, it’s time to pin the rest of the hair into place. If you’ve followed Appleton’s technique, arrange small sections of your hair to your desire, leaving some longer pieces out for the relaxed tendril look, and add pins or butterfly clips to secure into place.
For the loose bun technique, pin down the sides and parts of the middle section to create a textured bun. You can keep all the loose tails out as the tendrils, or pin into place for a more pulled-together look – the end result is totally up to you.
5
Style the front to finish
Add some extra waves to the front pieces to frame the face. Finish with a spritz of texture spray or hairspray for added hold.
And there you have it. A flawless Kim Kardashian updo that’ll take you under 20 minutes to throw together.
You can watch Chris Appleton’s full tutorial here:
@chrisappletonhair How to create the kim k inspired updo
♬ First Class - Jack Harlow
Main image: Getty
Want more summer hair inspo? You’ll want to add these medium-length hair updos to your glam rotation…
Georgia Nelson is BEAUTYcrew's Beauty & Social Editor and resident Euphoria obsessee. You'll find her hard at work putting the latest TikTok beauty trends to the test or perfecting her skin care routine. Her latest obsession? Nailing the glazed donut aesthetic (move over, Hailey Bieber).
