The Easy Hair Trick That Gives Anne Hathaway A Wide-Awake Appearance (No Face Tape Needed)

Anne Hathaway has been hitting red carpets back-to-back in 2026 amid her starring role in "Mother Mary" and her reprisal of Andy Sachs in "The Devil Wears Prada 2." But what are the fans really noticing? Her wide-awake, snatched appearance. It's why Anne Hathaway can't escape the rumors about her face; however, this particular secret isn't needles and fillers — it's one simple hair trick. The actor posted an Instagram video with her hairstylist Orlando Pita getting her ready for the Oscars in March 2026.

In the video, Pita took hair from Hathaway's temple, created two one-inch braids, secured them with an elastic, and pulled them behind her head. Instantly, her skin looks tightened, lifted, and lively. Like Hathaway said, "You look a little bit more awake ... That's the trick." The hack has been incorporated into many celebrities' red carpet routines, but for the actor, each appearance continues the conversation about her aging in reverse (like how Anne Hathaway's dress at "The Devil Wears Prada 2" premiere made her look younger than the first).

Anne Hathaway's hair tip works because of one reason: tension. Creating and pulling the tight braids near the temple creates a temporary lift in the skin, softly shifting the cheekbones and eyebrows upwards. In lieu of face tape, styles like the braids or Anne Hathaway's high ponytail for a perfectly flirty hair look rely on visual illusion rather than a permanent change to the facial structure. Thicker hair is also better for this technique because it holds the lift well, whereas finer hair textures may struggle, as the braids underneath may be exposed. 

Just because it is effective doesn't mean the hack is necessarily foolproof or risk-free. It's important to note that this trick should be done in moderation, as repeated tension on the scalp, especially for thinner hair, can cause traction alopecia and lead to permanent thinning. For those who want in on the trend without the damage, professionals suggest some tips to consider. Do not pull hair from the top of your head; this will put pressure on the hairline. Never sleep in the hairstyle and avoid using tight elastics. Most importantly, if there are signs of pain, redness, or small broken hairs, remove the hairstyle immediately, as these are early signs of breakage (per American Salon). Like any red carpet beauty hack, its appeal lies in the illusion it creates, though the true art is knowing how to make it subtle and damage-free.