In case you're not a night owl, the 28th Annual Critics Choice Awards were held at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles overnight and you know what this means, right? Well, if not, allow me to fill you in. Other than rewarding the greatest talent in showbiz there is with coveted trophies, it means that a whole load of star-studded celebrities took to (yet another) glamorous red carpet with gawjus beauty looks for us to unpack. And under today's microscope is the one and only Michelle Williams, who stepped out with a hairstyle proving its fit for any length lock.
For as long as we can remember, the actor has rocked short cropped hair, with it currently sitting just above chin length. Now, as a fellow short-haired girlie, I often wear my locks straight, seeing as a curl will reduce any length I do have, further. However, Michelle's 'S' wave 'do from last night is one that won't have you looking like a 19th-century Victorian child... IYKYK.
Michelle's makeup artist, Angela Levin took to Instagram with a before and after process video, showing how she and hairstylist Chris McMillan created such glam. Watch the IG reel below:
I mean, going from pin-straight locks to an effortless wave is quite the transformation.
'But what is the 'S' wave style?', I hear you ask. Well, it may sound complex but it's quite the opposite; all it entails is using a straightener over strands of hair that have been bent into an 'S' shape.
To start, whilst holding a 'C'-like curve, use your tool to carefully tap over the strands to set the shape. Continue by creating a bend in the opposite direction to create a full S-shape, and follow by running over it with the straighter in tapping motions. Forget C's and S's, it's as E Z as can be... sorry.
Everyone's clicking on...
Blue Monday, step aside, for this hairstyle is bound to bring life back into any gloomy January day *whips out hair straightener*.
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Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
