Devoted fans of Meg Ryan and her iconic ‘90s haircut, affectionately known as “The Meg,” had a moment of joy when the actress revealed a textured bob during her recent fall press tour. The nostalgic echoes of her famous ’90s hairstyle were unmistakable, and Ryan’s hairstylist, Sally Hershberger, sheds light on the unexpected resurgence of “The Meg.”
Appearing on Late Night with Seth Meyers in late October, Ryan’s new hairstyle immediately sparked a wave of nostalgia among fans. However, Hershberger clarifies that the revival of the iconic look wasn’t a deliberate homage. “I completely forgot about how big of a deal her hair was,” Hershberger admits. “It wasn’t premeditated.”
While reminiscent of her ’90s ‘do, Hershberger emphasizes that Ryan’s current “effortless” hairstyle is a unique creation for 2023. The hairstylist generously shares the technique behind the look for those eager to recreate the iconic style.
The key to achieving Ryan’s tousled hair, according to Hershberger, lies in her 24K Supreme Body Volumizing Mousse and the art of pin curls. Hershberger intricately wraps hair sections with mousse, allowing them to set in pin curls, and imparts texture with a gentle scrunch, courtesy of her haircare line’s texturizing balm. The finishing touch involves applying the brand’s texturizing paste to areas that crave a bit more texture.
“The Meg” hairstyle originated on the set of French Kiss in 1995, where Hershberger aimed to craft a disheveled look for Ryan’s character. The tousled style quickly gained popularity, resonating with women who appreciated the undone aesthetic. Hershberger fondly remarks, “I go to the airports and see a million Meg ladies walking around. So many women.”
The longstanding collaboration between Hershberger and Ryan traces back to a photo shoot for Harper’s Bazaar in the early ‘90s. Since then, the duo has consistently teamed up for movies and traversed the globe together. Hershberger highlights Ryan’s laid-back approach to style changes, contrasting with the typical salon chair stress. “She’s so into the script and into working when you’re on a set with her. She’s not like, ‘Oh, I love my hair!’ She sometimes goes, ‘Oh, my hair looks amazing. Great.’”
