Held the first Monday in May each year, the Met Gala brings the biggest names in entertainment and beauty to the red carpet to celebrate fashion and beauty. This year’s Met Gala theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” paid tribute to craftsmanship, heritage and Black dandyism, while the “Tailored for You” dress code encouraged a focus on tailoring and men’s wear. As always, hair played a critical role in completing each look — not just as an accessory, but as an essential storytelling element. For stylists, this year’s red carpet showcased how hair can reflect cultural history, personal identity and couture-level precision. From kiss curls to finger waves, cornrows and braids, top celebrity hairstylists embraced this year’s theme to create show-stopping styles that honored the past and brought it to the present. Here’s a closer look at 20 of our favorite standout looks from the evening, straight from the celebrity stylists who created them.
1. Valentina Ferrer’s Peekaboo Waves
International model, actress and Miss Argentina 2014, Valentina Ferrer, hit the Met Gala red carpet, serving glamorous ‘peekaboo’ waves created by celebrity hairstylist Davey Matthew (@daveydidmyhair) using milk_shake products!
“For Valentina’s look, Marc had requested to pull inspiration from the iconic Veronica Lake, whose glamorous persona and peekaboo wave became a symbol of resilience and feminine independence during the difficult time of World War 2,” says Matthew.
How-to:
PREP:
- milk_shake Leave In Conditioner to prep the hair for cutting by improving compatibility and slip.
- milk_shake Incredible Milk to prepare the hair for vigorous styling by providing protection, nourishment and incredible softness.
STYLE & SET:
- milk_shake Lifestyling Volumizing Mousse during the round brush blow dry — not only to plump up the hair, but also to provide memory and hold, ensuring her waves last all night.
- milk_shake Lifestyling Flexible Hold Hairspray prior to iron work to provide heat protection and hold, while remaining brushable for finished style.
- A bit of milk_shake Lifestyling Dry Shampoo at the roots, as I take down the set to add a little grip for a slight back comb and to proactively remove any oil.
- milk_shake Lifestyling Extra Strong Hairspray to lock her waves in place and achieve the signature peekaboo.
FINISH:
- To finish, a light mist of milk_shake Incredible Oil to provide instant shine and to pop her waves underneath the flash of photographers.
2. Megan Thee Stallion’s Donut Hair Buns
Megan Thee Stallion arguably had the best hair look of the night, with several large, custom buns stacked on top of each other, and the remaining hair left loose and styled in waves. For an extra touch of glamour, hair gems are elegantly placed along the style, tracing from Megan’s hairline to the top of the ponytail strand.
Celebrity hairstylist Kellon Deryck (@kellonderyck) drew inspiration from a hairstyle famously worn by Josephine Baker—renowned civil rights activist and the first Black woman to star in a major motion picture. The dramatic look perfectly complemented Megan’s custom Michael Kors floral lace gown, embroidered with over 75,000 shimmering crystals.
3. Sydney Sweeney’s Chignon and Kiss Curls
Kiss curls were a defining hair trend from the Met Gala, and Sydney Sweeney was one of many stars at the event to sport the style — a curl sculpted around the face resting on the forehead or cheek. While the gorgeous curls framed Sweeney’s face, the rest of hair was swept back into a pristine chignon.
The style was crafted by Glen “Coco” Oropeza (@glencocoforhair), who shares his inspiration for look, saying, “I knew I wanted a clean, simple bun but also wanted to elevate it with an aspect of design in the front.”
This elegant, avant-garde look elevated Sweeney’s custom Miu Miu black crystal embroidered gown, which paid tribute to Kim Novak. Sweeney is set to portray the iconic actress in “Scandalous,” an upcoming biopic directed by Met Gala co-chair Colman Domingo. The film will delve into Novak’s romance with 1950s singer Sammy Davis Jr.
4. Gigi Hadid’s Boudoir Curls
Gigi Hadid was the ultimate golden girl at the Met Gala, wearing a custom gold velvet Miu Miu gown with crystal embroidery. This look is inspired by a gown originally designed for Josephine Baker in 1951, while also honoring Zelda Wynn Valdes, a pioneering fashion designer of the late 1940s. Valdes grew up working in her uncle’s men’s tailoring shop, eventually taking her knowledge of tailoring and applying it to the female form.
For a look that perfectly encompasses Black Dandyism and the “Tailored for You” theme, hairstylist Dimitris Giannetos (@dimitrishair) created an equally perfect hairstyle, opting for ’40s-inspired victory rolls.
5. Coco Jones’ Floor Length Braid
Wearing a custom creation from Manish Malhorta that pays tribute to the 1930s zoot suit, Coco Jones was a vision to behold at the Met Gala! The Grammy-winner went all out for her first Met Gala, wearing a cream tailored satin blouse, pearl-encrusted trousers and a sweeping hand-embroidered cape. Her hair was, of course, equally mesmerizing.
Hairstylist Elizabeth Semande (@elizabeth.semande) created a floor-length braid for Jones accented with a kiss curl.
6. Lupita Nyong’o’s Loc Ponytail
If there’s anyone we can expect to make our best hair list during awards and events season, it’s Lupita Nyong’o. She rocked an intricately refined 40″ ponytail crafted by Vernon François (@vernonfrancois).
“I wanted her hair to embody the detail and discipline of haute couture — where every curve, parting and placement mimicked the hand of a skilled tailor,” François shares. “Lupita’s hair was a study in structure — disciplined and minimal at first glance, but deeply intricate upon closer inspection.”
The style was accessorized with an aquamarine top hat, which matched her custom CHANEL wool jacket, satin blouse, chiffon cape and pants. Nyong’o says Little Richard was the muse for her Met Gala look.
7. Whitney Peak’s Cornrows and Baby Braids
Set to star in the upcoming adaptation of “Sunrise on the Reaping,” as part of the Hunger Games franchise, Whitney Peak is a rising talent. The actress stunned on the Met Gala red carpet in a custom CHANEL raspberry crepe and mousseline dress, black sequin tweed skirt and braided jacket accessorized with a tweed hat.
To pair with her look, hairstylist Naeemah LaFond (@naeemahlafond) created floor-length cornrows and tiny micro-braids that were glued to her face. The style also featured pearl embellishments.
“Once Whitney sent over her final outfit, I knew the hair couldn’t compete with the hat — it had to complement it,” LaFond shares. “I started with references: Maasai warriors, modern-day Black men with intricate cornrows and some of my own sketches. I also shared separate reference ideas for the back of the hair, since that would be the focal point.”
8. Taraji P. Henson’s Striking Pixie Cut
Drawing inspiration from the Black portraiture of painter Barkley L. Hendricks, actress Taraji P. Henson made a striking appearance at the Met Gala. She donned a MONSE x Post Imperial bodysuit, elegantly paired with a white suit jacket, top hat and cane.
When crafting her hair look for the evening, hairstylist Tym Wallace (@tymwallacehair) took inspiration from Josephine Baker and Betty Boop to create a striking pixie cut. The look featured bold blonde kiss curls, crafted with Hair Co.’s Signature Vixen Bundles in Shade #613, for a sophisticated yet playful pop of color.
9. Justice Smith’s Finger Waves
The women weren’t the only ones who stole the show on the red carpet! Actor Justice Smith wore a custom Valentino butter wool cropped jacket with a polka dotted silk plus de pois sleeve and scarf and butter wool flared trousers.
Hairstylist Jeelan Nadirah Aleem (@jeelannaleem) completed the fashion-forward look with flawless finger waves and delicate kiss curls that framed the face, drawing inspiration from Josephine Baker.
10. Venus Williams’ Crocodile Cornrows
Celebrity hairstylist Araxi Lindsey (@iamaraxilindsey) served up a stunning hair moment for tennis royalty, Venus Williams. He created the look using the Eco Style Braids and Beyond collection.
“My inspiration for Venus Williams’ Met Gala look derived from René Lacoste’s legendary nickname, ‘The Crocodile’, which became the iconic symbol of the Lacoste brand. I wanted to creatively reimagine crocodile skin through structural design while honoring African American culture,” Lindsey says. “With this year’s theme celebrating the superfine tailoring of Black Dandyism, the creative team and I chose cornrows with a twist as a modern nod to heritage and style.”
The intricate hair design was paired with a Lacoste silhouette in kelp green, which featured over 18,000 seed beads, 54,000 sequins and 36,000 microtubes, blending athleticism and style.
How-To:
- Wash the hair, blowdry, then part into sections for braiding and comb through each section of hair to remove the tangles.
- Before braiding, use Eco Style Braids and Beyond Soothe & Scalp Oil to ease tension and add shine.
- Moisturize finger tips with Eco Style Braids and Beyond Shape & Define Braid Gel to easily move throughout each hair strand.
- Secure the ends of the braids with hairpins tucking them low at the nape of the neck then add a few pumps of Eco Style Braids and Beyond 5-in-1 Styling Foam to mold braids in place.
- Complete the look by wrapping a silk scarf over braid style to absorb excess moisture until hair feels “dry to touch.”
11. Lana Del Rey’s Delicate Pin Curls
Lana Del Rey stunned at the Met Gala in a breathtaking black velvet and brown satin Maison Valentino gown. The dress featured a dramatic black lace backing and a striking feathered bow adorning one shoulder, exuding timeless elegance.
To complement the bold ensemble, hairstylist Anna Cofone (@annacofone) created soft, sculpted pin curls that added a touch of vintage glamour. Before bringing the look to life, colorist Tracey Cunningham (@traceycunningham1) formulated a rich, dimensional brunette hue that shimmered beautifully under the dazzling red-carpet lights.
12. Angela Bassett’s Soft, Defined Curls
Angela Bassett was the embodiment of Black dandyism in a blue-and-black vine-jacquard velvet tuxedo cape, waistcoat and tailored trousers—styled with a sheer black blouse, black silk tie, hat and cane. The look exuded confidence and power.
Hairstylist Randy Stodghill (@hairjunkierandy) embraced Bassett’s natural texture, creating soft and defined curls that framed the face using products from PHYTO.
“Angela is a fashionable woman with class and sophisticated style, bold and strong, a perfectly tailored match for this year’s MET theme,” Stodghill says.
How-To:
- Start by sectioning off the hair into small sections and applying PHYTO CURLS Definition Gel-Cream from the roots to the ends throughout each section in a scrunchie motion to lock in the curls.
- Then, diffuse the hair to dry, locking in frizz control.
- Before the hair is completely dried, spray the VOLUME Volumizing Styling Spray into the root to lift the hair, creating fullness.
- After the hair is completely dry, apply a small amount of PRO Style Shine Wax for added shine.
- Go through some parts of the hair with a wand to clean it up and add more texture.
- Once the desired look is set in place, use PRO Style Laque Soie hairspray to give it a lasting hold.
13. Ayo Edebiri’s Rope Bun
Ayo Edebiri made her second Met Gala appearance in a custom Ferragamo look: a mascarpone wool silk shirt dress layered with a coral beaded fringe harness and black leather tailcoat.
Her statement attire was elevated with a slicked-back, rope-like bun with subtle cornrows and slicked back bangs crafted by hairstylist Jacob Aaron (@jacobaaronn). The style was a nod to Edebiri’s Nigerian culture, known for creating voluminous updos with bold accessories. The look incorporated red and pink beads dispersed throughout the bun.
14. Kerry Washington’s Bubble Ponytail
Kerry Washington looked divine at the Met Gala in a custom SIMKHAI white suit jacket (with an open back) over a sheer skirt. The look was styled with fishnet gloves and a wide-brimmed hat.
Hairstylist Takisha Sturdivant-Drew (@takishahair) crafted a low, bubble ponytail that draped down to Washington’s hips, for a fun, playful style that complimented her elegant, tailored look.
15. Regina King’s Sculpted Hair
Regina King offered a dramatic take on the “Tailored for You” theme, wearing a custom Who Decides War bespoke suit top and bottoms adorned with angel embroidery on the bodice and green sprawl of crawling lace throughout the entire ensemble. The look drew inspiration from the Garden of Eden and Genesis story of creation, reimagined through the cultural lens of people of color. The suit top and pants featured sharp shoulders and meticulously structured lines, creating a refined silhouette.
Her hair look was even more elegant. Natural hair designer Jennifer Lord (@naturalhollywood) crafted a swirling, swerving braided bun that also served as a hat. This style is unbelievable!
16. Halle Bailey’s Vintage Pin-up
Inspired by the Harlem Renaissance, Halle Bailey wore a peak-lapel pinstripe evening jacket hand-embellished with over 10,000 individual tonal pavé crystals. The silk, satin corset underneath her jacket was also adorned with crystals.
For an extra dramatic flair, Halle’s vintage pin up, styled by Tinisha “Sparkle” Meeks (@sparkyourhair), was topped with a bejeweled beaded net veil.
17. Omar Apollo’s Vivid Waves
Latin singer Omar Apollo made a statement at the Met Gala, wearing a Wales Bonner black tailcoat with satin lapels over a leopard-print waistcoat, covered in crystals and beading.
For a pop of color, Anna Bernabe styled his black, moppy hair (@heyannabee) with vivid yellow/orange strands throughout.
18. Sofia Richie Grainge’s Twisted Ponytail
Model Sofia Richie Grainge brought timeless elegance to the Met Gala, wearing a custom white Tommy Hilfiger gown with a cut-out back and statement bows at the back of the collar bone and waist.
To let the back of the dress shine, hairstylist Kathleen Riley (@kathleen_hair) created a twisted, ponytail.
How-To:
- Create Your Base Sections: Create three sections — one high ponytail and one low ponytail, leaving out the front section.
- Add Extensions: Clip extensions into the top ponytail for added length and volume. Smooth and cover the wefts with natural hair.
- Brush & Blend: Use a boar bristle brush and styling gel to brush the hair upward, blending all the sections seamlessly.
- Sculpt the Top Ponytail: Twist, apply gel and pin the top ponytail around the base of the bottom ponytail.
- Shape the Bottom Ponytail: Twist, gel and cross the bottom ponytail over the first ponytail to create an intertwined look at pin at the top. Tuck the ends of the hair into the twists and pin.
- Create the Swirl: On your client’s preferred side, use gel and pins to sculpt a swirl with the end piece that was left out from the top ponytail. Set in place with gel and pins.
- Finishing Touches: Spray everything with strong hold hairspray to lock in the look. Brush and smooth the bottom nape area.
19. Shaboozey’s Dreadlocks
With a number one charting hit and Grammy nominations under his belt, Shaboozey is a star in the making. He made his Met Gala debut in a black moiré cropped suit jacket and matching pants, accessorized with turquoise beaded chains that were accented with 2,900 jet black crystals.
Hair artist and groomer Coree Moreno (@theonlycm123) provided grooming for Shaboozey’s iconic dreadlocks.
20. Janelle Monáe’s Stitched Braids
Janelle Monáe was one of the best dressed at the Met Gala, wearing a custom Thom Browne x Paul Tazewell collaboration that features a deconstructed then reconstructed take on a tuxedo that blends the familiar and surreal. Inspired by the 30s, Janelle wore an oversized suit cape. Beneath the cape, she sported a deconstructed bi-color sportcoat and skirt in pinstripe suiting and red wool crepe. The eccentric ensemble was finished with a working time traveler’s monacle from Cameron Hughes. Together, Janelle is “Jane: The Time Traveling Dandy.”
This is a look that can’t properly described with words — it needs to be seen to be believed.
For an outfit this larger than life, embracing past, present and future, hairstylist Nikki Nelms (@nikkinelms) styled Janelle’s hair in stitched cornrows.
“Every braid was strategically placed and tensioned to follow the shape of her head like a bespoke garment,” Nelms shares. “Each braid was finished with pure white yarn, carefully stitched into the hair to echo the detailing on the suit—adding a subtle but powerful thread of continuity between the fashion and beauty direction.”
The look has historical significance for Janelle, who shares the style was passed down to her by her ancestors. In an Instagram post, she explains, “Cornrows were used as a form of coded communication, with patterns and placements of braids used to convey messages, including escape routes and meeting times.”
