Met Gala 2025 Hair Review: Celebrating Black Dandyism with Iconic Hairstyles
The 2025 Met Gala, themed "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," paid homage to Black dandyism—a cultural movement emphasizing elegance, individuality, and resistance through fashion. The event's dress code, "Tailored for You," encouraged personalized interpretations of this theme, leading to a diverse array of hairstyles that complemented the sartorial choices.
Rihanna: A Bold Statement with a Deconstructed Updo
Rihanna embraced a deconstructed fishtail braid that paid homage to the legacy of Black hair culture, braiding and the elegance of Black dandyism. Her hairstyle complemented her Marc Jacobs ensemble, which featured a cropped suit jacket, a wool bustier, and a pinstripe skirt with a unique bustle design. She completed the black-and-white look with two-tone heels, an elegant updo under a statement hat, and a polka-dotted cravat.
Hair Care Tip: To achieve and maintain such a deconstructed updo, regular deep conditioning is essential to keep the hair moisturized. Using a wide-tooth comb or fingers to detangle can prevent breakage. Applying a leave-in conditioner and a light oil can help in retaining moisture and adding shine.
Cardi B: Voluminous Natural Hair with a Modern Twist
Cardi B embraced her natural hair with a voluminous, textured style that paid homage to the legacy of Black hair culture and the elegance of Black dandyism. Her hairstyle complemented her bespoke ivy green Burberry suit designed by Daniel Lee, which featured green velvet trousers, a silk devoré shirt with ruffled accents, and a back cutout revealing her floral tattoos. The design drew inspiration from Victorian fashion and dandyism, aligning with the gala's theme that highlights Black fashion history.
Hair Care Tip: To achieve and maintain such voluminous natural hair, regular deep conditioning is essential to keep the hair moisturized. Using a wide-tooth comb or fingers to detangle can prevent breakage. Applying a leave-in conditioner and a light oil can help in retaining moisture and adding shine.
Angela Bassett: Voluminous Curls
Making her Met Gala debut, Angela Bassett embraced voluminous natural curls that highlighted her natural beauty and complemented her ensemble.
Hair Care Tip: Use a curl-enhancing cream and diffuser when drying to define curls. Regular deep conditioning treatments help maintain curl health and bounce.
Dua Lipa: Classic Waves
Dua Lipa opted for classic waves, reminiscent of old Hollywood glamour, which paired beautifully with her Chanel ensemble.
Hair Care Tip: Use a large-barrel curling iron and set curls with pins to cool. Set shape with gel and finish with a shine spray for a polished look.
Teyana Taylor: Durag Reveal with Laid Baby Hairs
Teyana Taylor captivated attendees by unveiling a durag beneath her top hat, showcasing expertly laid baby hairs—a nod to Black hair culture and dandyism.
Hair Care Tip: To achieve sleek baby hairs, use a fine-tooth comb and edge control gel. Wrap with a silk scarf to set the style.
Doja Cat: Sculptural Updo
With hair by Vernon Francis- Doja Cat embraced a sculptural updo that mirrored the architectural elements of her Marc Jacobs outfit, blending avant-garde fashion with bold hairstyling and an homage to texture.
Hair Care Tip: For structural styles, a good hairspray with some kind of moisturising element is important for textured hair. Incorporate hair padding or forms to achieve desired shapes.
Doechii: Celebrating Natural Hair with a Voluminous Afro
Doechii embraced her natural hair with a voluminous Afro, a style that paid homage to the legacy of Black hair culture and the elegance of Black dandyism. Her hairstyle complemented her Louis Vuitton ensemble, co-designed with Pharrell Williams, which featured monogrammed checkered shorts, a cropped blazer, and a maroon bow tie. The look was inspired by Monica L. Miller’s book “Slaves to Fashion,” aligning with the gala’s theme that highlights Black fashion history.
Hair Care Tip: To maintain a healthy and defined Afro, regular deep conditioning is essential to keep the hair moisturized. Using a wide-tooth comb or fingers to detangle can prevent breakage. Applying a leave-in conditioner and a light oil can help in retaining moisture and adding shine.
Megan Thee Stallion: Flaming-Red Ponytail
Megan Thee Stallion turned heads with a high, flaming-red ponytail that added a vibrant pop of color to her silver gown.
Hair Care Tip: To maintain colored hair, use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners. Regularly apply color-protecting treatments to preserve vibrancy.
Gigi Hadid: Vintage Pin-Up Curls
Gigi Hadid channeled 1950s glamour with vintage pin-up curls, complementing her gold sequined Miu Miu dress inspired by designer Zelda Wynn Valdes.
Hair Care Tip: Set curls with rollers and allow them to cool completely. Brush out gently for soft waves and finish with a light-hold hairspray.
Ayo Edebiri: Slicked-Back Elegance
Ayo Edebiri opted for a slicked-back hairstyle that highlighted her features and complemented her Ferragamo outfit, paying tribute to her father's dandy style.
Hair Care Tip: Use a smoothing serum and fine-tooth comb to achieve a sleek finish. Secure with bobby pins and a strong-hold hairspray.
Sabrina Carpenter: Retro Glam Meets Modern Edge
Sabrina Carpenter turned heads at the 2025 Met Gala with a daring, pants-free ensemble designed by Pharrell Williams for Louis Vuitton. The burgundy blazer featured white lapels, silver chains, and dramatic hip-length trains, paired with a plunging leotard instead of pants. Pharrell humorously cited Carpenter's petite stature as the inspiration for the look .
Her signature blonde hair was styled in voluminous waves with curtain bangs by hairstylist Evanie Frausto, complementing the outfit's vintage flair
Hair Care Tip: To achieve and maintain such voluminous waves and curtain bangs, use a volumizing mousse on damp hair before blow-drying with a round brush. Incorporate a heat protectant spray to shield hair from styling tools. Regular trims will keep the bangs at the desired length and prevent split ends.
Trend Highlights:
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Embracing Natural Textures: Many attendees celebrated their natural hair textures, aligning with the theme's emphasis on authenticity and individuality.
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Vintage Inspirations: Hairstyles drew from various eras, particularly the 1950s and 1920s, showcasing the timelessness of classic styles.
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Bold Colors and Accessories: Vibrant hair colors and accessories like durags and hats were prominent, reflecting the rich tapestry of Black fashion history.
Final Thoughts:
The 2025 Met Gala was a testament to the power of hair as a form of personal and cultural expression. Each hairstyle not only complemented the fashion choices but also told a story, honoring the legacy of Black dandyism and its influence on contemporary style.
