From Moodboard To Grammy Magic: How Rachel Polycarpe Styled Olivia Dean’s High-Glam Moment

For the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, singer-songwriter Olivia Dean delivered a look that was equal parts polish, presence, and star power. Behind the scenes was celebrity stylist Rachel Polycarpe, who transformed inspiration into a high-glam red-carpet moment that felt modern, intentional, and unmistakably Olivia. In this Q&A, Rachel takes us inside the creative process—from concept and fittings to last-minute tweaks—and shares how personal style, storytelling, confidence and OLAPLEX come together to create a Grammy-worthy look. —Noa Nichol

Tell us about your vision for the look, and the process to achieve it.

The vision was a modern homage to high-glam eras where hair felt bold, feminine, and unapologetically full. I sought to capture a sense of drama and movement – big volume and soft curls – while modernizing the finish to feel effortless rather than over-styled. The result is a look that is polished yet fluid, striking a balance between powerful texture and romantic softness. 

1. The process began by cleansing and strengthening the hair with OLAPLEX Bond Maintenance Shampoo and Conditioner to restore bonds and create a balanced base.

2. On damp hair, I applied OLAPLEX No.5 Leave-In for lightweight moisture, followed by No.9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum to reinforce the hair and provide heat protection.

3. The hair was blow-dried smooth to maintain movement. I worked No.7 Bonding Oil through the lengths for an extra layer of shine and protection. 

4. Using a curling iron, she created soft, controlled movement. For extra root lift and texture, OLAPLEX 4D Dry Shampoo was applied at the roots. 

5. The look was locked in with hairspray and a light mist of shine spray for a “luminous, red-carpet finish. 

How did bond-building technology help protect the hair while achieving this style?

OLAPLEX’s Bondbuilding technology was essential in protecting the hair throughout the styling process, especially with the use of heat to create volume and curl.

How does OLAPLEX support both creativity and hair health during high-stress styling moments?

OLAPLEX strengthens the hair from the inside out, it gives me the confidence to push shape, volume, and texture while maintaining the integrity of the hair.

How did OLAPLEX No.7 Bonding Oil contribute to the final finish or longevity of the look?

I worked the OLAPLEX No.7 Bonding Oil through the lengths to add shine, smoothness, and an additional layer of heat protection to Olivia’s final look and then kept as my back-stage secret weapon for touch-ups through her performance and the rest of the night, celebrating her amazing win!

How does this look reflect where hair trends are heading right now? 

Volume is coming back, but in a more modern, wearable way, paired with healthy shine and touchable finishes. It’s about hair that feels confident, effortless, and timeless rather than trend-driven.

As awards season broadens beyond the Grammys, styling cues are crossing stages. As events like Billboard Latina Women in Music 2026 honor icons such as Thalía, we’re seeing voluminous, touchable glam take center stage—proof that healthy shine and confident texture read powerful under any spotlight.

What are your top tips for recreating a version of this look at home? 

Use OLAPLEX No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo and OLAPLEX No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner to strengthen the hair and create softness and shine before styling.

Which OLAPLEX products would you recommend as must-haves for maintaining healthy, styled hair?
My go tos are OLAPLEX No.5 Leave-In Conditioner and OLAPLEX No.7 Bonding Oil.

How can everyday consumers apply red carpet hair principles to their own routine?

You can apply the same principles by prioritizing hair health first, using OLAPLEX bond-building products to strengthen and protect the hair before styling, but most importantly have fun with it!