Get The Look: Iconic 2026 Oscars Hairstyles

Timeless elegance dominated the red carpet at the 98th Academy Awards, as polished silhouettes and glamorous waves took center stage. From sculptural knots to “movie star” waves, celebrity stylists used professional techniques to balance classic Hollywood heritage with modern sophistication.

Below, we break down the exact products and steps used by top stylists to create these standout looks. —Noa Nichol

Hair Rituel by Sisley x Mikey Madison

Celebrity hairstylist Rena Calhoun took a “classic, timeless approach” to create actress Mikey Madison’s glamorous, glossy waves. The goal was a look that felt light, fresh, and refined yet touchable.

• Step 1: Prep & Protect. Calhoun began by applying Creme 230 to damp hair from the mids to ends to control frizz and protect against heat styling.
• Step 2: Volume. She applied Volumizing Spray to the roots to add bounce and lift.
• Step 3: Blow-Dry. The hair was roughly blow-dried, followed by a hot round brush to maintain root volume and fluid movement.
• Step 4: The Wave. Using a 1/4-inch curling iron, Calhoun curled the hair in a consistent direction to create a refined pattern. Each section was pinned to cool, allowing the structure to set while maintaining a soft finish.
• Step 5: Define & Hold. After brushing through the waves to soften the texture, she molded the hair into a signature “S” shape using setting clips.
• Step 6: Finish. The look was locked in with Invisible Hold Hairspray to tame flyaways and ensure long-lasting definition.

Products Used:

• Hair Rituel by Sisley Creme 230 ($125)
• Hair Rituel by Sisley Volumizing Spray ($120)
• Hair Rituel by Sisley Invisible Hold Hairspray ($120)

KERASILK x Rose Byrne

Celebrity hairstylist and KERASILK Ambassador Harry Josh styled Best Actress nominee Rose Byrne in a “timelessly chic” twisted bun designed to complement her red-carpet glamour.

• Step 1: Hydrate. Josh prepped the hair with Repairing Shampoo, Recovery Mask, and Hydrating Essence for a glossy, hydrated foundation.
• Step 2: Smooth. Smoothing Blow Dry Cream was worked through the hair for frizz control before blow-drying with tension.
• Step 3: The Bun. After backcombing the crown for lift, the hair was secured in a low ponytail, covered with a net to manage loose ends, and twisted into a sleek bun.
• Step 4: Texture. The look was finished with Texturizing Finishing Spray at the roots for a satin-like finish.

Goldwell x Kirsten Dunst

Inspired by a custom Celine gown, Celebrity Hair Stylist Gregory Russell utilized Goldwell to create a modern, sculptural knot for Kirsten Dunst.

• Step 1: Prep. Russell applied StyleSign Smoothing Serum Spray and Everyday Blow-Dry Spray to damp hair for heat protection and controlled movement.
• Step 2: Structure. To build lift, a golf-ball-sized amount of StyleSign Bodifying Brilliance Mousse was worked into the crown.
• Step 3: Polished Blowout. The hair was blow-dried with a medium round brush to achieve smooth volume.
• Step 4: Shine. StyleSign Weightless Shine-Oil was applied from the ends upward to mid-lengths for added control.
• Step 5: The Sculptural Knot. After securing the hair into a ponytail with a bungee elastic, Russell twisted the lengths around themselves, securing the knot with U-pins.
• Step 6: Lock & Glow. StyleSign Extra Strong Hairspray tamed flyaways, followed by a veil of StyleSign Shine Spray for a luminous finish.

OLAPLEX x The 98th Academy Awards & Vanity Fair After Party

For the 2026 Oscars, top celebrity colorists and stylists prioritized hair health as the ultimate foundation for red-carpet glamour. Whether achieving a “clean blonde” or a “deep garnet brunette,” the focus remained on protecting the hair’s integrity during the color process and ensuring a glossy, high-fashion finish.

Jessie Buckley by Jacob Schwartz

• The Look: A “soft champagne blonde” designed to feel clean, bright, and modern.
• The Process: Schwartz used OLAPLEX No.1 and No.2 in the salon to protect bonds during the lightening service.
• The Finish: To keep the hair touchable and healthy on the carpet, No.3PLUS was used to provide softness and shine.

Mikey Madison by Jacob Schwartz

• The Look: A “deep garnet brunette” that appeared rich, dimensional, and “expensive” under the lights.
• The Process: OLAPLEX No.1 and No.2 were integrated into the professional color process to keep the hair strong.
• The Finish: No.3PLUS ensured the hair maintained a polished, mirror-like gloss.

Bella Hadid by Jacob Schwartz

• The Look: An “undone yet elevated” style featuring a smoked honey brunette tone.
• The Process: After protecting the hair with No.1 and No.2 during coloring, Schwartz applied Volumizing Blow Dry Mist, No.6 Bond Smoother, and No.7 Bonding Oil to the ends.
• The Styling: The hair was “snatched” back into a chignon using a bungee, hair pins, and circular-layered tapes in dark brown, chestnut, and bronde.

Zanna Roberts Rassi by Vernon François

• The Look: A crisp platinum blonde with airy movement.
• Step 1: Prepped with No.3PLUS to strengthen the internal structure.
• Step 2: No.9 Bond Protector was applied to damp hair for heat protection up to 450°F.
• Step 3: Volumizing Blow Dry Mist was misted through to create weightless body.
• Step 4: The style was finished with No.4D Clean Volume Detox Dry Shampoo at the roots for light, “fluffy” movement.

Key OLAPLEX Products Used:

• No.3PLUS Complete Repair Treatment ($34): A 3-minute pre-shampoo repair treatment.
• No.9 Bond Protector ($30): A weightless, multi-benefit styling serum.
• Volumizing Blow Dry Mist ($32): Provides buildable body and bounce.
• No.7 Bonding Oil ($32): Adds instant shine and heat protection.

Moroccanoil x Zendaya

Celebrity stylist and Moroccanoil Stylist Ambassador Ursula Stephen shifted away from Zendaya’s natural texture for the 2026 Oscars, opting instead for a “more polished look”. The resulting style was a sleek, sophisticated silhouette that stayed in place all night.

• Step 1: Prep and Prime. Stephen began by applying Moroccanoil Treatment Mist to smooth frizz and establish a high-shine foundation. She followed this with Hydrating Styling Cream to provide moisture and a soft, sleek hold.
• Step 2: Smooth and Sculpt. After detangling with a Tangle Teezer brush, Stephen used a GHD professional hair dryer and a ceramic radial brush to blow the hair in the direction of the desired style.
• Step 3: Volume and Set. Velcro rollers were added at the top to create intentional volume.
• Step 4: The Final Tuck. Once the hair cooled, it was combed into place and tucked behind the ears.
• Step 5: Lasting Hold. The look was secured with Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray Strong, ensuring a hold that was both strong and flexible.

The Formula Behind the Look: Professional Shortcuts to Red Carpet Style

Sunday night’s Oscars red carpet delivered major hair moments. From chic bobs to sleek slick-backs, these standout styles are easier to recreate than you think using professional favorites from SexyHair, Joico, Kenra Professional, OSiS+, and STMNT.

Zendaya: The Soft and Natural “Bixie”

Zendaya’s Oscars bixie delivered polished, effortless glamour, pairing a sleek side part with softly curved, blow-dried ends.

• Texture & Smoothness: Use Kenra Texturizing Taffy ($33.60 CAD) for flexible hold without stiffness, helping to smooth frizz while maintaining a moveable finish.
• Root Lift: Apply Big SexyHair Powder Play ($25.25 CAD) to add body and keep the hair grease-free for up to 48 hours.
• Control: Finish with Joico JoiMist Firm ($24.99 CAD) to control flyaways while providing thermal protection and humidity resistance.

Connor Storrie: Textured Curls with Natural Shine

Connor’s look celebrated natural curls with soft definition, striking the perfect balance between polish and ease. The key is products that enhance shape while maintaining flexible hold.

• Enhance: STMNT Curl Cream ($29.50 CAD) controls curl texture and delivers natural movement without the “crunch”.
• Definition: OSiS+ Tipsy Twirl ($25.00 CAD) tames frizz and adds lightweight volume with a touchable medium hold.
• Durability: Use the NEW Joico Hold Hero ($24.99 CAD) for an ultra-firm, wind-resistant hold that locks in the style while boosting shine.

Elle Fanning: Natural Slick-Back with Shine

Elle leaned into modern elegance with a sleek, glossy slick-back that felt refined and understated.

• Mold & Define: OSiS+ Thrill Elastic Fiber Gum ($21.99 CAD) adds hold with a moldable texture, perfect for controlling flyaways while keeping the hair polished.
• Lasting Gloss: SexyHair Spray and Stay ($25.75 CAD) delivers intense hold and high shine, providing up to 72 hours of humidity resistance for long-lasting lift.