9 Standout Hair Moments from the 2020 VMAs

08/31/2020

The MTV Video Music Awards never fails to deliver unforgettable hair moments and this year was no different. This year’s awards show looked a little different thanks to COVID-19. 

While the 2020 VMAs was scheduled to air “live” from New York on Sunday night, the reality is that a majority of the performances, red carpet, and award presentations were actually pre-recorded days in advance, according to Page Six. Some of the artists shot their performances in New York, while others like Miley Cyrus, Ariana Grande, Lady Gaga, and Doja Cat pre-recorded their appearances from Los Angeles. For their part, MTV did their best to follow CDC health guidelines for the show’s production and even had everyone, including glam teams and dancers, get tested for COVID-19.

Despite all of the coronavirus concerns, music’s biggest stars still managed to show up and show out with some truly incredible hair looks. 

Here are our favorite looks of the night!

Lady Gaga

https://www.instagram.com/p/CEiH02sHg0r/

Lady Gaga didn’t just own the night but also the red carpet with her moonman chic ensemble (and killer fishbowl face shield).

https://www.instagram.com/p/CEiOq1YHEh2/

Using color from Joico and GHD hair tools, her long-time hairstylist Frederic Aspiras leaned into Gaga’s Chromatica aesthetic giving the singer futuristic icy-blue waves.

Ariana Grande

https://www.instagram.com/p/CEiEJhMn-TN/

Just call Ariana Grande the double ponytail queen! The popstar swapped her signature high ponytail for some ridiculously cute ombre pigtails styled by hairstylist Josh Liu.

Keke Palmer

https://www.instagram.com/p/CEjfooagYZi/

VMAs host Keke Palmer served up Black girl ‘90s realness with her intricate curled updo and face-framing straight tendrils styled by hairstylist Ann Jones. If this hairstyle looks super familiar, it’s because Cardi B and Meg the Stallion wore their hair in a similar style for their iconic “WAP” music video.

Doja Cat

https://www.instagram.com/p/CEiYzU7j9qq/

This year’s Best New Artist, Doja Cat,  rocked the red carpet with a floor-sweeping twisted braid created by hairstylist Jazmyn Hobdy. Those swooping baby hairs really took the look to the next level.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CEiiWY_hH7U/

For her performance later that night, hairstylist Jared Henderson transformed Doja Cat into a “beautiful alien” with lime-green waves. To create this cool extraterrestrial hairstyle, Henderson used Joico hair dye to color the singer’s wig to her liking.

Bebe Rexa

https://www.instagram.com/p/CEiHKD3BZtm/

Hairstylist Iggy Rosales used all Dove hair products to create Bebe Rexa’s super sleek high ponytail. Rosales finished off the look with a deep side part that perfectly framed her face.

Nicole Richie

https://www.instagram.com/p/CEiYNteB5B4/

Nicole Richie (or should I say Nikki Fre$h) gave us all headband envy with her spiked crystal headpiece.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CEiB9f4Bj1S/

Her textured topknot came courtesy of hairstylist Davy Newkirk who relied on SexyHair products to complete the stunning look.

Miley Cyrus

https://www.instagram.com/p/CEiHR-hJd6H/

Miley Cyrus came in like a wrecking ball sporting a shaggy blonde mullet which she paired with bold red lips.

Joey King

https://www.instagram.com/p/CEiazNHpmDO/

Kissing Booth star Joey King gave us a full Versace moment from her head to her toes.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CEhkeqUFcCG/

The actress looked super chic with extra long locks styled by hairstylist Dimitri Giannetos. We love the addition of the shiny gold hair clips.

Bella Hadid

https://www.instagram.com/p/CEc8XUyAqUj/

Model Bella Hadid was a ‘90s dream with her spiky updo and piecey two-strand bangs by hairstylist Evanie Frausto.

What was your favorite hair look of the night? Let us know in the comments!

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Camille Nzengung

Camille Nzengung is a Features Editor at The Tease, where she covers all things hair. You can find her writing about the best hair products, the coolest hair trends, and all the exciting new hair launches. Send her a pitch: cnzengung@thetease.com.

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