Following last year’s scaled-down in-person show, we were all hoping for a much more “normal” ceremony when the 94th Academy Awards returned last night. However, what we got instead was absolute chaos.
Hosted by comedians Regina Hall, Amy Schumer, and Wanda Sykes, this year’s Oscars certainly delivered all of the glitz and glam that we’ve now come to expect from Hollywood’s biggest night. But, along with the historic wins and stellar performances (Beyonce! Billie Eilish! Encanto cast!), the star-studded affair also had its fair share of bizarre and downright shocking moments, like that infamous slap between Will Smith and Chris Rock, which pretty much overshadowed everything—well, except for the hair.
In our opinion, all of the gorgeous red carpet hair was one of the biggest highlights of this year’s show. Our favorite stars and their glam team did not come to play, bringing forth an array of dazzling hairstyles to obsess over. From Lily James’ bouncy blowout to Lupita Nyong’o’s towering braided updo, here are some of the best hair looks from the 2022 Oscars.
Lupita Nyong’o
This gorgeous sisterlocks updo that hairstylist Vernon Francois dreamed up for Lupita Nyong’o using Matrix products is truly a work of art. According to Francois, the inspiration for the hairstyles was greatly inspired by “African figures in classical Greek art” as well as by Nyongo’s gold dress.
“Lupita’s delicate sisterlocks are majestically swept up, hand-shaped and contoured with precision, for a soft yet striking final look that elongates her neckline,” Francois explained in an Instagram post. “I used a blend of basket weaving, wefting, and loc extension techniques to create an asymmetric playful structure that echoes the floral design of Lupita’s dress. The artistry creates the illusion of fluidity.”
Alana Haim
Alaina Haim looked like an absolute goddess with these glossy waves that hairstylist Mara Roszak styled for her using Wella Professionals products and L’Oreal Professional’s Steampod. For Haim’s hair, Roszak wanted to “keep the hair feeling cool and casual with a ‘70s touch and a little bit of volume and movement.”
Prior to styling Haim’s hair, Roszak used the Wella Professional Elements Renewing Shampoo and Conditioner to create a great base for the hairstyle. She then prepped the hair by applying Roz St. Lucia Styling Oil to Alana’s damp hair from mid-lengths through the ends. Next, she applied the Wella EIMI Root Shoot Precise Root Mousse to give her hair that nice volume.
After that, Roszak blew Haim’s hair dry with a round brush, and once thoroughly dry, she set it in velcro rollers. Then, she used the L’Oreal STEAMPOD Flat Iron & Styler to create a smooth base while using a 1.5” curling iron to wave the ends of her hair. To finish the look, Roszak used the Wella Professionals EIMI Stay Firm Workable Finishing Hairspray to add a bit of texture and movement.
Ariana DeBose
Ariana DeBose arrived sporting a signature pixie haircut styled with voluminous side-swept bangs. The look came courtesy of hairstylist Takisha Sturdivant-Drew.
Venus Williams
Hairstylist Lacy Redway totally slayed this ‘60s-inspired half-up, half-down hairstyle for Venus Williams. We’re living for all of that volume and texture!
Beyonce
Beyonce looked stunning as ever rocking a deep side part and elegant low ponytail that came courtesy of hairstylist Neal Farinah.
Zendaya
We can’t get enough of this soft textured updo that hairstylist Antoinette Hill styled for Zendaya using Joico, T3, and Hidden Crown hair extensions.. According to Hill, Zendaya’s hair was inspired by Hollywood glamour.
To create this stunning look, Hill started by prepping 18-inch original clip-ins from Hidden Crown Hair with Joico Defy Damage. Then, she created some dimension using Joico BlondeLife Powder Lightener and 2 LumiShine Demi Color Formulas. Next, she sprayed TRESemme One Step Volume Mist at the roots as she dried with T3 Micro AireBrush Duo with the round brush attachment to create volume.
After attaching the clip-ins, Hill secured the hair with a soft elastic and hair pin in the back. To finish the look, she pinched out the tendrils around the perimeter and finished with the TRESemme Total Volume Spray for an all day hold.
Caitriona Balfe
Caitriona Balfe looked absolutely radiant with this tousled chin-length bob that came courtesy of hairstylist Gareth Bromell. According to Bromell, Balfe’s hair was inspired by the runways and their favorite ‘90s lived-in haircuts. “Caitriona and I discussed a haircut that would look effortless and modern paired with her beautiful Oscars’ gown,” Bromell explained in an Instagram post. “We agreed on the bob with a beautiful effortless, lived-in, natural texture that was the perfect pairing with her stunning gown. Modern, cool, strong, effortless, beautiful, confidence are the key words that this haircut brings to mind.”
To style Balfe’s bob, Bromell began by applying the Hair Rituel by Sisley-Paris Creme 230 along the lengths of her hair to protect the fibers from heat styling. She also applied a few drops of the Hair Rituel by Sisley-Paris Precious Hair Care Oil to provide glossiness and nutrition paired with a light application of the Hair Rituel by Sisley-Paris Volumizing Spray. Then, she brushed and parted Balfe’s hair with the Radiance Brush and utilized the Blow-Dry Brush No. 2 to round brush her hair and create volume and shine.
Kristen Stewart
Kristen Stewart looked cool as ever with her bleach blonde hair styled in messy waves. The mastermind behind this hairstyle was hairstylist Adir Abergel.
Halle Bailey
Halle Bailey looked beautiful with her locs swept in a high bun. This look, which came complete with face-framing curly tendrils, was styled by hairstylist Tinisha Meeks.
Lily James
How amazing is this bouncy blowout that hairstylist Danilo Dixon styled for Lily James using Dyson and Sebastian Professional products?! According to Dixon, he really wanted to give James an “effortless luxurious style.” To create this look, Dixon began by evenly distributing Sebastian Professional Potion 9 and then lightly spraying the hair with heat protecting Sebastian Professional Trilliant. Next, he took a small amount of Sebastian Professional Dark Oil in his hands and smoothed it over the ends of the hair before spraying Sebastian Professional Volupt Spray on the roots.
With a mixed bristle paddle brush, Dixon dried the hair with Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer and concentrator attachment. Once the hair was thoroughly dried smooth, he pinned up the hair front the bottom to top in 2-inch wide sections and section by section applied Sebastian Professional Trilliant before proceeding to add a smooth finish with the Dyson Corrale Straightener set at medium heat. Next, he pinned each section and let them cool. Once they were ready, he removed the pins and brushed them through. Flipping James’ head upside down, he lightly sprayed Sebastian Professional Dry Clean Only for enhanced texture and volume as well as Sebastian Professional Shaper for flexible hold. Finally, he passed hands through the hair to give it a little bit of break up detail.
Rachel Zegler
Rachel Zegler looked extra pretty with her glossy side-parted bob that came courtesy of hairstylist Clayton Hawkins.
Nicole Kidman
Nicole Kidman stunned, per usual, with this low twisted chignon that hairstylist Mara Roszak styled for her.
Chloe Bailey
Chloe Bailey had all eyes on her show-stopping textured updo that hairstyles Fesa Nu dreamed up for her.
Laverne Cox
We think hairstylist Cesar DeLeon Ramirez totally killed it with this tousled updo that he styled for Laverne Cox.
Tati Gabrielle
Tati Gabrielle looked like an absolute queen with her platinum blonde box braids that were styled in this sculpted low bun.
Vanessa Hudgens
This sleek braided topknot that hairstyles Danielle Priano created for Vanessa Hudgens is perfection.
Demi Singleton
We are big fans of this waist-length fishtail braid that hairstylist Nai’vasha created for Demi Singleton. To complement her gorgeous lilac dress, Nai’vasha adorned Singleton’s braided ponytail with beautiful embellished jewels to match.
Olivia Colman
Olivia Colman wowed with a cool textured updo styled by hairstylist Marcus Francis using Better Not Younger hair products and Olivia Garden hair tools. According to Francis, Colman’s look was inspired by her Dior gown. “I wanted to embody a timeless beauty much like French and Italian movie stars of the ’50s and ’60s,” he told The Tease.
To create her look, Francis began by using the Olivia Garden iDetangle Paddle Brush to brush hair out and evenly distribute the product from root to tip. Then, he followed this up by drying the hair using the Olivia Garden EcoHair Combo Vent Brush and Olivia Garden Ceramic + Ion Hair Dryer.
Next, Francis made a deep side part to shape the style around and then used the Olivia Garden Titanium + Ion Curling Iron to help create fullness and soft texture for the updo. After that, he created an effortless take on a French twist in the back, twisting and knotting the hair from the nape to the crown. He finished by teasing the top section with the Olivia Garden Style Up Folding Teasing Brush and smoothed it out with the Olivia Garden Ceramic + Ion Supreme Paddle Brush. With Olivia’s dark hair and silver gown, Francis wanted to add some Oscar glamour so he stitched the silver twine into the hair.
Tiffany Haddish
These platinum blonde finger waves that hairstylist Ray Christopher styled for Tiffany Haddish are everything! Doesn’t she look incredible?
Serena Williams
We couldn’t take our eyes off of Serena Williams or her blunt chin-length blonde bob that hairstylist Alexander Armand styled for her.
Zoe Kravitz
Zoe Kravitz looked extra chic with her mini bangs and sleek bun that came courtesy of hairstylist Nikki Nelms.
Jessica Chastain
Jessica Chastain looked oh so lovely with her textured ponytail that was styled by hairstylist Renato Campora using Olivia Garden, Madison Reed, and Hair Rituel by Sisley products. According to Campora, he wanted to keep Chastain’s look very fresh and modern. “I created a soft but textured modern ponytail to contrast the movement of her beautiful ‘30s-inspired dress,” he shared with The Tease.
To create Chastain’s look, Campora began by applying the Madison Reed Hair Color Mask ZUCCA to revive her iconic hair color. Then, he prepped her hair with Hair Rituel by Sisley-Paris Volumizing Spray to add volume and texture at the roots for long-lasting lift. Next, Campora began to dry Chastain’s hair using the Olivia Garden Ceramic + Ion Hair Dryer. Once her hair was dry, he used the Olivia Garden Titanium + Ion Flat Iron to add shine and sleekness and added Hair Rituel by Sisley-Paris Revitalizing Fortifying Serum to add extra shine and nourishment from midshaft down. He then followed this by brushing through her hair with my hands and the Olivia Garden Ceramic + Ion Supreme Combo Paddle Brush to add natural texture.
After that, Campora brushed Chastain’s hair straight back and teased the crown a bit using the Olivia Garden Up Folding Teasing Brush. He then gathered all of Chastain’s hair gently in his hands and tied it into a high ponytail securing it with an elastic. Finally, he pulled out the front pieces and twisted the pony with his fingers to keep it fresh and airy.
Megan Thee Stallion
Megan Thee Stallion kept things super sleek with her low bun and perfectly swooped baby hairs that came courtesy of hairstylist Kellon Deryck.
Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish hit the red carpet rocking a jet black bob with flipped ends and shoulder side-swept fringe.
Which hairstyle from the 2022 Oscars was your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
