It’s hard to believe it but the 2025 Met Gala—an evening often dubbed as “fashion’s biggest night” —is just a few days away. Taking place on the first Monday in May, the high-profile event brings together some of the biggest celebrities, designers, and tastemakers to help raise money for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute.
This year’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” corresponds with the Costume Institute’s spring exhibition, which will be examining Black style over the centuries through the lens of dandyism. Not only is it the first Met show to focus exclusively on Black designers, but it’s also the first in more than 20 years to have a menswear theme. In a nod to the new exhibition, the gala’s dress code for this year is “Tailored For You,” encouraging attendees to express their own personal style through tailoring.
As avid followers of the Met Gala, we can’t wait to see what dazzling looks will make their way up those iconic Met steps—particularly when it comes to the hair. Because let’s face it, the Met Gala is not just a fashion extravaganza, it’s also the ultimate playground for beauty—where talented artists can showcase their boundless creativity, present their work on a massive world stage, and maybe even inspire a few new trends. And no one knows this better than celebrity hairstylist and Curl Queen founder Nai’vasha Grace.
As the go-to hairstylist for celebrity clients like Alicia Keys, Tracee Ellis Ross, Nara Smith, and Zoey Deutch, Grace is no stranger to styling for the annual soiree. Year after year, she’s continued to craft some of the most awe-inspiring hair looks to grace the event’s red carpet. But, you might be wondering, what exactly goes into creating a Met Gala-worthy hair moment?
Ahead of the big event, The Tease had the pleasure of connecting with Grace to get insight into what it’s really like styling hair for the Met Gala. Here, she discusses the significance of this year’s theme, finding inspiration for her clients’ look, favorite Met Gala hair moments, and so much more.
The Tease: Reflecting on this year’s exhibition, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” how does it feel to be seeing Black style, and Black men’s contributions to fashion and dress be given the spotlight at the Met Gala?
Nai’vasha Grace: It’s an exciting time in fashion. I’ve always loved watching Black dress dapper. From tailoring, to the cufflinks, and print pattern choices—it’s storytelling through style. I’m overwhelmed with anticipation and excitement for this year’s theme, mainly because it’s long overdue. Also, it opens the work up to the true inspiration. I could go on and on. So many layers.
What is doing hair for the Met Gala really like behind-the-scenes, exciting or stressful?
Grace: It’s a bit of it all. It’s both exciting and stressful because that Met Gala red carpet experience is a “moment in time” for the client. There is so much emotion wrapped in those seconds that the cameras are clicking. As an artist who really cares about my clients, I want them to feel like time stood still for them and only them.
What does your prep for the Met Gala look like and how early do you typically start planning for it?
Grace: Prepping for the Met Gala is super collaborative and strategic. The moment the theme is announced, my mind is already spinning. The creative juices are flowing. Typically when I get ideas of the wardrobe, I begin creating a mood board on Pinterest. Those then birth the look.
Where have you been looking for inspiration for your clients’ hair look?
Grace: This year is such a fun theme. I’ve been doing a lot of studying Dandyism over the years and deep diving into the styles of André Leon Talley, Harlem EVERYTHING, and tailoring with texture play.
Are there any pop culture references or current hair trends that you are giving special attention to?
Grace: Absolutely! I’m feeling like textured rollersets will make major appearances and waves—very ‘70s and ‘80s, so much fun!
Please run us through some of your go-to hair tools and products that you plan on stocking in your kit for the Met Gala.
Grace: I enjoy a hair accessory moment, so lots of Jennifer Behr. My kit is always stocked with edge control and my favorite wax finishing spray. Heavy duty hair pins will be a must-have, and definitely invisible nets.
In what ways does styling for the Met Gala challenge you to think outside the box and push the limits of your creativity and artistry?
Grace: The Met Gala is THE time to think outside the box and reimagine. It’s actually my favorite carpet. I spend weeks dreaming and planning and collaborating. They day is meant to intentionally execute all the whimsy. I get to create shapes and silhouettes that’s designed specifically for this moment ONLY.
Talk us through one of your favorite hair moments you styled for a previous Met Gala.
Grace: My favorite Met Gala moment was Alicia Keys in 2022. The hair was a classic chignon adorned with the tiniest Swarovski crystals strategically placed on the base of her hair. Incredibly elegant and she felt amazing.
Do you have any hair predictions for this year’s red carpet as far as what hairstyles and looks may trend?
Grace: My prediction is that, “the volume will be loud.” I believe there will be lots of big voluminous hair as a juxtaposition to the clean lines of tailoring.
To see what stunning looks Grace creates for this year’s Met Gala, be sure to follow @naivashaintl on Instagram.
