A-lister, and current American Horror Story Season 13 star, Sarah Paulson, is a fashion icon and hair chameleon who simply does not play about a red carpet. The 2026 Academy Museum Gala was no exception and Paulson pulled in the best for her look, including Chris McMillan on her hair.
McMillan slicked Paulson’s bob all the way back for maximum drama, creating what he called a “Patent Leather Slick Back,” which is perfect. So perfect that we had to get in touch with him to talk it out. Read on for McMillan and stylist Karla Welch’s shared vision and how he executed, including the exact products from his eponymous line.
“I go into every job prepared for anything. Hair ideas can change,” says McMillan. He adds, “I also love the collaboration between the entire team — Karla Welch styled her for the Academy Gala, and she had a specific vision for the hair: no part, slicked-back hair, no comb marks. I immediately thought of the finished texture of the hair at the Schiaparelli show.”
Get the Look:
- “Using the Glassy Smooth Blowdry Spray, I did a foundational blowout in the direction I was going to do the slick back. I worked my way up from the nape of the neck to the crown of the head, blow drying in 1-inch sections. Then the sides. Then the top.
- For the slick back, I did the same process as the blow dry. Starting at the nape of the neck: hairspray, slicking it down with a beard brush, and blow drying the hair down, clipping everything into place with guitar clips, setting it where I wanted it. Slick backs are very methodical.
- I used my hands and the back end of a comb to create a smooth finish. You can’t use enough hairspray. I would spray, smash, and push down every section. The Major Hairspray is a strong-hold hairspray, but it’s brush-able, workable, and it makes pivoting easy if something is out of place.
- I used The Smooth and Tame Hair Wand to slick back the hair around her ears.
- To finish her hair, I used the Glassy Smooth Oil to give it that patent leather shine.”
If you recreate the Patent Leather Slick Back with these steps, whether for your next client or yourself, best believe we’re going to need to see it. Don’t be shy and tag @readthetease on Instagram and TikTok.
