Romantic glam met a little grit on the 2026 VMAs carpet. Pop star Slayyyter had hair that was big, textured, and effortlessly undone — and celebrity hairstylist Ricky Fraser is breaking down how he built it thanks to these K18 hero products.
“For Slayyyter’s look tonight, we took inspiration from Brigitte Bardot and Kate Moss, blending romantic glamour with something a little grungier and undone. We wanted to capture this idea of ‘faded American glamour’ with big, lived-in hair that still feels soft, sexy, and effortless,” Fraser shares.
Keep reading for Fraser’s step-by-step process in creating Slayyyter’s textured VMAs look.
Get the Look:
Step 1: Prep & Blowout
- “On towel-dried hair, apply K18 HeatBounce Conditioning Heat Protectant, followed by AstroLift™ reparative volume spray to build body and create a voluminous foundation. Blow-dry the hair, then pin-set the top and front sections to enhance lift and shape while the hair cools.
Step 2: Create the Texture
- While the pinned sections set, alternate between a 1.25-inch curling iron and flat iron throughout the lengths to create lived-in texture with soft, organic movement. Varying the tools keeps the finish dimensional rather than overly uniform.
Step 3: Amplify the Volume
- Release the pinned sections and apply AirWash™ dry shampoo at the roots. Work it through with a brush and blow-dryer to amplify the volume, break up the set, and create an airy, effortless finish.
Step 4: Finish
- Complete the look with a few drops of K18 Molecular Repair Hair Oil, using a wide-tooth comb to separate and define the ends while adding smoothness and shine without losing the lived-in texture.”
Thinking of recreating this look on your next client who isn’t afraid of a little volume? If so, tag @readthetease on Instagram and TikTok so we can see your take.
