Misty Copeland, the famed American Ballet Theatre Principal Dancer, who just retired a few months ago and then underwent hip replacement surgery, made a triumphant, if not surprise, appearance on the ’26 Oscars red carpet. Copeland’s hair was set in a sleek bun created by celebrity hairstylist Miles Jeffries. Impossibly good.
Her picture-perfect chignon immediately reawakened our adoration for the ballet aesthetic. While balletcore had been working its way out of the zeitgeist, is there anything more chic?
And then there was Copeland’s performance!
Wanting to know exactly how the looks came together, The Tease got in touch with Jeffries for a detailed breakdown. Keep reading for the steps Jeffries took as well as the OLAPLEX and BELLAMI products he used.
Get the Look: Red Carpet
- “I started by preparing her hair by misting OLAPLEX Volumizing Blow Dry Mist ($32.00). I like using volumizing mist even when I am going to slick it back or up style because it protects and add some extra hold.
- Next I added OLAPLEX No.5 Leave-In Moisturize & Mend Leave-In Conditioner ($34.00) to the ends for added protection and treatment while I style. It’s important to fortify hair especially when you are using elastics, pins, and holding sprays. Having a barrier of protection is vital.
- After blow drying and before ironing the hair I added OLAPLEX No.7 Bonding Oil ($32.00) this lightweight powerhouse of an oil is highly concentrated and lightweight making is very buildable.
- I then smoothed her hair into a ponytail. Adding more No. 7 as I go. BELLAMI Silk Seam Clip-Ins and BELLAMI Tape-In Deluxe Hair Extensions made it so easy and seamless to transition looks in a limited amount of time. Wrapping the Tape-In Deluxe extensions around the base created a super seamless attachment — there is barely a transition. This is a pro tip! The quality of the hair allowed for a smooth sculpt once I started shaping the bun. High-quality hair equals more freedom to create.
- Once secured, I then begin to wrap the hair into a knot. The idea was a very open bun that appears to be there on its own with no pins. All great looks start with a solid foundation. Knowing that you have set yourself up to successfully achieve the look while taking care of the client! Well, you have already won! It’s only up from there.”
Copeland was part of the extraordinary “Sinners” musical performance, in which she paid homage to the Dance Theatre of Harlem’s “Firebird.” Founded in 1969, at the height of the civil rights movement, The Dance Theatre of Harlem, was the first Black classical ballet company and has been one of the most influential American ballet companies in history. Importantly, Copeland danced in a costume designed for their production. Jeffries and Copeland collaborated on a hairstyle that referenced the original headpiece. He says, “It’s a culmination of all the references and what felt right in the moment. And of course, we had to add the red feather somewhere.”
For more insight and photos, be sure to follow Jeffries on Instagram.
