Turns out that the 98th Annual Academy Awards, or the Oscars, were no less strange than last year. We’re in the middle of a war with Iran, or not-war, or even an “excursion” depending on who you ask in the administration, and there’s quite a lot of anxiety around the current and future impact.
Perhaps as a result, this year’s red carpet and award show felt a little safe, though stunning. Best not to draw too much attention to the pomp and circumstance considering the goings on.
To be expected, “Old Hollywood”-inspired looks were trending, but this time they were, thankfully, modern and fresh feeling, like the stars really wanted to let their hair down. There were also plenty of inspo-worthy updos and strong, sleek styles, too.
Scroll for a look at our editors’ top Oscars hairstyles of the night — presented alphabetically in case you’re wondering.
Alice Smith
This ponytail that topped all others by Takisha Sturdivant-Drew, using Goddess Maintenance Co. BioTech Blowout products. Scroll through those pics if you haven’t already!
Alicia Silverstone
Sick of our Cher? As-if. Marc Mena delivered inches and so much shine for this red carpet look.
Anne Hathaway
Half up, half-down, whole big deal by celebrity hairstylist Orlando Pita.
Barbie Ferreira
Come on, Barbie, let’s go party. These Old-Hollywood-ish waves by Clayton Hawkins were just everything.
Charithra Chandran
A slicked back updo for the “One Piece” star by Clara Leonard that didn’t take itself too seriously.
Chase Infiniti
Chase Infiniti’s boho braids and waves by Coree Moreno, using Arachne, Briogeo and BELLAMI, was beyond.
Ejae
An updo with perfect piecey bits by Mark Alan.
Emma Stone
Basically, bury us with this bob! Mara Roszak delivered that touchable texture that we all covet. Heavenly “Soft Auburn” color by Tracey Cunningham.
Jayme Lawson
A sculptural, knotted updo with an edge by Cheryl Bergamy-Rosa for the “Sinners” star.
Jessie Buckley
The “Best Actress” winner also had the best pixie. Bixie???? Depends on the angle! Color in a to-die-for “Sparkling Blonde” by Jacob Schwartz, and styled just so by Bryce Scarlett.
Ji-young Yoo
This bob is activateddddddd. Rena Calhoun came through for the “Kpop Demon Hunters” star, delivering body and the perfect face-framing swoop.
Kate Hudson
A blonde-bombshell-Old-Hollywood-made-new mashup by Renato Campora using Joico, ghd, and Parfums de Marly Valaya Hair Perfume for the Oscar nominee. Classic but still very, very cool.
Li Jun Li
An effortless-looking chignon by Xavier Velasquez for the “Sinners” star.
McKenna Grace
Sami Knight does pretty, but never plain. The interconnected knots in Grace’s updo are next level. Knight used milk_shake products to get the look.
Mikey Madison
Old Hollywood but better by Rena Calhoun. Madison’s waves were set but not stuck, which gave the whole look a fresh, youthful energy.
Misty Copeland
Miles Jeffries single-handedly brought back ballet core with this bun.
Nicole Kidman
With hair this big, just imagine the secrets. Adir delivered a BLOWOUT for Kidman.
Teyana Taylor
Another pixie moment from Nikki Nelms that we’ll literally never forget. Effortless. Everything.
Wunmi Mosaku
We don’t play about Araxi Lindsey. The skill and artistry on this look are off the charts. This coral reef-inspired style, made possible with Shea Moisture products, was the perfect way to end award season.
Zendaya
#UrsieOnHair™️ so the pixie was polished.
