The Oscars has long been considered the crown jewel of awards season and for good reason: it showcases Hollywood cinema at its very best, bringing the glitz and the glamour that we all just can’t seem to get enough of. Such was the case with the 96th annual Academy Awards which took place at Los Angeles’ Dolby Theatre on Sunday night.
Hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, this year’s ceremony was a star-studded affair filled with heart-warming speeches (we’re looking at you Da’Vine Joy Randolph!), dazzling musical performances, and even, believe it or not, an onstage wardrobe malfunction. Among the many must-see moments from the show, some highlights were Ryan Gosling bringing the Kenergy during an epic performance of “I’m Just Ken,” Oppenheimer winning big and sweeping the ceremony with seven wins—including Best Picture, and a nearly nude John Cena presenting the award for Best Costume in homage to a 1974 Oscars streaker incident.
Despite all that took place at this year’s show, we must admit that the incredible hair looks from the night are what we really couldn’t stop talking about. Our favorite stars and their glam teams truly did save for their best looks for last. From chic side-parted styles and bobs in all forms (micro! baroque! tousled!) to ultra-sleek top knots, we were blessed with so much amazing hair inspiration. Naturally, The Tease team couldn’t resist sharing a few of our top picks with you all.
Keep scrolling for a look at our favorite hairstyles from the 2024 Oscars, hand-picked by our editors.
Lupita Nyong’o
The Look: an “afro fascinator” courtesy of celebrity hairstylist Vernon François, who used OLAPLEX and Matrix products to execute the look
Jeffrey Lunnen, editor-in-chief and co-host of Volume Up podcast: “I was thrilled to see someone bucking the “Old Hollywood” trend that inevitably pops up during the Oscars. Her custom ‘afro fascinator,’ consisting of longer, coily hair in abstract shapes that were meticulously placed by Vernon on her super short style, was just stunning. But, it was the Ashunta Sheriff Beauty body and hair glitter that really got me — it was completely over the top, to the point of being otherworldly. She could not be missed and the overall look was easily one of my favorites!”
Kerry Washington
The Look: a voluminous, textured high pony adorned with bows courtesy of celebrity hairstylist Takisha Sturdivant-Drew, who used TSD hair extensions to create the look
Adriana Sarmiento, social media editor: “She sported a voluminous ponytail that was decorated with little bows. I thought the overall styling and bow placement was such a fresh take on the bow trend!”
Hailee Steinfeld
The Look: a slicked back bun with side part courtesy of celebrity hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons, who used Andrew Fitzsimons Hair products to style this look
Monica Hickey, The Tease Co-founder: “Her hair was stunning, smooth, and clean with a hard side part that was way trendier than a middle part would have been. I think her hairstyle allowed her makeup and dress to be the stars of the show without defaulting to a boring blowout like many people that we saw. Overall, her hair look gave her a more grown-up appearance that she’s traditionally played down.”
Emily Blunt
The Look: an effortlessly undone fishtail braided bun courtesy of celebrity hairstylist Laini Reeves, who used Sisley Paris products to create the look
Erin Kiely, sales and partnerships: “Her hair was effortlessly beautiful in a way that still seems attainable, because it’s a bun, but yet it was undone in a way that complemented her structured dress. Her look is very inspirational and I plan on recreating it during my next black tie event!”
Carey Mulligan
The Look: a sleek, blunt bob courtesy of celebrity hairstylist Jenny Cho, who used Hair Ritual by Sisley products to the style the look
Kelly Ehlers, The Tease Co-founder and co-host of Volume Up podcast: “Albeit very simple, I find a sleek bob paired with an elegant dress to be perfection. The shape of her 1950s Balenciaga gown really suited the structure of her chin-length bob.”
Maitreyi Ramakrishnan
The Look: a perfectly messy updo with face-framing tendrils courtesy of celebrity hairstylist Priya Kumari Bilkhu
Madeline Hickey, digital media producer: “It was Maitreyi’s first time at the Oscars and she killed the red carpet with this look! Top knots were an all-around favorite at this year’s ceremony but Maitreyi’s take on the look gave an done-yet-undone vibe that none of the other’s really gave. Her updo was finished off with lots of perfectly tousled face-framing tendrils that gave her elegant style a bit of youthfulness.”
Ariana Grande
The Look: a perfectly placed curly updo courtesy of celebrity hairstylist Alyx Liu
Camille Nzengung, hair features editor: “I love that she went full Glinda for the red carpet and I thought that her entire look was executed so well from head-to-toe, starting with the hair. We all know that Ariana loves a good high ponytail (it is her signature, after all!), but there’s just something so pretty and romantic about this curly updo that she wore. I think it really paired nicely with her pink cotton candy cloud of a dress, which was custom Giambattista Valli—and just so happened to reference one of my favorite looks from their Spring 2023 haute couture show. After seeing what Ariana wore for her big Oscars debut, I’m so excited to see what other Glinda-coded looks that she and Liu have in store for us with her upcoming Wicked press tour.”
Zendaya
The Look: a softly curled retro bob courtesy of celebrity hairstylist Tai Simon, who used Joico products to style this look
Manon Bushong, editorial writer: “My favorite Oscars’ look was Zendaya’s retro bob. The style embodied a signature old school Hollywood glam vibe in the best way possible. I’ve also been really enjoying the recent strong presence of side parts on the red carpet after years of exclusively seeing middle parts, and Zendaya’s beautifully side-parted look certainly adds fuel to this fire.”
