Photo: Rachel Zegler at the 2026 Met Gala, hair courtesy of amika – 5.4.26
We loved seeing long hair on the Met Gala 2026, especially on singer-actress, Rachel Zegler, whose hair was maybe the longest? Working with longtime collaborator Clayton Hawkins, the look was inspired by some seriously sad art.
Hawkins says, “For Rachel Zegler’s Met Gala look, we were inspired by The Execution of Lady Jane Grey by Paul Delaroche. This haunting and beautiful painting guided every decision we made including the hair. We decided to go for a textured pre-raphaelite look.” (Spoiler alert: Lady Jane Grey was famously beheaded.)
Read on for the exact amika products Hawkins used. Of note, Hawkins is part of the “evolved” amika Stylist Circle that was just announced last week.
Get the Look:
- Start with amika’s un.done volume and matte texture spray ($30.00) on naturally dried hair.
- Use two curling irons (.75-inch and .5-inch) to wave the hair in different directions for added texture.
- Add extra hair for dramatic length, then pull the two front pieces back and secure.
- Work in amika’s soulstruck nourishing dry hair mask ($32.00) for definition and shine while keeping the finish piecey.
- Finish by tying a custom Jennifer Behr mask around the face and securing it at the back for a statement look.
Feeling inspired to take on this style for your next client (maybe sans the eye mask)? We want to see it. Tag @readthetease on Instagram and TikTok.
