The Products Behind Olivia Wilde’s Very Low Met Gala Ponytail, According to Barb Thompson

Olivia Wilde is one of Hollywood’s few, true rebels and we love her for it. Thankfully this free-spiritedness translated to her bonkers-in-the-best-way Met Gala look, which featured an exposed bustle, by Thom Brown, and very low pony, set in a bow, by celebrity hairstylist and frequent collaborator, Barb Thompson.

Thompson says, “Leading up to the Met Gala, creating the perfect foundation was everything. We wanted the hair to feel healthy, luminous, and resilient – luxurious to the touch, yet strong enough to hold through styling, fittings, and a full evening of events.” To get the look, Thompson used the Goddess Maintenance Co. BIOPROTECTION System products, saying, “Together, these products create the ideal red carpet foundation – hydrated, glossy, and perfectly prepped for a Met Gala ready finish.”

Read on for a breakdown of the products Thompson used to prep Wilde’s hair for color and styling for the 2026 Met Gala.

Get the Look:

1. “I began with Goddess Maintenance Co.’s BIOTECH BLOWOUT Restorative Shampoo to cleanse thoroughly without stripping. It removes buildup while preserving essential lipids, keeping the hair soft, balanced, and protected, key for a clean, strong canvas, especially on color-treated or heat-styled hair.
2. Next, I used BIOTECH BLOWOUT Restorative Conditioner through the mid-lengths and ends. It restores moisture where it’s needed most without weight, smoothing the cuticle, replenishing lipids, and improving elasticity, leaving the hair silky, detangled, and easy to work with.
3. Before color, I prepped with Goddess Armor Protection Mist. It creates a lightweight shield to protect during chemical services, reinforcing the cuticle and balancing porosity. I misted from roots to ends before applying color to defend against stress and maintain strength, softness, and shine. 
4. I also incorporated BIOTECH BLOWOUT Restorative Leave-In Mask to help protect the hair post color and has added styling benefits! Styled alongside it using a flexible hold hairspray prior to curling for long lasting texture all night long. Post curling iron, I spritzed a wave spray into her styled hair to give her that lived-in feel.”

If you take on this Met Gala ’26 style for your next client with this breakdown, we want to know. Tag @readthetease on Instagram and TikTok.