Every first Monday in May, the Met Gala takes center stage in New York City – not just for its fashion but also for its red-carpet hair and beauty moments that help set trends for the year ahead. The 2025 Met Gala, themed ‘Superfine: Tailoring Black Style’ with a dress code of ‘Tailored for You’, delivered an unforgettable showcase of texture, shape and statement hair styling. From vintage-inspired updos and cutting-edge pixie cuts to the latest colour trends, this year's event offered up fresh inspiration for hair professionals looking to bring runway-worthy hair to the salon chair.
Megan Thee Stallion’s Regal Updo – Inspired by Josephine Baker
Styled by Kellon Deryck, Megan Thee Stallion’s hair at the 2025 Met Gala was inspired by a Josephine Baker image from 1951. This look, which required prep days before the event, is a HJ favourite thanks to its dramatic yet regal silhouette.
Kerry Washington’s Bubble Ponytail – A Textured Twist for the Red Carpet
Brian ‘Leo’ McCallum, Owner of ROAR Hair & Beauty, shared: “It was great to see lots of bold hair trends at this year’s Met Gala. There were so many creative looks, but one that stood out for me was Kerry Washington’s low bubble ponytail; it brought a playful twist to the red carpet. It struck that perfect Met Gala balance for me, a mix of fashion forward, experimental and regal. The bubble effect adds a whimsy and modern look, making it an elevated alternative to the traditional sleek ponytail. It also adds a unique texture and dimension and can be customised with lots of different accessories for various occasions to add a personal touch and further enhance the look. Kerry’s look, paired with her incredible wide-brimmed hat, added visual interest and depth to the overall look, making it a standout choice for this year’s red carpet and theme.”
Angela Bassett’s Defined Curls – A Step-by-Step Styling Guide
Randy Stodghill teamed up with Dyson to style Angela Basset’s hair for the event, which exuded a natural yet elevated elegance. Here’s a breakdown of how to get the look:
- To achieve this look, Randy began by applying a small amount of curl cream and mousse to damp hair. Using a wide-tooth comb, he gently distributed the product to enhance and lock in her natural curl pattern.
- Once the curls were defined, he used the Dyson Supersonic Nural hair dryer hair dryer with the diffuser attachment on medium heat to dry the hair completely.
- After the hair was fully dry, he applied a curl serum to seal the ends and add shine.
- To build volume, Randy lightly teased the hair from roots to ends, creating a fuller, more textured appearance. Once the desired shape was achieved, he set the style in place with a light mist of holding spray.
- For a final touch, he used the Dyson Airwrap i.d. multi-styler and dryer Curly - Coily to curl random sections, adding dimension and movement.
- To finish, he returned to the diffuser attachment on the Dyson Supersonic Nural hair dryer, again using medium heat, to lock in the look for a lasting hold throughout the evening.
Zoe Saldana's Precision Bob – Simplicity That Sells in the Salon
Harry Andreou, from TONI&GUY Winchester, shared: “I’m in love with Zoe Saldana's bob – it was styled to perfection. It’s exactly the kind of cut clients have been asking for in the salon. Bobs are definitely having a moment, but with a softer, more wearable edge. We’re seeing a real shift towards simplicity done well. Clients are coming in with inspo pics wanting that effortless glam, polished but not overdone. It’s all about cuts that do the talking, with minimal styling and the right products to elevate natural texture. A bit of serum, a light wax, and you’re good to go. It’s refreshing to see these clean, confident styles owning the red carpet. They’re so wearable, and honestly, they never go out of fashion.”
Shakira’s Jam Blonde – Summer Colour Trend for 2025
Jay Birmingham, Celebrity Session Stylist, said: “If sunshine was a hair colour, it would be Jam Blonde. This golden blonde hue is infused with orange and yellow ribbons seamlessly blended throughout to add depth and dimension to the colour. At last night’s Met Gala, Shakira paired her jam blonde colour with her naturally loose curls – harmonising with her golden undertones and dark features. This honey-infused shade is perfect for the warmer months, glowing and glimmering in that golden hour sun. Jam Blonde will be dominating hair trends this summer.”
Emma Chamberlain’s Pixie – Platinum Punk
Tina Farey, Editorial Director at RUSH Hair, said: “I was absolutely obsessed with Emma Chamberlain’s punk-inspired pixie at the 2025 Met Gala. When it comes to hairstyles that are trending, the impact that the pixie cut has had in recent years is undeniable. The style has taken the world by storm, renowned for its versatility and boldness, all whilst being completely customisable to the individual’s personal preference. Emma embodied her inner punk with this look – fusing a classic cut with a fresh contemporary approach. She paired this cut with a set of side swept bangs and an icy platinum blonde colour which elevated the look. The styling was the main focus, from the graduated layers blended throughout to the hair’s dramatic height.”
