53 Red Carpet Hairstyles
A sneak-peek into some of the most jaw-dropping hairstyles seen on the red carpet.
Casey Simmons is a curly hair expert with over 20 years of experience in management, operations, and consulting. She has done extensive consumer research and worked directly with chemists and the factory to create curl enhancing products built for simple routines.
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Many of us harbor a dream of walking down a red carpet. We have the perfect gown picked out, maybe even thought about which A-list actor we would turn up with, but what about your hair? Don’t worry; we got you covered! This article lists some surreal red carpet hairstyles from elaborate updos to tousled, flowy waves, that you can try at formal events like weddings, proms, and other parties. These styles embody glamor and elegance. Keep reading to check out these hairstyles!
Before You Get Started- The key to a red carpet hair look on a budget is a non-negotiable hair care routine. Loose, healthy hair with a natural shine can look red-carpet-worthy without any styling.
- Intricate red carpet hairstyles will require the use of styling products. A shine-enhancing spray is the best product to keep your hair looking polished. If you have wavy or curly hair, use an activating spray to give it an extra oomph.
- Invest in a good setting spray that will ensure your hair is camera ready from every angle and stays in place for a long time.
- Heat protectants are a must if you use heat styling tools. Those with silicones seep into the cuticles to protect each strand, while others wash right out and do not cause scalp build-up.
- If you are getting your hair done by a professional, take reference pictures. Discuss budget, processing time, and maintenance tips in detail.
In This Article
Popular Red Carpet Hairdos
You can explore those easy-peasy red carpet hairstyles here and give yourself a lovely makeover.
1. Bouffant Voluminous Ponytail
When you have a sharp jawline like Victoria Silvstedt, adorn a mild bouffant ponytail and draw all attention to your face. Reinvent this simple hairstyle to glam up for any event. Make sure to tease your hair a bit and use texturizing sprays and volumizing mousses to double the thickness of your ponytail.
2. Twisted High Bun
It’s time to get inspired and give the old-school bun a slight “twist,” just like Lady Gaga did. This hairstyle embodies comfort, style, and elegance. You can puff the crown to add a bit of versatility and pair it with nude lips and smokey eyes!
3. Middle-Parted Soft Waves With Outward Layers
Let us start with something naturally sizzling and flawless. These golden blonde soft flowy waves with outward layers and a central part not only look wonderful on our celebrities arriving on the Red Carpet, but you can also totally rock these Curly hair expert Casey Simmons advises, “Curl or twist your hair in opposite directions for more movement.”
4. Smooth High Half Ponytail With Rounded Loose Hair
Show off the enviable length of your hair proudly with this simple yet beautiful red Carpet hairstyle. Give the ends of your locks a smooth rounded shape and create a half ponytail at your crown by securing a certain portion of it with elastic band.
Quick Tip5. Luscious Side-Swept Curls With Layers
Your long layered hair with subtle highlights can be parted to one side, curled up with a big barrel curling iron, and finally, swept over the other shoulder. You have just achieved a perfect, showstopping long-layered hairstyle!
6. Long Center-Parted Waves With Highlights
Smoothen up your long centre-parted hair and create large waves on it. Set them on one of your shoulders and spritz hairspray generously to set the style. One of the most gorgeous looks you can ever get.
7. Perfect Retro Waves With Textured Side Sweep
When it comes to Hollywood Red Carpet hairstyles flaunted by our favourite celebrities, the popularity of retro waves or vintage curls can’t be ignored. This look featuring highly textured waves and an elegant side sweep is a brilliant example of a retro hairstyle that can make high-profile stylists make a run for their money.
8. Low Side-Swept Wavy Ponytail With Double Hair Wraps
This stylish Taylor Swift look is more than easy to recreate. Deep side-part your long slightly wavy hair, sweep it to the other side and turn it into a little loose low pony. Now, wrap up the elastic band with two sections of hair and you are done. This is a fairly easy hairstyle for long hair that looks elegant on all face shapes.
Quick Tip9. Side-Swept Textured Waves With Layered Side Bangs
In this image, the style queen Miley Cyrus is sporting a side-swept hairstyle with delicate waves and excellent texture. The layered side bangs have even jazzed up the look to a great extent.
10. Voluminous Rolled Back Waves With Curly Ends
Now, this is what we call a perfect red carpet hairstyle. Tease up your long waves to get oodles of volume and roll them back gently. Then, curl up the ends and let them cascade your shoulders. Here, Beyonce has totally nailed this iconic look!
11. Shoulder-Length Textured Curls With Deep Purple Highlights
Those deep purple highlights are enough to give your jet black hair to a whole new dimension. But don’t just stop here. Create a side part, get your locks curled, add texture to them and enjoy!
12. Messy Side Fishtail Braid With Sharp Side Sweeps
This is one of the best red carpet hairstyles for long hair. Super long hair and fishtail braid can go hand in hand, if done the right way. Just check out this image for a better idea. Sharp graduated side bangs and a messy flair have complemented the precise braid perfectly.
13. Tight High Bun With Braided Wraparound
The list of red carpet and award ceremony hairstyles remains incomplete without the mention of buns. This super smooth, super high and super glossy bun with a neatly braided wrap can help you stand out from the crowd in an effortless manner.
14. High Twisted Braid Ponytail With Braided Wrap
This high braided pony is one of the most unique Red Carpet hair styles that can’t be seen easily. Smoothen up your hair and make a high ponytail of it. Now, turn it into a thick twisted slightly widened braid and wrap with another braided section.
15. Messy High And Loose Braided Ponytail
Be it everyday fashion or Red Carpet style, the appeal of a regular braid is the same everywhere. Make a high ponytail at your crown and braid it up loosely. You can spice up the look just by pulling the braid a little wider and keeping it messy.
16. Double-Braided Low Side Bun With Hair Brooch
Our celebrities love to sport braided buns and so as we. Check out this side bun resting at the nape of the neck and how it is perked up with two thick braids and a beautiful hair brooch. You simply can’t help but love it.
17. Wavy Diagonal Bun With Texture And Hair Brooch
Well, you must seek the help of a pro for achieving this ‘oh-so-gorgeous’ look of Scarlett Johansson. This trendy hairdo may take a lot of time to tease and texturize the waves as well as turn them into such an attractive diagonal bun, but it is absolutely worth trying.
18. Braided Low Side Spiral Bun With Pouf And Messy Finish
You can create this spiral rose bun by braiding up the hair, folding it tactfully and securing it at places as you go. A small pouf and a tangled finish will complete your Red Carpet look flawlessly.
19. Upside Down French Braid With Puffy Crown And Loose Strands
You have French braided your hair quite a number of times. Now, try your hand at this upside down version of the wonderful hairstyle and make a style statement at your next public gathering. A volumized top and a few loose strands swinging over the face carelessly will brighten up your look even more.
20. Rolled Back Bob With Braided Sides
Add volume to your top and roll it back gently. The lower section of your hair should remain straight yet blunt. Now, braid up both sides and secure them at the back. You are ready to rock with your smart celeb-like hairstyle.
21. Messy Loose Side Ponytail With Wavy Side Bangs
Here is another ponytail hairstyle for you right from the Red Carpet. Add texture to your long layered hair, turn it into a low side ponytail by keeping the base loose enough and wave up the thick side bang to make it swing over your eye.
22. Gorgeous Side Curls With Dramatic Side Sweep
A deep side part, medium-length wavy hair with random curls at ends and a dramatic long side-sweep, what else do you need for a gorgeous ultra-feminine look? However, apply a good serum if you want extra shiny tresses.
23. Dense Side-Swept Curls With Layers
Lustrous curls are extremely loved and often sported on the Red Carpet by our super hot celebs. You can try out these tight textured curls on your layered medium-length hair and enhance the look by adding wide side sweeps to it.
24. Sleek Straight Medium-Length Bob With Fringes
Shoulder-length Chinese bob hair is in vogue these days. Take a look at this sleek and straight bob with long front fringes and you will understand why we loved this style. Do not forget to apply serum for added shine.
25. Boho Waves With Zigzag Part And Metal Head Chain
Who says Boho can’t be pulled off on the Red Carpet? This picture of the actress Mischa Barton will change your idea completely. Zigzag part, relaxed blonde waves and a metal head chain – these are all that you need to recreate the look successfully.
26. Small Low Twisted Bun With Side Braid
A side braid can always amp up the beauty of a small bun. Here, you need to pull all your hair back at the nape of your neck and create a small twisted bun with free ends. Then, create a side braid along your hairline and secure it into the bun.
27. Classic French Twist With Nice Long Side Sweep
A typical French twist hairdo goes absolutely perfectly with the sophistication and glamour of the Red Carpet. Here, the classic hairstyle is made even more graceful by adding a long impressive side-swept bang.
28. Low Side Tousled Braid With Spiral Side Bangs
A tousled braid can put great emphasis on your natural grace and feminine charm. You just need to middle-part your golden blonde waves, turn it into a tousled side braid and let a sexy spiral bang hug one side of your face lovingly.
29. Short Voluminous Pixie Bob With Wispy Ends
If you have short bob hair with pixie cut, this is the hairstyle for you. Add texture to those short precise layers by applying mousse and give them considerable volume in order to make the wispy ends more noticeable.
30. Smooth Low Ponytail With Hair wrap And Highlights
When it comes to showing off the stunning highlights on straight smooth hair, a ponytail can be the best choice. Smoothen up your hair by using serum and make a tight ponytail a little up the nape of your neck. Finally, wrap it with a thin section of hair.
31. Voluminous Layered Waves With Hair Headband
This simple yet adorable Red Carpet hairstyle will make you fall in love with it. Add incredible volume to your layered wavy hair starting right from your crown and curl up their ends in outward direction. Now, take a thin section of hair and secure it from ear to ear as a headband.
32. Puffy High Bun With Divided Front Bangs
This solid high bun with puffy top and bottom is ideal for all sorts of casual as well as formal events. The long divided front fringes have balanced off the look flawlessly.
33. Twisted And Wrapped Bun With Puffy Crown And Long Side Sweep
Puff up your crown and pull all your hair back at the nape of the neck into a low ponytail. Now, twist the pony to come up with a nice bun, and wrap it with a section of hair. Finally, add a long wide side sweep to it.
34. Romantic Textured Bob With Random Curls And Bangs
This romantic Red Carpet bob hairstyle can be the best choice for your first date night or next Valentine’s Day party. Get a side part; curl up the ends starting right from the bang, and spritz hairspray to add texture. Voila!
35. Smooth, Straight Slicked Back Hair With Flared Bottom
Roll back your straight hair and give it a smooth, slicked back look by applying lots of serum or pomade. Now, curl up the ends of your hair slightly in such a manner that it gets a flared look. Nice, isn’t it?
36. Low Flat Messy Bun With Double Side Braids
Create two thick wide side braids and come up with a flat braided bun at the nape of your neck by taking them together. Tease out the sides of a few stitches for a simple casual look. This elegant and dreamy updo is also ideal as a wedding guest hairstyle.
37. Half Wavy Hairdo With Twisted Top And Pulled Back Sides
Divide your long wavy hair into three distinct sections. Twist up and texturize the upper section and secure it on the top with bobby pins to create a nice shape. Pull both sides tightly and pin them at the back together. Now, let the rest of the waves flow down your back elegantly.
38. Sleek Smooth Low Bun With Highlighted Twists
Create a centre part up to your crown and pull all your hair back at the nape of your neck to make a low firm twisted bun. Those subtle highlights and that wax-applied sleek-n-shiny finish will give you even a better look.
39. Soft Wavy Hair With Long Fringes
This is basically a medium-length blonde hairstyle with soft, flowy and relaxed waves. But the long straight front fringes have made it quite unique. Don’t you think so?
40. Highly Twisted Low Bun With Puffy Crown And Sexy Bangs
This is a very much Red Carpet hairstyle that can bring out your natural womanly beauty and make you look charming in no time. Volumize your crown and keep it loose, while pulling all your hair back at base of your neck and twisting it up in multiple small sections. And don’t forget to add that sexy curly bang.
41. Rolled Up And Tucked In Side-Swept Waves
This tucked in hairdo is another classy example of Red Carpet hairstyles. Sweep your wavy hair to one side by creating a side part and add texture to it. Now, start rolling it up in the inward direction and tuck in with bobby pins at the nape of the neck.
42. Tight Braid With Rolled Back Textured Top And Wispy Ends
Give your top hair extra volume, shine and texture by applying mousse. Now, roll and pin it back at the crown and create a nice side plait with rest of the hair. The ends of the braid should have curly wispy points.
43. Mysterious Low Bun With Twist, Fold And Highlights
This is a wonderful low bun on highlighted smooth and shiny hair. Just twist all your hair loosely at the base of your head and fold it into a small chignon. You are done!
44. Solid Semi-High Bun With Messy Twisted Wraparound
Red Carpet hairstyles are not all about fussy hairdos and this semi-high bun is enough to prove it. All you need to do is twist the upper hair at your crown and wrap the solid bun with it.
45. Double Braided Low Ponytail With Hair Wrap
Subtle waves and eye-catching highlights are the USPs of this amazing hairstyle. Braid up the waves separately at two sides, turn them into a single ponytail by twisting together at the back and finally, wrap the pony with a thin section of hair.
46. Textured Rippling Waves With Embellished Side Braid
This outstanding hairstyle may look quite similar to the famous waterfall hairdo, but it is actually easier than that. Turn your natural blonde hair into thick textured rippling waves and curl their ends slightly. Now, braid up one side, pin it at the back and embellish with a pretty accessory.
47. Highly Textured Poodle Hairstyle
Apply lots of mousse to give your medium-length hair a nice volume and texture. Now, pull all your hair up at the crown, twist it up and curl up the ends to get a cute poodle hairdo.
48. Modified French Twist With Curly Volumized Top
This modified version of the classic French twist hairstyle will blow your mind for sure. Add significant volume to the top, roll the hair to one side, and curl it up by taking one small section at a time. At last, set the entire style with hairspray.
49. Hair-Wrapped Wavy Ponytail With Puffy Crown And Headband
When it comes to sporting a smart and attractive look, most of our celebrities prefer hair-wrapped wavy ponytails. Here, a volumized as well as textured crown and a black headband have added zing to the otherwise simple ponytail.
50. Flat Donut Bun With Side-Swept Bottom And Wavy Bangs
Well, this is more than a simple donut bun. The side-swept bottom hair, the messy side bang and the side waves secured into the bun have made it much prettier and sexier than its regular counterpart.
51. Straight Smooth Middle-Parted Layers With Inward Feathers
Straight layers are also quite preferred by our international celebs for their Red Carpet looks. Just get your straight layered hair feathered in an inward direction, middle-part it and let it rest on both of your shoulders.
52. Low Pigtails With Fringes And Wispy Points
Lastly, here is a pigtail hairstyle from the Red Carpet that will take you back to your school days. Create two low ponytails at two sides of your head and jazzed them up with wavy front fringes and wispy ends.
53. Sleek Midi Ponytail
The sleek midi ponytail has a hallowed place among stars on the red carpet and rightly so. This hairstyle has the power to immediately elevate one’s look beyond the everyday and hence, it is an oft-preferred choice for formal events, such as fundraising galas and film premiers. It is also easy to achieve this polished look. Begin by smoothing your hair with a fine-tooth comb, gathering it mid-height at the crown of your head. Then, secure it with a hair tie, ensuring a tight and smooth base. Do not forget to apply a small amount of hair gel or serum to tame any flyaways and add a glamorous shine.
Aren’t all these hairstyles tunning? Which one should you try? Which ones go with your outfit and which ones will complement the best features of your face? Let’s understand how to select the right red-carpet-worthy hairstyle to elevate your glamorous presence.
Key Takeaways
- Achieve a look worthy of the red carpet by focusing on a holistic haircare routine that results in healthy hair and lends it a natural shine.
- Consider your outfit and makeup look when choosing a hairstyle to create an appealing look that will boost your confidence on the red carpet.
- You can experiment with cool red carpet hairstyles such as a twisted high bun, sleek midi ponytail, or a small low twisted bun with a side braid.
- When choosing a professional style, make sure there is clear communication, along with reference pictures, regarding the budget, duration, and maintenance.
Tips For Choosing The Perfect Red Carpet Hairstyle
Red carpet hairstyles embody glamour and highlight your love for fashion. Your hair look must match your face shape, complement your hair length and texture, and align with your outfit’s theme. Let’s try to understand these considerations in details below.
- Consider your face shape to choose a hairstyle that creates a balanced look. Opt for loose waves or voluminous updos for a round face, a sleek ponytail with jeweled beads at the crown for an oval face, a side-swept hairstyle for a square face, side-parted styles for heart face, and texturized waves for a long face.
- Assess your hair texture to determine which style would look flattering. For example, if you have curly hair, messy buns look amazing while smooth, straight styles are ideal for straight hair. Beachy waves look amazing on naturally wavy hair but stylish braided styles work brilliantly for coarse hair.
- Choose a hairstyle that matches the theme of the red carpet event. See whether it’s glam or classic and tailor your styles accordingly. Opt for a Victorian-style, elegant ponytail for a formal theme, but go for a loose wavy style for laid-back yet glamorous events.
Infographic: Top 5 Braided Red Carpet Hairstyles
Red carpet events are where many find inspiration – be it for the dressing styles, hairstyles, or the confidence with which they are carried by celebrities. For any fashion enthusiast, there are so many things to observe and learn from these events. In the following infographic, we have zeroed in on a few braided hairstyles for you to try at your next red carpet event. Check them out below!
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
We admire celebs who push boundaries on the red carpet, but the attraction of a traditional red carpet hairstyle cannot be denied. It may not be every day that we have our red carpet moment, but when we do, we will need a nice collection of classic hairstyles to assist us in elevating our image. These red carpet hairstyles will never fail to wow. You can always rely on them for any special occasion, whether it is a school ball, a friend’s wedding, or your big day. Choose the finest Red Carpet hairstyles for your personality from our list and tell us about your experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I maintain my red carpet hairstyle throughout an event?
Start the styling process with a texturizing product to hold the hair in place. Once the styling is done, mist a strong-hold setting spray on the hair, focusing mainly on your flyaways. Additionally, carry a hairspray to fix frizzy strands during the event to maintain your red carpet hairstyle. Avoid touching your hair frequently to prevent messing up the style.
How do celebrities choose their red-carpet hairstyles and who helps them?
Celebrity hairstyles are done with the help of a professional hairstylist and a designer to create the perfect look for the red carpet. They often follow a theme of the year and style their hair in accordance to their dress.
What role do hair accessories play in red-carpet hairstyles?
Hair accessories add a touch of glamor, sophistication, or playfulness to a hairstyle, depending on the event and the desired look. Accessories headbands, barrettes, hair pins, tiaras, and fresh or silk flowers are often used in red carpet hairstyles to complete the look.
How do hairstyles on the red carpet evolve and change over time?
Hairstyles on the red carpet evolve and change over time due to changing trends in fashion and the influence of popular culture. New technologies and techniques in hair styling have also allowed hairstylists to create more complex and intricate hairstyles.
How do hairstyles on the red carpet differ between major events like the Oscars and the Grammys?
The Oscars are typically considered more formal, polished, and glamorous with romantic, cascading curls or elegant updos. The Grammys go for a more edgy, unconventional, and experimental vibe with colored hair and edgy hairstyles.
What are some of the most memorable red carpet hairstyles from recent years?
Some of the most notable and memorable red-carpet hairstyles are Lupita Nyong’o’s sculptural updo, Jennifer Aniston’s half-dreaded curls, Emma Stone’s retro waves, Rihanna’s high ponytail, and Beyoncé’s braided crown.
Illustration: Red Carpet Hairstyles
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team
From sleek buns to voluminous curls, the red carpet is the event of events to put your best foot – and hair – forward. Check out this video to see the most beautiful red carpet hairstyles!
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