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Ultimate How-To Guide for the Best Hair from the 2026 Academy Awards 

  1. Chase Infiniti’s Cascading Boho Braids by Coree Moreno 
Getty Images 

“One Battle After Another” star and Oscars presenter Chase Infiniti sported a whimsical, boho hairstyle that paired sculpted braids with flowing waves. Hairstylist Coree Moreno achieved the style using BELLAMI Silk Seam Clip-in Extensions for added fullness, length and movement. 

“I wanted the braids to feel intentional and powerful at the crown, almost like a headpiece, while the length moves freely and effortlessly behind it. The hidden Bellami extensions create that dramatic cascade of hair while still feeling completely natural,” Moreno shares. 

Get the Look: 

1. Create the Foundation

Begin by sectioning the hair from ear to ear, separating the front where the braids will live from the back where the length will fall. This structure allows the braided crown to sit cleanly on top while the extensions remain completely concealed underneath.

2. Install the Hidden Length

To build fullness and length, Coree installed BELLAMI Silk Seam Clip-In Extensions in Dark Brown #2 Natural andOff Black #1B Natural along the back section of the head. Layering both shades helps mimic natural depth and dimension while keeping the

blend seamless with the natural hair.

3. Conceal and Blend

After clipping in the extensions, release the top section and braid the crown area using small, precise cornrows moving toward the back of the head. This technique not only frames the face but also cleverly disguises the extension wefts, making the added length feel completely natural.

4. Shape the Texture

Leave the extension length loose and create soft waves through the mid-lengths and ends to give the hair movement and body. The waves contrast beautifully against the structure of the braids, creating that editorial balance between polish and effortlessness.

5. Final Detail Work

Finish by refining the braid pattern and separating the waves with your fingers so the hair feels soft and touchable while maintaining fullness and flow through the back.

  1. Nicole Kidman’s Shiny Blowout by Adir Abergel
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 15: Nicole Kidman attends the 98th Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)

To compliment Nicole Kidman’s glamorous Chanel gown, Virtue Labs Creative Director and Celebrity Hairstylist Adir Abergel opted for a layered, tousled blowout with soft middle-parted bangs. Abergel used VirtueDenmanWavytalk, and BELLAMI to bring the look to life. 

Get the Look: 

1. The Night Before 

The night before, Abergel likes to have his clients start with Virtue Recovery Shampoo and Conditioner to get hair as shiny and healthy as possible before the big day. 

2. Brush & Prep 

The morning of the event, on towel dried hair, Abergel used his favorite Denman D38 Detangling & Styling Paddle Brush to delicately brush out any knots. He then followed by applying Virtue Damage Reverse Serum and a few pumps of Healing Oil to help protect and reverse damage in hair prior to blowout. 

3. Volume

To get that extra volume where it’s needed, he applied Virtue Volumizing Primer right on the roots and followed by applying the 6-in-1 Styler from mids to ends to create memory, shine and texture where needed. 

4. Lifting Roots 

Using the Denman D3 Curl Definer and Styler Brush and the lightweight, fast drying Turnblow Pro from Wavytalk, he focused on lifting the roots.

5. The Blow Out

Once the roots were almost dry, Abergel smoothed out her hair using a Denman Head Hugger Brush for that tousled full, sexy blowout. 

6. Extension Time 

Now it was time for that extra length and pop of hair color with the help of BELLAMI Silk Seam Clip-in and Tape-in Extensions

  • To get the hair to feel the most natural looking,  Abergel chose various colors starting with the darker tones by the nape, mid-tones through the middle and highlighted colors right through the top. For Nicole he chose: 18” Silk Seam Clip-ins in Dirty Blonde and Golden Hour Blonde, and 18” Tape-ins in Golden Amber Blonde
  • Once the extensions blended seamlessly, he took a straight razor and cut all my layers into the extensions to blend perfectly. 
  • To create the newly interpreted Moulin Rouge waves, he used WavyTalk Cool Curl Pencil to put in those natural bends where needed. 
  • To finish this look and to give it that extra glitter and shine, he heated up some Healing Oil on his hands, tilted her head, and tousled her long golden locks.

3. Kirsten Dunst’s Timeless Sculptural Knot by Gregory Russell

Inspired by Kirsten Dunst’s custom Celine gown, hairstylist Gregory Russell created a

timeless sculptural knot that felt elegant, polished, and modern using products from Goldwell

Get the Look: 

1. Starting on damp hair, Russell applied the Goldwell StyleSign Smoothing Serum Spray through the quadrants to smooth and prep the hair.

2. Russell then followed with the Goldwell StyleSign Everyday Blow-Dry Spray throughout for heat protection and controlled movement.

3. To build lift and structure, Russell worked a golf-ball-sized amount of Goldwell StyleSign Bodifying Brilliance Mousse into the crown and through the face-framing layers.

4. Next, Russell created a clean center part and blow-dried the hair using a medium round brush to achieve smooth volume and a polished finish.

5. Once the blowout was complete, Russell applied the Goldwell StyleSign Weightless Shine-Oil through the ends, working upward to the mid-lengths and lightly refining the part and hairline for added shine and control.

6. Russell then sectioned out the center part to secure last and gathered the remaining hair into a ponytail, fastening it with a bungee elastic. The center section was wrapped around the base for a seamless finish.

7. To create the sculptural knot, Russell applied another pump of the Goldwell StyleSign Weightless Shine-Oil through the lengths and twisted the hair around itself, shaping the knot and securing it with U-pins and grips.

8. To finish, Russell used Goldwell StyleSign Extra Strong Hairspray to tame flyaways and lock the look in place.

9. Russell completed the style with a light veil of Goldwell StyleSign Shine Spray for a luminous, red-carpet finish.

4. Rose Byrne’s Chic Twisted Bun by Harry Josh 

Rose Byrne at the 98th Annual Oscars held at Dolby Theatre on March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Lexie Moreland/WWD via Getty Images)

Nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role, Rose Byrne stunned in a timeless chic twisted bun styled by Celebrity Hairstylist and KERASILK Ambassador Harry Josh

The look struck a balance between effortless elegance and modern refinement, with a sleek finish that perfectly complemented Rose’s red carpet glamour.

Get the Look: 

  1. To prep, Josh began by washing with the KERASILK Repairing Shampoo, followed by the KERASILK Recovery Mask and the KERASILK Hydrating Essence for a deeply hydrated foundation and glossy finish.
  2. Next, Josh worked the KERASILK Smoothing Blow Dry Cream through the hair for heat protection and frizz control, activating the formula as he blow dried with tension on a brush.
  3. Once dry, he backcombed the crown, placed a net over the pony tail and then twisted into a bun, finishing with the KERASILK Texturizing Finishing Spray at the roots to create a natural, satin-like texture.

5. Demi Moore’s Glossy Blowout by Dimitris Giannetos

Demi Moore was one of the best dressed of the night, wearing a custom feathered Gucci gown. To compliment the dress’ shape, Dimitris Giannetos opted for an iconic blowout. 

  1. Giannetos started by shampooing Demi’s hair with the Kerastase Chronologiste Bain Régénérant Shampooand Kerastase Chronologiste Masque Intense Régénérant Hair Mask.
  2. Next, Giannetos prepped her hair with Kerastase Densifique Densimorphose, a treatment mousse with peptides to give volume to the roots.
  3. Giannetos applied the Kerastase Chronologiste Overnight Youth Hair Serum to damp hair to make the hair look extra shiny and extra smooth. This is a leave-in overnight serum that helps with hydration, volume and shine.
  4. Prior to styling Demi’s hair, Giannetos used Kérastase Chronologiste Thermique Régénérant Heat Protecting Cream for this look because it protects the hair from heat while adding incredible shine and smoothness. It’s a must-have in my kit to help create that shiny, sleek red carpet finish.

Giannetos  applied Kerastase Laque Couture Hairspray to finish the look. The final look was extra glossy 

6. Jessie Buckley’s Sparkling Blonde by Jacob Schwartz 

Fresh off her Best Actress nomination for her role in “Hamnet,” Jessie Buckley arrived at the Oscars debuting her brightest shade yet: Sparkling Blonde. The luminous new color was created by her trusted colorist Jacob Schwartz, Schwarzkopf Professional’s U.S. Hair Color Trend Ambassador. 

The shade marks the final step in a carefully planned transformation Jacob began months ago as Jessie entered Awards Season. Starting from deep brunette tones late last year, he gradually guided her lighter throughout the Awards circuit, moving from black to light brown and

eventually into blonde, revealing her brightest look yet at the Oscars. 

By working slowly across multiple appointments, Jacob was able to preserve the integrity and shine of Jessie’s hair while steadily building brightness and dimension. The result is a clear, radiant blonde with subtle root depth and light-reflective luminosity through the lengths. 

Get the Look: 

To achieve the look, Jacob first established a balanced base color to create depth and coverage while maintaining a natural-looking foundation. Schwarzkopf Professional Igora Royal

was essential at this stage for its reliable pigment performance and even coverage, creating the perfect canvas for the blonding process to follow. Highlights were then placed throughout the hair using Schwarzkopf Professional’s high-lift lightening formulas to build brightness while preserving softness and control during the lift.

BlondMe Premium Lightener 9+ was used through the ends to refine and elevate the

blonde to its brightest point. Its integrated bonding technology helps protect the hair while delivering clean, luminous lift.

A carefully calibrated root gloss adds seamless dimension, with cooler neutral tones around the hairline to softly illuminate the face while slightly deeper tones at the root maintain a natural transition. Finally, a quick all-over gloss delivers the signature “sparkling” finish. Schwarzkopf Professional Igora Vibrance was key here, enhancing clarity, shine, and tone while leaving the hair  silky and reflective, so the blonde catches the light from every angle on the red carpet.

Formula:

  • Base Color: Schwarzkopf Professional Igora Royal (20 vol, 35 min) Hairline: 8-1 + 8-0 Grey Patch: 8-0 Base:7-1 (30g) + 7-0 (15g) + 8-0 (15g)
  • Highlights: Schwarzkopf Professional Igora Vario Blond Super Plus (20 vol)
  • Ends: Schwarzkopf Professional BlondMe Premium Lightener 9+
  • Rootgloss: Schwarzkopf Professional Igora Vibrance (6 vol, 10 min — hairline last 5) Hairline: 9-0 + 9-1 Roots: 8-0+ 8-11
  • All Over: Schwarzkopf Professional Igora Vibrance 10-1 (6 vol, 2 min)

7. Zanna Roberts Rassi’s Platinum Blonde by Vernon François

Zanna Roberts Rassi at the 98th Annual Oscars held at Dolby Theatre on March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Gilbert Flores/Penske Media via Getty Images)

E! News and TODAY Style Correspondent Zanna Roberts Rassi rocked stunning platinum blonde locks on the Oscars Red Carpet. To help maintain the hair health of this beautiful shade, Olaplex Global Ambassador Vernon François prepped and styled her hair using Olaplex. 

Get the Look:

1: Strengthen the Foundation

Work Olaplex No.3PLUS Complete Repair Treatment through the hair with your hands, and allow it to absorb before styling. It helps repair hair damage and strengthen the internal structure, leaving hair noticeably softer and more resilient. 

2: Protect and Prep for Styling

Next, apply Olaplex No.9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum to damp hair. This step protects delicate blonde hair before heat styling, providing protection up to 450°F / 232°C. 

3: Build Volume and Movement

Mist OLAPLEX Volumizing Blow Dry Mist through the hair, which creates weightless body and bounce to deliver soft, shiny blow-dry results.

4: Finish with Airy Texture

Finally, use Olaplex No.4D Clean Volume Detox Dry Shampoo. It absorbs oil while refreshing the scalp, leaving hair feeling clean with a soft, fluffy finish. 

8. Mckenna Grace’s Elegant Modern Updo by Sami Knight

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 15: Mckenna Grace attends the 98th Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/WireImage)

Mckenna Grace brought fairytale-inspired glam to her first red carpet appearance at the Academy Awards. Styled by celebrity hairstylist Sami Knight using milk_shake, Grace’s look delivered soft, old Hollywood glamour with a fresh, modern take that perfectly complemented her elegant, dreamy red-carpet moment.

1. Prep

The hair was prepped with milk_shake Blow Dry Primer through the mid-lengths and ends to create softness and manageability. At the roots, milk_shake Volumizing Mousse was applied to build lift and provide structure for teasing.

2. Build Volume

To add grip and fullness, milk_shake Powder Pop was worked into the roots, helping create the support needed to hold the updo while maintaining movement.

3. Shape the Style

The hair was gathered into four ponytails at the back of the head while keeping the front pieces softly tousled off the face. Each section was then twisted into a series of buns and knots and pinned at the base, creating a modern updo that felt elegant without looking overly formal or dated.

4. Finish & Polish

The look was sealed with milk_shake Extra Strong Hairspray to ensure long-lasting hold. A final mist of milk_shake Let It Shine added subtle gloss and dimension so the style catches the light beautifully on the red carpet.

9. Gwyneth Paltrow’s Luminous Blonde by Owen Gould 

At the 2026 Academy Awards, Gwyneth Paltrow stepped onto the red carpet embodying a modern interpretation of timeless Hollywood glamour, a look defined by soft volume, luminous blonde tones, and effortless movement. 

Created by celebrity hairstylist Owen Gould, the hairstyle drew inspiration from classic  cinematic beauty. “The inspiration for Gwyneth’s look was a touch of ’70s movie star meets blonde goddess,” he explains. 

Get the Look: 

To achieve the desired length, fullness, and seamless finish, Gould partnered with BHBD Hair Extensions, incorporating a tailored combination of shades and textures to enhance the natural hair while maintaining an undetectable result. 

For the final look, Gould used a mix of 9NG/11N Balayage Invisible Tape‑In Extensions (20”)  alongside 9NB Invisible Tape‑Ins (20”), creating a precise color match while adding controlled volume and length.