The Met Gala has long been a playground for boundary-pushing fashion, but the beauty looks on the red carpet are just as much a part of the spectacle. Each year, attendees use hair, makeup, and overall styling to complement – and sometimes even outshine – their couture ensembles, turning beauty into an art form in its own right.
This year, it went deeper than glamour. With a theme rooted in history and cultural pride, the event celebrated Tailoring Black Style, drawing inspiration from Monica L. Miller’s influential book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity.
The result? A powerful intersection of beauty, art, and identity, where hair, makeup, and overall presentation spoke volumes beyond aesthetics.
As designers and attendees paid homage to centuries of Black self-expression through fashion, beauty looks played a vital role in storytelling. From sculptural braids and natural textures to richly pigmented palettes and intricate headpieces, this year’s glam paid tribute to heritage while pushing creative boundaries. These weren’t just red carpet moments = they were declarations of individuality, pride, and the unmissable influence of Black style across global beauty culture.
Ahead, we round up the standout hair and makeup moments that not only turned heads but also honoured the legacy behind the evening’s theme:
© David Fisher/ShutterstockCoco Coco Jones
Coco Jones brought sleek glamour to the Met Gala red carpet. Her super slicked back hair was the main event but her radiant, glistening skin and soft makeup complimented the chic look perfectly.
© Victoria Jones/ShutterstockTeyana Taylor
Teyana’s custom Ruth E. Carter extravagant gown and cap tuned heads and was bang on theme and her beauty look complimented this iconic outfit. The singer went for a heavily contoured chiseled look and bold brows which ensured all the attention remained on her.
© Victoria Jones/ShutterstockEmma Chamberlain
Emma always steps outside of the box and tonight was no different. She spiked up her bleach blonde pixie cut and added a flush of red blush to the apples of her cheeks. Divine!
© David Fisher/ShutterstockGigi Hadid
The supermodel let her hair do all the talking. We are obsessed with this 1950s style updo with a deep curl structure and natural makeup.
© Getty Images for The Met Museum/Simone Biles
Simone’s hair is styled in a vintage, voluminous side-swept wave with a glossy finish. The front features a dramatic swoop bang, adding a touch of old Hollywood elegance. A single, defined baby hair curl accentuates the forehead, enhancing the retro vibe while keeping it modern and playful.
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