The VMAs never disappoint when it comes to hair, and this year’s red carpet brought plenty to talk about. Who nailed it? Who missed the mark? And which looks are worth taking back to the chair? We put this year’s biggest VMA hair moments under the spotlight with our panel of experts.
“Sombr was rocking his tousled medium curly mop last night, really embracing his natural hair texture with volume at the crown, lightweight curls and face framing pieces shaped with even precision, and styled to be relaxed and nonchalant with a real rockstar twist.
“The trick with creating these soft medium-long curls is all in the products you use. Try to use lightweight products. My go-to for the undone relaxed and curly look is the Wella EIMI Ocean Spritz Sea Salt Spray, this texturising product helps defend the hair against dehydration whilst also maintaining a strong hold. I like to work this product into the hair with a scrunching method and shape the curls individually with precision and finish by setting the style with a low heat.”
Baily Snowden, Owner Snowden Hair
“Teyana Taylor was a vision of symmetry at this year’s VMA’s with her space buns mimicking the same shape as her Zuhair Murad dress. The buns are playful and not too perfect, with small pieces flowing down to give the look an undone feel.
“Paired with gorgeous braids, they add even more texture and pattern to the lace dress. Finished off with perfectly executed edges and gorgeous smokey makeup, the whole look gave a luxurious, gothic vibe – one of my favourites from the night!”
Chris Grimley, Owner Fusion Hair Co
“When it comes to hairstyles that are trending, the impact that the ‘pixie’ cut has had in recent years is undeniable. Lisa fused a classic cut with a fresh contemporary approach – lots of choppy layers blended throughout for added texture and definition.
“For this look, I’d recommend using Kérastase Styling Laque Couture – perfect for building touchable texture, without making the hair stiff or sticky. Lisa 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.”
Tina Farey, Editorial Director at RUSH Hair
“LISA’s long braided ponytail was dreamy on the VMA’s red carpet – the precision, the length, the height.
“There is absolutely no room for flyaways when it comes to styling more intricate looks, so a strong-hold hairspray that lasts all day is a must!
“To re-create this look, I’d recommend using the Goldwell StyleSign Extra Strong Hairspray to ensure the hair stays in place. Start by pulling the hair back into a high ponytail, securing it with bobby pins and a hair accessory. Follow up by braiding the hair and spritzing hairspray to lock the style in place.
“LISA paired this style with a choppy fringe for visual dimension, contrasting the braid’s pristine nature.”
Safy Burton, Owner of Safy B’s
“Paris Hilton’s signature blonde locks were cut into a short, choppy bob, giving an edge to her look.
“The bright blonde colour was nicely blended into her natural colour at the roots to add some dimension.
“To achieve hair this smooth, I recommend the Goldwell Stylesign Smooth range to keep hair sleek and shiny without losing movement. Paris looked gorgeous!”
Brian Leo McCallum, ROAR Hair & Beauty’s Salon Director
“Charli XCX stunned in her signature cool-girl style. Her jet-black hair was styled smooth and silky, with a beautiful shine. The hair was cut in 90’s style long layers, with some face framing pieces.
“To achieve this shine, I would recommend the Schwarzkopf Hair Gloss. This product contains Coconut Oil, helping to keep hair healthy, soft and shiny.”
Suzie McGill, Rainbow Room’s Artistic Director
“Raye’s voluminous hair looked absolutely gorgeous styled in cherry-red tight pin curls. This retro style brought a sense of old Hollywood glamour to the red carpet.
“MOOD’s Extra Hold Hairspray is a must-use when styling hair in curls. It’s suitable for all hair types and will help to keep hair held in place all night long.”
Tracey Ann Smith, Creative Director at MOOD
“Sienna Spiro’s deep side parting adds movement and dimension to almost any silhouette. The beauty of the deep side parting is its versatility, working across all hair types and textures. it lifts at the root, creates shape around the face, and can make hair look thicker and fuller even when it is not.
“This parting works just as well on sleek styles as it does on big, bouncy, bombshell silhouettes. At the VMA’s, Sienna’s bouffant was styled into beautiful loose waves, which paired perfectly with her espresso martini brunette.
“For creating any look that needs volume, I always start by prepping the hair with JOICO’s JoiFULL Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner. When working with partings, don’t dry to the parting. Instead, dry the sections vertically over the parting to maintain natural lift and volume at the root before putting the parting in.”
Bruno Marc Giamattei, JOICO EMEA Creative Director.