Enchanting ethereal waves were the 2024 Met Gala's standout hairstyle

With strong references around fairytale storytelling, ethereal hairstyles were to be expected – and, indeed, the 2024 Met Gala was awash with whimsical waves worthy of real life sleeping beauties.

Long, wavy hair was worn by countless stars on the event's red carpet, whether styled with a sleek, high-shine finish or a more fluffy, cloud-like texture.

Adding to the moment were the guests of Chloé, including Zoe Saldana, Sienna Miller, and Emma Mackey, who alongside Chemena Kamali – the maison's new creative director – cemented a return of early '00s boho chic, as much through their hair styled in matching tumbling waves as through their complementary ruffled chiffon dresses.

chemena kamali, emma mackey and zoe saldana at the 2024 met gala
Gilbert Flores - Getty Images

While the Chloé crew's waves were decidedly mermaid-esque in execution, others opted for versions that read part pared-back and part princessy. Take Kendall Jenner, Dove Cameron and Rachel Zegler who nodded to a wave, with extreme lengths that reached hip height.

Meanwhile, Jessica Biel opted for more irregular texture with her romantic, ruffled waves, and Elle Fanning demonstrated that the look needn't be reserved for long locks – her bob proving the perfect canvas for crafting low-key waves.

Celebrity hairstylist Clayton Hawkins was behind Zegler's hair using products from Mane and Dove, and explained that “we wanted the texture to be perfectly uneven and romantic, so a one-inch iron is ideal for that”.

rachel zegler attends the 2024 met gala
Aliah Anderson - Getty Images

For “an almost fairy-like texture” he waved the hair in all different directions using the Mane 1" Curling Iron Styling Attachment attachment secured to the Power Bottom Interchangeable Base. (A comparable curling tool available in the UK would be Drybar’s The 3-Day Bender Digital Curling Iron). Then for reflective shine he added some serum through the waves.

While organic textures were intended to honour the 2024 Met Gala theme of 'The Garden of Time', alongside the accompanying exhibition entitled 'Sleeping Beauty: Reawakening Fashion', we predict the ethereal hairstyles seen on Monday will endure beyond the event for many others this spring/summer.

You Might Also Like