Red carpet stars who understood that a truly show-stopping Met Gala look shines from head to toe – impeccable hair and makeup very much included.
A parade of flashbulbs and finery once again descended on Fifth Avenue as the 2025 Met Gala red carpet unfurled on fashion’s biggest night. With a dress code of “Tailored to You” and an exhibition titled Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, attendees faced the exhilarating challenge of honoring over 300 years of Black dandy history through their looks. On an evening devoted to celebrating the transcendent innovation of Black style, the stars amplified their outfits with hair and makeup statements that ranged from old-school elegance to future-forward art.
Every detail was considered. Many guests took direct inspiration from bygone eras – we saw a resurgence of 1940s glamour in the form of glossy pin curls and classic pompadours, even accompanied by exuberant 1920s-style kiss curls and finger waves floating along the hairline. Elsewhere, some went ultra-modern where graphic eyeliner flicks, bejeweled brows, and even a touch of logomania made bold appearances. Below, we spotlight the best beauty looks of the night where hair and makeup truly rose to the occasion, each distilled into a single sentence of pure glamour.
Rihanna
Under a dramatic wide-brim black hat, Rihanna let her maternal glow and flawless complexion become her ultimate beauty statement, proving that sometimes the most radiant accessory is pure confidence (and yes, the pregnancy glow counts as couture).
Doja Cat
Embracing an unexpected dose of ’80s glamour, Doja Cat rocked shimmering lilac eyelids and a vampy red lip – a bold beauty combo that read more Studio 54 siren than feline cosplay, and it absolutely paid off.
Doechii
Taking logomania to its cheeky extreme, newcomer Doechii debuted the Louis Vuitton monogram on her cheek, transforming a simple makeup detail into a witty high-fashion stamp of approval.
Zendaya
In a turn towards understated elegance, Zendaya paired buttery-smooth skin with a ’90s-nude lip, exuding the quiet confidence of a supermodel off duty.
Lupita Nyong’o
Ever the chameleon, Lupita reinvented the eyebrow game with jet-black, crystal-studded brows arching over her eyes.
Megan Thee Stallion
Megan Thee Stallion channeled Josephine Baker by sculpting her hair into fiery red, finger-wave coils that married flapper-era sensuality with a superheroine edge.
Gabrielle Union-Wade
Gabrielle Union-Wade wore her hair slicked back and adorned with a single white blossom in full bloom – an elegant, romantic touch that nodded to vintage coiffures.
Cynthia Erivo
Ever attentive to the finer points, Cynthia Erivo even turned her manicure into a conversation piece. She hit the carpet with miniature “pocket squares” embedded in each nail – a witty, fashion-forward detail that nodded to the menswear theme while sealing her status as the evening’s nail art queen.
Gigi Hadid
Gigi Hadid stepped out as a modern pin-up, sporting platinum blonde boudoir curls and a deep side part that felt straight out of a 1940s Hollywood dressing room.
Venus Williams
Venus Williams traded her tennis whites for red carpet wow-factor, weaving countless metallic beads through her long braids – each head turn sent a little shimmer through the air.
Coco Jones
Coco Jones let her hair do the talking with braids so long they nearly swept the floor, and the wow-factor of those ankle-grazing plaits was undeniable.
Jenna Ortega
Jenna Ortega leaned into vintage film noir vibes, cascading her raven hair in glossy waves with immaculate curtain bangs skimming her eyebrows – a look that could have walked right off a 1940s silver screen if it weren’t so distinctly youthful and cool on her.
Dua Lipa
Never one to miss a beauty trend, Dua Lipa framed her face with perfectly sculpted kiss curls along her hairline – those delicate swirls of hair added a retro-glam flourish to her polished look and paid homage to the evening’s celebration of finely tailored style.
Serena Williams
Serena Williams served up Old Hollywood allure with newly lightened, golden locks styled in glossy Hollywood waves – a powerful yet feminine look that beautifully matched her champion’s poise.
