If you’ve been following us on TikTok you would have seen us recreate Saweetie’s gorgeous Met Gala hairstyle. She showed up to the fashion event of the year wearing a stunning Christian Cowan dress, which (fun fact!) had almost 10 million crystals, each one hand sewn on the dress. And it wasn’t just Saweetie who was rocking a bedazzled mane, hair jewelry had a big moment on the 2021 Met Gala red carpet—pearl encrusted hair, bedazzled braids, diamonds on ponytails; you name it, we spotted it.
Gigi Hadid, Alicia Keys, Rita Ora and more accessorized their red carpet looks with hair jewelry that sparkled through the night—and that inspired us to inspire you with it. How stunning would this hair jewelry look at a winter wedding, to an NYE party or for your family holiday photos?
We get it, the idea of recreating a red carpet look might seem daunting but don’t worry, we got you! We’re breaking it down, step-by-step for you, so you can DIY some of these red carpet looks right at home. From putting it on to taking it off, and everything in between, hair jewelry is a trend you need to hop onto, stat. Keep scrolling to see how you can wear it IRL, find a tutorial of each look and where you can wear it this holiday season.
Alicia Keys’ Sparkly Slicked Back Look
Alicia Keys’ hairstyle was every modern girl's go-to, topped with that extra pizzazz (read: a generous amount of diamonds). A clean, slicked back low bun with hair diamonds placed in perfect linear symmetry. We think this look spells out trendy 2021 brides all the way. So if you’re one of them and are looking for something different, something new, something no one else will do, then this is the look for you. Here’s how to get the look:
Step 1:
Start with a clean middle part and tie your hair into a low bun. Alicia went with a braided bun, but you can style your bun however you like.
Style Tip: Try a Luxy Hair clip-in bun to add more volume to your natural bun.
Step 2:
Add some lash glue on the back of your hand, using a pair of tweezers dip a crystal into the glue to add and secure each one on to your head.
Step 3:
Start putting them in straight lines parallel to your middle part to create a look like Alicia’s. This look will take time and precision so make sure to have your hairstylist or friend/sister/mom come along and help you.
Gigi Hadid’s High Pony Prada Moment
The pony pop, the bedazzled Prada clip, the dreamy blue eyeshadow... Gigi’s look spelled out old Hollywood glam in the best way possible. If you’re the kind of girl that loves a timeless look, then this hairstyle is for you. Here’s how you can recreate her look:
Step 1:
Blow dry your hair till it has a bouncy, sleek feel.
Step 2:
Using a boar bristle brush with a little hair pomade gather all your hair into a high ponytail. The boar bristle brush + pomade combo keeps the hair sleek and tames any flyaways.
Style Tip: Use a Luxy Hair Gravity Defying hair tie for that extra pony pop.
Step 3:
Add a ponytail extension for that extra volume and length and slightly curl at the end for that old Hollywood glam feel.
Step 4:
4. Add your favorite bedazzled hair clip to the base of the ponytail and voila, a hairdo that fits the perfect classy girl vibe.
Taylor Hill’s Minimal Headpiece
Just like you, we love a clean minimal look, and Taylor Hill’s look from the Met Gala is one for the books. She centered accessorizing around the dainty headpiece that she wore along with a pair of diamond earrings; which proved to be just enough to create a statement look. This look would be ideal for a rehearsal dinner or engagement photos if you’re an edgy bride looking to do something outside the regular. Here’s how you can get the look:
At first glance you might think this is a full, slicked look but upon further inspection we can see how Taylor Hill’s hair is pulled back into three sections.
Step 1:
Start by sectioning out a large piece of hair at the top of your head.
Style tip:To get a clean look, use the highest points on your eyebrow to guide the beginning of these sections and continue down.
Step 2:
Comb this large part of your hair back to create two clear hair parts on either side, this is where your hair jewelry will sit.
Step 3:
Once you’ve created these sections, take all your hair and create a sleek twisted bun. Secure it with thin invisible elastics and hair pins at the nape of your neck.
Step 4:
Add your hair jewelry to cover the two hair parts you created.
And that’s it! Wear it with a slip dress or structured pantsuit, this stylish ‘do will have you feeling trendy for days.
Saweetie Doused in Crystals
Saweetie’s dress had over a million crystals on it, so naturally her hairstyle followed suit. Her look was all about keeping the sparkle in focus and we’re here for it. So much so that we created this easy hair tutorial for you. The slicked back hair and crystals go together to ensure a clean, non-messy look. Here’s how you can wear this style too:
Step 1:
Start by creating a deep side part and clip the rest of your hair back and away from your face.
Step 2:
To create a good base for where the crystals will be placed, brush your hair back with a boar bristle brush and lock it in with a bit of pomade.
Step 3:
Then, use a tweezer to pick up your choice of hair jewelry or crystals, dip in lash glue and place the crystals, spacing them out evenly throughout your mane for a subtle, sparkly pattern.
Style Tip: Since this part will take some time and concentration, you can curl the rest of your hair with velcro rollers and open ‘em out whenever you’re done. Win-win, don't you think?
Precious Lee’s Peek-a-boo bling
Let’s take a second to acknowledge what a young, fresh, stylish look Precious Lee wore to the 2021 Met Gala. This wasn’t your average high ponytail and everyone could see it. If you’re looking to spice up your ponytail this holiday season, this is your sign. Here’s how you can recreate her look:
Step 1:
Start by flipping your hair upside down and creating multiple french braids, starting at the nape of your neck going all the way to the top of your head.
Step 2:
Begin at the center and work on both sides.
Step 3:
Once done, take all your loose hair and put it in a ponytail. Remember to add a ponytail extension if you’re looking for more length and volume.
Step 4:
Then using our trusty lash glue, add in strings of crystals to each hair part you created starting at the bottom, working your way to the top.
How stylish, right? Depending on how blinged out you want to get, this hairstyle can be extremely versatile to fit your personal style, so don’t be afraid to experiment.
How to remove hair crystals
We’re all about walking you through every step, so here’s one of the most important tips on how to remove hair jewelry or crystals without causing damage to your natural hair. It seems scary and daunting, but stay patient and try these simple tricks to take off any crystals you glued on to your hair without causing breakage.
Step 1: Be gentle
First of all, do not pull, tug or forcefully try to take these off. If you do, it can cause unneeded damage to your hair strands.
Step 2: Use a deep conditioner
To take these stick-on pieces properly, deep condition the crystal encrusted section and leave it on for 3-6 minutes until you can feel the lash glue melt and the crystals start to move.
Step 3: Apply shampoo
Once all your crystals have fallen, shampoo your hair thoroughly to take off any glue residue that could have been left.
Be it a winter wedding, Halloween, or a Instagram photo session with your BFF, hair jewelry fits the bill pretty perfectly for this chilly season. You can keep it small and simple like Gigi Hadid or go big like Alicia Keys—there’s an option in here for everyone.
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