Praised for its thought-provoking fashion, grand — yet egregiously late — celebrity entrances, buzzy performances and bathroom selfies, the Met Gala is almost here.
The 2026 event, scheduled to take place on Monday, will see A-list attendees, artists and athletes celebrate the opening of the upcoming spring exhibition, “Costume Art,” in which fashion’s complex relationship with the human body is examined. Indeed, guests will dress in accordance with the theme, repping both emerging and established designers in runway and couture.
While viewers often pore over the style the event produces, industry insiders are predicting beauty, the unsung hero of the night, to be equally as big this year. According to celebrity hairstylist Clayton Hawkins, the dress code, “fashion is art,” constitutes more conceptual looks. “We’re moving away from ‘pretty’ and into hair that feels like part of the garment itself,” he said. “I think we’re going to see a lot of architectural updos — really intentional shapes, almost like wearable sculpture.”
Bridget Brager, Moroccanoil stylist ambassador, called it “gallery level hair,” noting that there will also be “ultra slick, lacquered finishes.” She said: “Think glassy almost vanished finishes with precision partings that may seem minimal but it’s actually a strong statement.”
Castillo Bataille, celebrity stylist and Matrix brand ambassador, agreed. “I’m also expecting ultra-long, sleek hair to have a moment — whether it’s natural or wigs. Think straight, smooth, dramatic length — very Cher-esque if my vision is right,” Bataille told WWD.
Demi Moore at the 2024 Met Gala: “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion.”
Wigs have been a fixture on the Met Gala red carpet over the last few years as beauty has evolved from an afterthought to a character accessory. In addition to headpieces and extensions, Bataille thinks faux micro fringe will be a strong presence on Monday. “It’s a bold way to transform a look without the commitment, and it frames the face in a really editorial, high-impact way. I love how it gives that ‘new character’ energy for one night,” they said.
And on the topic of accessories, Brager believes hair jewelry and adornments will be used to amp up the drama. “Instead of the common bow or small detail, think metal work and wire. Embedded objects and headpieces that blur into the hair to fully express historical artwork,” she added.
Cynthia Erivo’s nails at the 2025 Met Gala: “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.”
Nails are poised to have similar embellishments. Perhaps pearls, crystals or chains. “These looks mirror the craftsmanship of haute couture gowns,” said Thea Green, founder of Nails.Inc, noting that the mini accessories are often glued atop “high-gloss bases,” which are likely going to appear in oxblood, espresso and black cherry tones.
“We’ll also see a shift toward more delicate, intricate nail art-fine lines, subtle accents and minimalist detailing. It’s a more modern, wearable way to incorporate creativity without overpowering the look,” Green continued.
Doja Cat at the 2025 Met Gala: “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.”
Gilbert Flores/Variety
When it comes to makeup, the famed Ash K Holm — artist to Khloé Kardashian, Shay Mitchell, Amelia Gray and more — is taking a blank canvas approach. “I think we’ll see guests draw directly from art history and translate it into the makeup itself: a painterly skin finish with watercolor-style blush diffused like a brushstroke, an architectural graphic liner that reads as wearable sculpture or a chrome, mirror-finish lid that nods to gilded statuary or contemporary art,” she told WWD.
“When the makeup tells the same story as the gown — when a flushed, doll-like cheek echoes a Renaissance portrait, or a bold asymmetric liner mirrors a modernist piece — that’s the epitome of fashion as art,” Holm continued.
Getting into the nitty gritty, Holm said lashes will be a major focal point, particularly “maximalist, doll-length, even gold lashes.” Also winged liner and pastel-washed eyes. Where guests could go wrong is “leaning too literal,” she warned.
“Painting a recognizable artwork onto the face or tipping into transformative makeup that becomes more costume than couture,” Holm explained. “The other miss is playing it too safe. A clean, neutral look can feel like a missed opportunity, especially next to a gown that’s doing something conceptual. The sweet spot is somewhere in the middle — makeup that’s elevated and intentional, that has a point of view, but still lets the person wearing it come through.”
