Sydney Sweeney’s Swirling Updo Steals the Show at the 2025 Met Gala

The 2025 Met Gala, held on Monday, May 5th at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, was a dazzling spectacle of fashion, artistry, and celebrity. This year’s theme, "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," paid homage to the profound history and cultural impact of Black dandyism in the world of fashion. The red carpet became a vibrant canvas, showcasing interpretations of this theme through intricate designs, bold silhouettes, and innovative expressions of personal style.

As always, the Met Gala drew a constellation of stars from every corner of the entertainment industry, including music, film, sports, and art. From Rihanna’s avant-garde statement to Zendaya’s impeccably tailored ensemble, each celebrity arrival was a moment of anticipation and visual delight. However, amidst the sea of stunning outfits and expertly crafted looks, it was Sydney Sweeney’s whimsical hairstyle and stunning Miu Miu dress that truly captured the attention of the fashion world. Her look was a perfect blend of classic Hollywood glamour and modern sophistication, setting a new standard for red carpet elegance.

Sweeney’s captivating hairstyle was the brainchild of celebrity hairstylist Glen Oropeza, who masterfully crafted a slicked-back bun with an artistic twist. The hairstyle paid a subtle but unmistakable homage to 1950s actress Kim Novak, known for her sophisticated updos and timeless beauty. Oropeza’s creation was a testament to the power of hairstyling in transforming a look, elevating Sweeney’s overall appearance and solidifying her status as a fashion icon.

To achieve this red-carpet-worthy hairstyle, Oropeza employed a strategic selection of viral hair products, including several affordable staples readily available on Amazon. His meticulous approach to hair preparation and styling ensured that Sweeney’s hair remained flawless throughout the evening, even amidst the bustling atmosphere of the Met Gala. The specific products used were carefully chosen not only for their performance but also for their ability to protect and nourish Sweeney’s hair, ensuring its health and vibrancy.

Before embarking on the intricate styling process, Oropeza began by prepping Sweeney’s hair with a range of premium Kérastase products. The initial step involved generously applying the Kérastase Defense Thermique Heat Protecting Spray to damp hair. This crucial step provided a protective barrier against the potential damage caused by heat styling tools, safeguarding the hair’s integrity and preventing dryness and breakage.

Following the heat protectant, Oropeza incorporated a few precious droplets of the Kérastase Gloss Absolu Glaze Drops Anti-Frizz Hair Oil into Sweeney’s hair. This luxurious oil served to infuse the hair with a radiant shine, adding a touch of luminosity that enhanced its overall appearance. Additionally, the anti-frizz properties of the oil helped to tame any unruly strands, creating a smooth and polished canvas for the subsequent styling steps.

Once the hair was adequately prepped and protected, Oropeza turned to the Wavytalk Turblow Pro Fast Drying Blow Dryer to smooth out Sweeney’s strands and further minimize frizz. This high-performance blow dryer employed advanced technology to deliver a swift and efficient drying process, reducing the amount of time the hair was exposed to heat. The result was smoother, sleeker hair with enhanced volume and manageability.

With a flawlessly smooth base achieved, Oropeza skillfully sculpted Sweeney’s hair into a sleek bun, paying meticulous attention to every detail. To hold the swirled strands firmly in place on Sweeney’s forehead, Oropeza relied on the Kérastase Laque Extreme Hairspray. This powerful hairspray provided an exceptional hold without sacrificing flexibility, allowing the hairstyle to maintain its shape and structure throughout the evening.

The strategically placed "finger swirls" at the front of Sweeney’s head were a defining element of the hairstyle, adding a touch of whimsy and sophistication. These delicate swirls were meticulously shaped and secured using a combination of styling techniques and products, showcasing Oropeza’s expertise and artistry. The swirls framed Sweeney’s face beautifully, accentuating her features and adding a touch of vintage glamour.

The 2025 Met Gala was co-chaired by a diverse group of influential figures, including Colman Domingo, A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams, Lewis Hamilton, and Anna Wintour. Their collective vision and leadership played a pivotal role in shaping the event’s overall aesthetic and ensuring its success.

For those inspired by Sydney Sweeney’s Met Gala look, recreating it at home is entirely achievable with the right products and techniques. To begin, start with clean, damp hair and generously apply a heat protectant like the Kerastase Genesis Defense Thermique Heat Protecting Spray. Follow with a few drops of anti-frizz hair oil, such as the Kerastase Gloss Absolu Glaze Drops Anti-Frizz Hair Oil, to add shine and tame flyaways.

Next, use a high-quality blow dryer like the Wavytalk Turblow Pro Fast Drying Blow Dryer to thoroughly dry and smooth your hair, directing the airflow downwards to minimize frizz. Once your hair is completely dry, gather it into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck and twist it into a tight bun. Secure the bun with bobby pins, ensuring that it sits snugly against your head.

To create the signature finger swirls, section off a small portion of hair at the front of your head and apply a strong-hold hairspray like the Kerastase Laque Extreme Hairspray. Use your fingers to carefully shape the hair into swirls, pinning them in place as you go. Once the swirls are set, remove the bobby pins and lightly mist the entire hairstyle with hairspray for long-lasting hold.

With a bit of practice and the right products, you can achieve a hairstyle that embodies the glamour and sophistication of Sydney Sweeney’s Met Gala look, making you feel red-carpet-ready for any special occasion. The key is to focus on proper hair preparation, precise styling techniques, and the use of high-quality products that protect and enhance your hair’s natural beauty.