15 Academy Awards Hairstyles Inspired by Old Hollywood

The 97th Academy Awards marked the end of the film awards season, honoring the finest cinematic achievements of the past year. As one of the most anticipated nights in entertainment, it’s no surprise that the red carpet looks were equally show-stopping. From balletcore bows to sequins, pearls and rhinestones, the night was all about high-glamour. The fashion, of course, informs the hair trends that make their way to the red carpet. Whether it's the timeless waves, vintage bobs or sleek, sculpted updos, the hairstyles all harked back to Old Hollywood. The styles in this statement-making period exuded glamour, in contrast to the tense political, social and economic climate. Clearly, it's no surprise these decade-defining trends are making a comeback. Because there are so many looks to love from this year's awards, we're rounding up 15 of our favorites and providing tutorials straight from the celebrity stylists who crafted them. 

1. Lindsay Lohan's Bouncy Blonde Waves

Lindsay Lohan looked like the picture of bridal elegance at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party. She wore a custom sequin-covered Balenciaga gown. The scoop neck dress showcased Lohan's stunning necklace, made of almost 100 carats of Lorraine Schwartz Colombian emeralds and natural diamonds.

Celebrity hairstylist Danielle Priano (@daniellepriano) opted for a simple middle part hairstyle with a bouncy finish to pair with Lohan's elegant look for the evening. Priano used products from Goldwell StyleSign and VARIS to create the look. 

How-To: 

1. To prep Lindsay’s hair, Danielle started by applying the Goldwell StyleSign Everyday Blow-Dry Spray all over for protection and a flawless finish, as well as layering the Goldwell StyleSign Bodyfying Control Mousse into her roots to add extra hold and body to the blow dry.
2. Once all the product was applied, she then used the VARIS Dryer and VARIS Round Boar Brush to blow all the hair smooth with a bouncy finish on the end.
3. When all the hair was dry, she went section by section using the VARIS Smoother at the roots and spraying the Goldwell StyleSign Smoothing Serum Spray before applying any heat to each section to lock in the smooth finish.
4. For an added soft bend in the end of her hair, Danielle used the VARIS 1.5” Spring Curling Iron and lightly ran it through the ends of her hair before brushing it smooth after.
5. To finish off the look, she used the Goldwell StyleSign Weightless Shine Oil to polish off the ends and a final spray of the Goldwell StyleSign Strong Hairspray on her hairline to tame any flyaways before the red carpet.

Lohan's strawberry blonde color for the evening was created by Tracey Cunningham (@traceycunningham1), who shares the secret behind the golden shade: "A mix of foils and foiliage around the hairline to create a bright, natural blend while keeping the color balanced and seamless."

2. Amelia Dimoldenberg's Loose Waves 

Comedian Amelia Dimoldenberg was a Social Media Ambassador and Red Carpet Correspondent at this year's Academy Awards. The Chicken Shop Date host wore a blue cut out dress with glittering belt detailing and straps.

To compliment her bold dress for the evening, hairstylist Ricky Fraser (@rickyfraserhair) styled Dimoldenberg's long blonde tresses in loose waves using products from milk_shake. The result was healthy, glossy locks with a soft and touchable finish. 

3. Demi Moore's Glamorous Waves

While Demi Moore didn't take home an Oscar for her work in "The Substance," her performance was certainly award-winning... and so was her look for the night. 

In a nod to her character Elizabeth Sparkle, Moore sported a custom Armani Privé gown, which consisted of 70,000 crystals and 150,000 paillettes. The dress took 1670 hours for embroidery and 18 embroiderers to craft. 

Hairstylist Dimitris Giannetos (@dimitrishair) styled Moore's hair into timeless vintage Hollywood waves, using Moroccanoil and Dyson, to compliment her glamorous look for the evening. 

4. Emma Stone's Finger Waves 

Since debuting her pixie cut at the Golden Globes, Emma Stone has proven that this short cut doesn't need to be monotonous or repetitive.

For the Academy Awards, hairstylist Mara Roszak (@mararoszak) created 1920/30s finger waves that pay homage to silver-screen star Josephine Baker. The elegant style perfectly paired with the star's silvery, shimmery custom Louis Vuitton gown. 

Roszak achieved this look using just one product from her haircare line RŌZ, proving that red carpet-worthy styles can be effortlessly simple.

How-To: 

1. Generously apply RŌZ Evergreen Style Cream throughout the hair to sculpt, smooth and add medium hold, using a fine-tooth comb to create that "S wave" shape. 
2. To seal the style, use a hairdryer at low heat and with low air flow for a smooth finish. 

Tracey Cunningham refreshed Stone's stunning nutmeg hue, originally debuted at the Golden Globes, for the Academy Awards. 

5. Zoe Saldaña's Roller Waves

Zoe Saldaña has swept award season with her performance in "Emilia Pérez," winning a BAFTA, Critics' Choice Award, Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild Award, Cannes Film Festival Award and now her first Oscar for Best Supporting Actress (despite starring in four of the top six highest-grossing films of all time). 

For such a big night, Saldaña attended the Academy Awards in a Saint Laurent billowing burgundy dress with a rhinestone-adorned mesh top. The look was paired with sheer opera gloves. 

To compliment her artistic attire, hairstylist Mara Roszak created chic, old Hollywood roller waves for Saldaña. 

6. Michelle Yeoh's Ballerina Bun 

Michelle Yeoh looked radiant on the Academy Awards red carpet in a blue Balenciaga couture dress paired with Boucheron jewels.

To compliment her elegant look for the night, hairstylist Robert Vetica (@robertvetica) opted to style Yeoh's hair into an effortless ballerina bun. He used products from KERASILK and VARIS to create the look. 

How-To: 

1. Vetica blew dry the hair with the VARIS Dryer and the KERASILK Volumizing Spray, lifting hair at the root.
2. Next, he applied the KERASILK Texturizing Finishing Spray and directed the hair up and away from Michelle’s face, effortlessly pulling the hair back into a low ponytail.
3. Vetica then used the KERASILK Muti-Benefit Hair Oil, putting it onto his hands and then applying it all over the hair to prevent any flyaways and add beautiful shine.
4. To finish the look, Vetica gathered the ponytail and twisted it into a ballerina bun at the top of her neck. He used the KERASILK Finishing Cream to secure the bun in place. 

7. Mikey Madison's Sculpted Bun 

Mikey Madison, this year’s Best Actress winner for her role in "Anora," graced the event in a stunning pink Dior gown adorned with a delicate bow—an elegant nod to the enduring balletcore trend.

Celebrity Hairstylist Rena Calhoun (@rena.calhoun) created a sculpted updo for the darling of this year's award season, using products from Shark Beauty, Tangle Teezer and Bumble and bumble. 

“The look was designed to feel elegant, timeless and effortlessly refined. I wanted the bow detail to seamlessly integrate into the structure of the hair, sculpting the bun in a way that mimics the softness of a ribbon," shares Calhoun. 

How-To: 

1. Starting with clean, damp hair, apply Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Primer from mid-lengths to ends to detangle, hydrate and reduce frizz. Using a Tangle Teezer Ultimate Detangler brush, work the product through thoroughly while gently detangling.
2. With a Shark FlexStyle in hair dryer mode, rough-dried the hair to remove excess moisture. Then, switching to the Wet or Dry Fusion Brush attachment, create a smooth, polished blowout in 2-inch sections. This tool makes styling incredibly efficient by eliminating the need for a separate round brush and blow dryer.
3. Once fully dry, apply a touch of Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil to the ends for a sleek, polished finish. To prep the hair for the updo, spray Bumble and Bumble Thickening Dryspun Texture Spray throughout to create grit and volume for maximum control while styling.
4. Refine the part with a tail comb, then begin sculpting the hair into a ribbon-like updo, twisting and shaping it while misting Bumble and Bumble Spray de Mode Flexible Hold Spray for workable hold. Working in sections, continue to craft the structure, setting each piece as you go.
5. Once you are happy with the final look, lock it in with one last mist of hairspray, while simultaneously applying diffused heat with Shark FlexStyle Curl Defining Diffuser, ensuring the style holds beautifully all night long!

8. Ariana Grande's Beautiful Bun 

If there's anyone who should be at the top of this year's Academy Awards best dressed list, it's Ariana Grande. The "Wicked" star nominated for Best Supporting Actress wore two Glinda-coded gowns that caught everyone's attention. The first was a pink satin Schiaparelli custom Haute Couture bustier dress with nude tulle dusted with light silk and over 190,000 crystal sequins, rhinestones and cut beads. To open the award's ceremony with a melody that gives love to Oz, she wore another custom Schiaparelli bustier ball gown embroidered with over 150,000 Siam sequins, zillions and cut beads. The dress is adorned with a ruby red slipper in the back, a detail that many Ozians swooned over. 

Naturally, with eye-catching looks as these, a simple hair look is all that's needed. Hairstylist Alyx Liu (@alyxliu) opted for a sleek bun.

9. Lupita Nyong'o's Elegant Wrap Loc Bun 

Lupita Nyong'o looked like the picture of beauty in a white Chanel dress made of 22,410 pearls. Her dreamy look for the night was elevated with an elegant wrap loc bun, with Chanel High Jewelry seamlessly integrated into her hair design. 

Vernon François (@vernonfrancois) crafted the look for the night using OLAPLEX and Olivia Garden. To get an inside look into the meticulous process of creating the look, check out this reel from François.

10. Margaret Qualley's Sculpted Updo 

Margaret Qualley has been a vision of elegance on every red carpet this season, in support of her role in "The Substance." From the Golden Globes to the Critics' Choice Awards, her stunning looks have consistently turned heads.

For the Academy Awards, Qualley wore a black backless silk-velvet Chanel gown and accessorized the look with a number of stunning pieces from Chanel’s High Jewelry collection that are all made of 18-karat gold white gold and glittering with precious diamonds.

For the finishing touch of Qualley's gorgeous ensemble, Hairstylist Anna Cofone (@annacofone) created a sculpted updo using products from Authentic Beauty Concept and Remi Cachet. 

How-To: 

1. Spray Authentic Beauty Concept GLOWSPRAY SERUM from roots to ends to ensure maximum heat protection and smooth out the hair texture.
2. Add Remi Cachet’s ponytail extension as the base, then use Cosmic Blowdry Jelly to pull hair back into two high ponytails to create a base for the structure.
3. Then, prep Remi Cachet clip-in extensions with texture spray to build up volume before setting them with a mist of working hairspray and setting with curling irons.
4. Once the hair is cooled down, brush out and back comb.
5. Next, create rounded looped shapes in different directions and pin them into place.
6. Secure the structure across the base of the second ponytail, set the top ponytail and mold the shape into its main shape.
7. Finally, set the hair with working hairspray and add a mist of glow spray serum for the last touch of shine. 

Qualley's glossy brunette shade for the night was created by Tracey Cunningham.

11. Elle Fanning's Royal Updo 

Elle Fanning has been another name on our radar throughout awards season, as she celebrates her work in "A Complete Unknown." From her leopard print embroidered Balmain gown at the Golden Globes to her custom white lace Givenchy gown adorned with a black bow tied at the waistline, Fanning has made both bold and elegant choices for the red carpet. 

For the actor's first Academy Awards ceremony, hairstylist Jenda (@justjenda) crafted a captivating, slicked back updo using products from L'Oréal Paris.

12. Julianne Hough's Bouncy Bob 

Julianne Hough hosted the Academy Awards red carpet in an ethereal sheer asymmetrical, one-shoulder gown from Christian Dior. The dress featured shades of mocha, transitioning from light to dark in a flowing fashion.

In a nod to Marilyn Monroe and Old Hollywood, hairstylist Riawna Capri (@riawna) crafted a bouncy bob for Hough using products from R and Co Bleu and tools from L'Oréal Professionnel Paris. 

How-To: 

1. Begin by wetting the hair with water, then apply R+Co BLEU Highest Volumizing Mousse and R+Co BLEU Root Booster Volume Spray.
2. Blow hair out in large 3x2 inch sections, pinning each section in place until the hair cools.
3. Once set, brush hair out to create an airy, light, bouncy feel.
4. Sculpt hair into the desired shape, and lock it in place with R+Co BLEU Cult Classic Flexible Hairspray and R+Co BLEU Reflective Shine Hairspray.

13. Hailee Steinfeld's Grown-Out Bob 

Usually known for her long, brunette locks, Hailee Steinfeld turned heads when she debuted a chin-length bob to coincide with the launch of her new weekly newsletter, The Beau Society, in August 2024. Since then, her hair has grown to shoulder-length. While this growth stage can be awkward for some, Steinfeld unsurprisingly looked chic and effortless in a Tamara Ralph Haute Couture hotfix gown embellished with pearl embroidery and paired with a black double duchesse coat. 

Hairstylist Laura Polko (@laurapolko), who just launched her own haircare brand at Target, styled Steinfeld's bob for the Vanity Fair Oscar Party with flipped up ends for a glamorous look that calls back to the 1960s. 

14. Selena Gomez's Old Hollywood Bob 

Someone else we've been following this award's season is Selena Gomez. The actress, singer and entrepreneur has dazzled at the Golden Globes, SAG Awards and now Academy Awards, as she supports her work in "Emilia Pérez" and "Only Murders in the Building." 

For this red carpet appearance, Gomez wore a custom Ralph Lauren evening gown with latticework embroidery that featured Rosemont crystals and more than 16,000 drops of glass with a pink ombré finish achieved with a special 12-hour airbrushing technique. 

To pair with her sparkling attire, hairstylist Renato Campora (@renatocampora) styled Gomez's glossy brunette hair into a chic Old Hollywood bob using products from Joico and Dyson. 

15. Da’Vine Joy Randolph's Smoldering Cowboy Copper 

Last year, Da’Vine Joy Randolph took home an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for "The Holdovers." This year, she returned in style to present the same award to Zoe Saldaña. 

Colorist Tai Simon (@lovetaije) crafted a copper hair color transformation for Randolph using Danger Jones. The color popped alongside the star's shiny, short cut. 

“For a night as special as tonight, we wanted to go for a classic dazzling starlet look with a sultry edge. Juxtaposing her gorgeous jeweled gown with a sleek cowboy copper cut to bring the enhanced classic silhouette even more modern, I worked with Danger Jones Gloss Toners to bring her hair color to life, which was a dream to work with in bringing vibrancy and shine with ease," says Simon. 

How-To: 

1. To lift this edgy look to the desired smoldering cowboy copper finish, Simon utilized Danger Jones 20 Vol Deluxe Crème Developer & Powder Lightener with Bonding Complex in a bleach wash with a protective shampoo to keep the unit’s bonds in pristine condition while lifting two levels. 
2. After thoroughly emulsifying the bleach bath and ensuring even coverage from root to end, let the hair process for 40 minutes.
3. After processing, begin to wash with shampoo and cold water only, combing through and patting dry until the hair is damp for depositing a 1:1 mix of tones 7-4 copper and 4-4 copper of Danger Jones Gloss Toners & 6 Vol Gloss Toner Developer to achieve this custom color dream. Blending these tones creates shadows, depth and dimension, ensuring a rich, natural-looking finish.
4. With just a 10-minute processing time (plus an extra 4 minutes for good measure), wash, condition and let the hair fully dry before styling.