Laura French | February 27, 2019
Best-tressed on the Red Carpet: Our 2019 Nominees
Image by Madison Reed
We love awards season, but where are the gold statues for the best beachy waves, most creative updos, uber-glam hair accessories? For the 91st Academy Awards, we’re happy to report that the A-list brought their A-game with smooth chignons, classic middle parts, sharp bobs, and bombshell waves. And the nominees for best hair are…
BEST POWER PONYTAIL: ANGELA BASSETT
Angela’s slicked-back, extra-long low pony was the perfect high drama accompaniment to her hot fuchsia, one-shoulder gown.
BEST BLINGED-OUT BARRETTES: ELSIE FISHER
Elsie used Swarovski-encrusted barrettes to pin back her side-parted, blunt blonde bob. Paired with black liquid eyeliner and a crisp button-down, she served serious Margot Tenenbaum vibes.
BEST THROWBACK: AMANDLA STENBERG
1920’s finger waves, but make it braids. Amandla’s two-tone knotted cornrows and bun, complete with silver flapper dress, was evocative of Old Hollywood glamour...and might just have been our favorite look of the night.
BEST BOB: CHARLIZE THERON
Not that she doesn’t look stunning in every shade, but we’re especially loving Charlize’s new color and chop. Parted to the side and tucked behind one ear to showcase her emerald earrings, her dark chocolate bob looked extra striking with her red-orange lip. If you have a serious case of hair envy (relatable), try Radiant Cream Color in Messina Brown 4NA for a similar smoky brunette result.
BEST BANGS: MARIE KONDO
It’s official: bangs spark joy. Marie wore her hair pulled back to let her straight-across fringe take center stage. Neat, tidy, totally classic.
HAIR TUCK IN A LEADING ROLE: AMY ADAMS
The behind-the-ear hair tuck (see: Charlize) was perhaps the single most surprising, and surprisingly low-key, red carpet beauty trend of the night. Amy’s center-parted auburn waves wore it best.
MOST SILVER FOXY: HELEN MIRREN
Helen’s silver white pixie cut will never not look cool. We wouldn’t be surprised if she uses Color Reviving Gloss in Crema to keep brassy tones at bay.
BEST BALAYAGE: JENNIFER LOPEZ
When it comes to the red carpet, J-Lo doesn’t do understated—and we love her for it, tbh. Her caramel balayage highlights were the perfect shiny complement to her mirror mosaic gown.
BEST UPDO: LADY GAGA
Gaga’s Audrey Hepburn-inspired platinum coif looked like a million bucks paired with her Tiffany & Co. necklace and black gloves. We’ll always remember her this way.
BEST STATEMENT: HANNAH BEACHLER
As the first African American woman to win Best Production Design, Hannah made history for much more than just her sculptural faux hawk and gold face chains. But you know people will be talking about her red carpet look for years to come, too.
BEST HEADBANDS (TIE): DANAI GURIRA & RACHEL WEISZ
Fun fact: Danai’s timeless gold and Rachel’s vintage diamond are both antique headpieces. Which do you prefer? We’re obsessed with both.
SCRUNCHIE IN A SUPPORTING ROLE: JASON MOMOA
Jason’s is pink velvet, ours are black elastic, but we’re in agreement that the best and only place for a hair tie is around your wrist. Stars—they’re just like us.
What’s your pick for best celebrity hairstyle? “Hand us the envelope” in the comments.