Every year, the Met Gala provides a ton of hair inspiration and signals the next big hair trends. In 2026, celebs on the carpet proved that we are replacing bouncy volume with smooth, straight hair.
For the smoothest, straightest hair with glassy shine, connect with E! Adir Abergel, Virtue Creative Director and Celebrity Hairstylist; Chris McMillan, celebrity hairstylist Founder of his own hair care brand.
From Nicole Kidman to Camila Mendes, shiny, sleek, straight hair ruled the Met Gala carpet.Hair oil is the ultimate finishing touch to add shine and smooth frizz and flyaways.Pro tip for curly hair: Keep your hair damp while blow-drying to effectively “stretch out” each curl into pin-straight hair.
for Abergel (responsible for both) Nicole Kidman and her daughter’s long straight style) It all starts with preparing your hair. From the shampoo and conditioner you use A properly styled mane will enhance your hair’s natural shine, right down to the post-shower treatment. before applying heat.
Regarding hairstyles, Chris McMillan (whose eponymous brand was used to create Camila Mendes’ sleek bob) uses a number of techniques. Create ultra-sleek styles with a mirror-like finish by tensioning your hair and layering it with product before using a curling iron.
Here’s how to recreate the sleek, straight, shiny style popular at the Met Gala, according to celebrity hairstylists.
