Awards season is in full swing—and these are the hottest cuts and styles on the red carpet
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Was a mullet on your 2026 red carpet bingo card?
If the answer is no, you're not alone. But as yet another year kicked off with not one, but two high-fashion awards shows, spectators saw those on It-guys Glen Powell and Patrick Schwarzenegger, plus more fashion-forward styles on stars such as Jennifer Lopez on the red carpet.
With the 2026 Critics Choice Awards and Golden Globes now behind us, this is our tally for the hottest hair trends to hit the biggest red carpets thus far. What cuts, colors and styles do you think will take center stage at the Actor Awards, formerly known as the Screen Actors Guild Awards (SAG Awards) and Oscars in March? Tell us in the comments below.
01 of 05
Relaxed Waves
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Old Hollywood waves have given way to a more effortless look, and Elle Fanning’s soft style created by Jenda Alcorn for the Critics Choice Awards, which paired a modern bend with a classic middle part, is on all our mood boards.
02 of 05
Chic Chignons
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The elegant updo, for which hair is gathered at the nape of the neck, has been a go-to for pros. Of all the variations we’ve spotted, these fresh takes on Jenna Ortega created by Cesar Deleon Ramirez for the Golden Globes and Chase Infiniti created by and Jessica Biel created by Kat Thompson the Critics Choice Awards deserve a trophy.
"Chignons are back because the 'effortless-luxe' aesthetic is of the moment," says Ramirez, who used products from Rizos Curls to perfect Ortega's updo. The pro adds, "We went with a more lived-in, low chignon, staying true to her more vampy style. Together with the dress, this glam gave the overall look a dark luxe yet timeless feel — and that’s why it works."
03 of 05
Hair Bows
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There’s a reason black ribbons are the accessory of the moment: They’re eye-catching and versatile, and they tie any hairstyle together. Case in point: Jessica Williams's look created by SherriAnn Cole and Mckenna Grace's look created by Ted Gibson for the Critics Choice Awards.
"This season’s hair bows work because they’re equal parts nostalgic and elevated," says Williams's hairstylist SherriAnn Cole.
Adds the Shrinking star's stylist Sarah Slutsky, "For me, the black bow is the final touch that brings a look to life and adds either whimsy or edge. It does this sneaky thing where it keeps the eye moving across the whole look — and the woman wearing it."
04 of 05
French Twists
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The updo is back and as glamorous as ever thanks to these A-list takes on Pamela Anderson created by John Nollet and Mia Goth created by Gregory Russell for the Critics Choice Awards as well as Jennifer Lopez created by Chris Appleton for the Golden Globes.
The style “is often used to evoke a sophistication and timeless charm,” says Nollet, who used Biolage products to create Anderson's look. "The style highlights her [new!] hair color and also perfectly complements the quality of her hair," he adds.
05 of 05
Mullets
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The big surprise in grooming? A mullet revival. Often with a short front and sides plus deliberate length at the back, the style made a bold showing on guys such as Joshua Hong, Glen Powell and Patrick Schwarzenegger (plus Luke Grimes, Jeremy Allen White and more!) at the Golden Globes.
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