There was also a noticeable confidence in restraint - middle parts worn with purpose, minimalist buns executed with razor-sharp precision, and soft waves that relied on health and shine rather than excess styling to make an impact. Accessories, when used, were thoughtful rather than flashy: subtle metallic accents, hidden embellishments, and headpieces that complemented rather than competed. What tied the night together was a sense of storytelling - each hairstyle appeared to extend the artist’s narrative, reinforcing their aesthetic and musical evolution rather than distracting from it.
In a year where authenticity and self-definition continue to shape pop culture, the best hairstyles at the 2026 Grammys proved that hair can be both deeply personal and undeniably spectacular, transforming the red carpet into a living mood board for where beauty - and music - are headed next. Let’s take a look at some of the best hairstyles that were featured this year on the red carpet.
Men
Yo Gotti
Yo Gotti looked amazing at this year's Grammy Awards, with a well-groomed hairstyle styled longer on top and shorter on the sides.
Shaving the sides of coarse hair short while keeping length on top offers both practical and aesthetic advantages, making it a go-to style for those who want impact without excess upkeep. Coarse hair naturally has volume and density, and tapering or shaving the sides removes bulk where it can feel heavy or unruly, instantly creating a cleaner, more controlled silhouette. This contrast allows the longer hair on top to shine truly - whether worn textured, curled, braided, or styled upward - giving the hair freedom to move and express its natural character without overwhelming the overall look.
The style also enhances facial structure: closely cut sides draw attention upward and inward, sharpening cheekbones, elongating the face, and creating a strong, confident profile. One of the most significant advantages is definition, especially when the hairline is well-defined and razor-sharp, creating a crisp, intentional line around it. That clean edge frames the face like a graphic outline, elevating the overall look and making it polished even on low-effort days.
From a maintenance perspective, shorter sides mean less daily detangling and heat styling. At the same time, the length on top offers versatility for switching up looks without committing to an all-over cut. Overall, this approach balances structure with self-expression - clean, modern, and powerful - making it especially effective for coarse hair that thrives when shaped rather than restrained.
Stephen Sanchez
Stephen Sanchez looked astonishing at the 2026 Grammy Awards, showcasing his natural waves, locked in a well-defined way that was both texture-forward and youthful. Leaving a man’s hair at ear length while showcasing natural waves and classic bangs strikes an ideal balance between effortless style and timeless appeal. This length allows natural texture to take center stage, letting waves form and move freely without appearing overgrown or unkempt.
Rather than fighting the hair’s natural pattern, the cut works with it, creating softness, dimension, and a relaxed confidence that reads as intentional rather than accidental. Classic bangs add an extra layer of versatility, gently framing the forehead and drawing attention to the eyes while lending a slightly romantic, vintage-inspired edge that never feels dated.
From a styling standpoint, this haircut is refreshingly low-maintenance - often requiring little more than a lightweight cream or sea-salt spray to enhance wave definition and control frizz. Ear-length hair also offers flexibility, easily transitioning from casual to polished depending on how it’s worn.
In terms of face shape, this hairstyle is especially flattering for oval and heart-shaped faces, as the bangs balance the forehead while the soft waves create harmony through the sides. It can also work well for square faces, as the movement and texture help soften sharper angles. Overall, this look emphasizes natural character, approachability, and classic masculine style without sacrificing modern ease.
Women
Chelsea Cutler
Chelsea Cutler looked gorgeous in her emo-inspired hairstyle, which is set to be the next trend for youth and teenagers alike. The layered bangs in this hairstyle help ensure they blend seamlessly with the rest of her look while drawing attention to her stunning eyes. The black hair paired with the layers in this hairstyle gives her an overall emo vibe, while keeping her hair from adding extra weight to her roots and preventing it from falling flat around her face and neck.
Even though this is an ideal hairstyle for most face shapes and hair densities, you still need regular trims to keep your cut in shape and your ends healthy. To tie this look together, a wing liner or a dark eye application will draw more attention to your eyes and complement the emo vibe of the overall look.
Carmen Electra
A red carpet would not be complete without a show-stopping look from the iconic Carmen Electra, and this year was no exception. Styling long hair with a clean middle parting and soft, romantic curls through the mid-lengths and ends is a timeless way to achieve effortless elegance and modern sophistication. This balanced parting frames the face evenly, highlighting natural features while creating a slimming, symmetrical effect that suits a wide range of face shapes.
When paired with flowing curls at the mid-lengths, the style adds beautiful movement and volume, giving the hair a fuller, more luxurious appearance without looking overstyled. The addition of a blonde primary color enhances this look by reflecting light and adding a youthful, radiant glow, making the curls appear soft and multidimensional. Having a darker shade underneath creates a striking contrast, subtly peeking through with every movement and adding depth that prevents the blonde from appearing flat or washed out.
This layered color technique also makes the curls look more defined and textured, elevating the overall style. Beyond its visual appeal, this hairstyle is highly versatile, transitioning seamlessly from casual daytime wear to glamorous evening occasions. It complements both relaxed and polished outfits, offering endless styling flexibility. Overall, the combination of a middle parting, romantic mid-end curls, and contrasting blonde and darker tones delivers a flattering, dynamic, and confidence-boosting hairstyle that enhances natural beauty while maintaining a refined, contemporary edge.
Tyla
Tyla looked simply breathtaking at the 2026 Grammy Awards, where she won the award for best African Music performance, but in our eyes, she won for her effortless hairstyle. Her defined side parting gives her hair much-needed height in this look while drawing attention to her stunning brown eyes.
Her ends have been styled with gentle curls that cascade around her face and neck romantically, drawing attention to her features while also framing them. These curls give her style an elegant finish while keeping her hair from falling flat around her face. You will need to apply product to your hair once you are done styling to ensure your curls stay in shape throughout the evening.
Overall, this cut and style is ideal for most face shapes and hair densities as long as you style your layers to suit your face shape and needs to perfection.
Conclusion
Across the carpet, we saw a masterful balance of polish and individuality: ultra-sleek silhouettes sharing space with voluminous textures, sculptural updos offset by deliberately loose tendrils, and classic Hollywood references reimagined through a modern, genre-bending lens. Natural hair took center stage in powerful ways, styled to celebrate texture. At the same time, avant-garde looks leaned into unexpected shapes, wet finishes, and architectural braiding that felt closer to wearable art than traditional red-carpet fare.We hope you like these hairstyles that we have shown you from the 2026 Grammy Awards! Our virtual hairstyler can show you how you will look with 1000's of hairstyles before you get a haircut. Simply add a photo of yourself to the virtual hairstyler, and it will show you how you will look with hairstyles ranging from short to long.