The 2025 Met Gala wasn’t just about sharp tailoring and bespoke suits—it was also a celebration of vintage glamour, and no beauty detail captured the theme more than the revival of kiss curls.
Inspired by the Harlem Renaissance and the flapper styles of the 1920s, kiss curls—small, glossy curls carefully sculpted to frame the face—became the evening’s most talked-about hair trend. The style, famously worn by icon Josephine Baker, felt right at home on the Met’s red carpet, especially with this year’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” which honored Black dandyism and historical self-expression.
Celebrities Who Nailed the Look
Dua Lipa brought the drama in full flapper fashion. Wearing four perfectly placed kiss curls, a knotted glossy bun, and a feathered, beaded dress, she embodied the spirit of the 1920s. Her look was completed with beaded gloves, and she arrived alongside boyfriend Callum Turner, who wore a sharply tailored suit.
Sydney Sweeney opted for a sleek, retro-glam style with three kiss curls accenting her slicked-back hair and a delicate side part. Styled by Glen Oropeza using FHI Heat tools, the look was paired with double-winged eyeliner and fluttery lashes. Sweeney revealed her beauty homage was to Kim Novak, whom she portrays in the upcoming film Scandalous!—directed by Met co-chair Colman Domingo.
Simone Biles chose a vintage-inspired side-swoop and a singular kiss curl near her temple, lending a soft, feminine finish to her voluminous look.
Coco Jones took a minimalist approach with a single S-shaped kiss curl paired with an ultra-long, floor-skimming braid—a subtle yet striking nod to heritage.
Bad Bunny proved the look is genderless. He styled a lone kiss curl beneath a chocolate brown pava hat, a nod to Puerto Rican culture, complementing his custom Prada suit. The moment was equal parts playful and profound—a true reflection of the theme.
Angel Reese, making her Met Gala debut, rocked a flipped bob and kiss curl combination that perfectly framed her face and played off her Thom Browne ensemble.
Even co-chair A$AP Rocky worked the trend into his braided hairstyle, proving the kiss curl’s versatility across textures and gender lines. The rapper also made headlines alongside Rihanna, who appeared to debut a baby bump—adding to the couple’s growing fashion legacy.
Why Kiss Curls Made a Comeback
The kiss curl is more than a hairstyle—it’s a cultural statement. Associated with the glamour of the Harlem Renaissance and the rise of Black elegance, the style aligned seamlessly with the evening’s celebration of tailored Black fashion. In a modern context, the trend highlighted how vintage aesthetics continue to influence and empower contemporary beauty.
