Golden Globes 2026: The Best Hair Moments and How to Recreate Them

Awards-season red carpets tend to set the tone for the months that follow — and the Golden Globes 2026 was no exception. From polished, high-shine finishes to softer, face-framing shapes, the night’s standout hairstyles (seen on the likes of Blackpink’s Lisa, Selena Gomez and Ayo Edebiri, among many others) landed firmly in the “intentional but wearable” sweet spot. For UK readers, it’s also a reminder that the most modern glamour rarely comes from one dramatic trick; it’s usually the result of smart prep, clean sectioning and a finish that’s tailored to the hair’s natural texture.

Below, we break down the most newsworthy hair directions emerging from the Golden Globes 2026 coverage, what they mean for everyday styling, and how you can translate these looks for real life — whether you’re heading to a winter wedding, a big work event, or simply want your usual blow-dry to look more expensive.

1) The return of “quiet glamour” (sleek, glossy, controlled)

One clear theme across the Golden Globes 2026 hair highlights was refinement: think smooth lines, carefully placed parts and a finish that looks touchable, not crunchy. This isn’t the severe “wet look” of previous years, but rather a softer evolution — hair feels healthy, reflective and deliberate. In salon terms, it’s a celebration of technique: good tension on the brush, the right direction of airflow, and enough time spent on the finish.

For UK hair trends, this matters because it adapts beautifully to our climate. Humidity and drizzle can make high-volume, overly backcombed styles collapse quickly. Controlled silhouettes and glossy finishes tend to hold up better — especially when supported by lightweight layering and humidity-aware finishing.

• What to ask your stylist: “A sleek shape with shine, but not flat — keep movement at the ends.”
• What to watch at home: Too much product at the roots can make sleek looks feel greasy. Many stylists recommend applying shine or smoothing products mid-lengths to ends first, then using what’s left on the hands for the crown.

2) Side parts, face-framing pieces and ‘cinematic’ shaping

Red carpets are a masterclass in proportion. This year’s best looks leaned into face-framing details: gentle bends at cheekbone level, a side part that adds instant structure, or a few deliberate pieces left out of an updo to soften the hairline. It’s an approach that photographs beautifully because it creates “light and shade” around the face — and it’s surprisingly practical for everyday wear.

If you’ve been growing out a fringe or you’re in that in-between phase with layers, take note. Strategic face-framing can look more polished than trying to blend everything back. Many session stylists use small sections at the temple to make an upstyle feel modern rather than overly formal.

• Fine hair: A side part can create optical volume at the root without heavy teasing.
• Thick hair: Face-framing pieces help reduce “helmet” bulk and make styles look lighter.
• Curly/coily textures: Defined front pieces can spotlight curl pattern while keeping the overall silhouette controlled.

3) Updos that feel modern: polished bases with soft edges

Updos continue to dominate awards season, but the most current versions balance polish and softness. A clean, controlled base (at the nape or crown) paired with gentle softness around the hairline reads modern — and lets the face, makeup and jewellery take centre stage. Importantly, this style direction doesn’t require extreme tightness. In fact, overly tight updos can be uncomfortable and may stress the hairline; many stylists recommend choosing secure-but-not-painful tension, especially if you’re wearing the style for hours.

From a technique perspective, the secret is preparation: smoothing the hair without overloading it, building a supportive foundation with pins, and finishing in a way that looks seamless rather than sprayed into place.

• Prep: Blow-dry hair in the direction you want it to sit (don’t fight the crown).
• Build: Create a ponytail or base first, then shape the bun/chignon around it.
• Refine: Use a small brush to smooth flyaways, then set lightly rather than “shellacking”.

4) Texture feels intentional: soft bends, defined natural pattern, and touchable movement

What’s refreshing about the Golden Globes 2026 hair conversation is that texture — whether natural or styled — looks purposeful. We’re seeing fewer overly uniform curls and more variation: soft bends through the ends, brushed-out waves with shape, or highly defined natural pattern with healthy-looking definition. This shift aligns with what many UK stylists have been saying for some time: the most flattering hair is hair that behaves believably.

If you’re recreating this at home, focus less on making every section identical and more on consistency of finish — shine, frizz control and movement. A wave pattern can look luxurious even if each bend is slightly different, provided the hair looks well-conditioned and the ends are finished neatly.

• For straight hair: Add a subtle bend at mid-lengths for dimension rather than curling from the root.
• For waves: Style in alternating directions, then brush through lightly for “lived-in” shape.
• For curls/coils: Many curl specialists recommend defining on very damp hair and letting it set fully before separating for volume.

How to translate Golden Globes hair into real life (UK edition)

Red carpet hair is designed for photos, long wear and strong lighting — but the underlying principles are exactly what make everyday hair look better, too. The practical move is to pick one “red carpet element” you can sustain on a normal day and build your routine around that, rather than trying to replicate the entire look.

• If you want more shine: Prioritise a good blow-dry finish and use heat tools at a sensible temperature. Work in sections; it’s the quickest way to get a smoother result with less repeated heat.
• If you want a cleaner silhouette: Choose a parting that suits your natural growth pattern and commit to it for the day (constant re-parting can create frizz and collapse).
• If you want an updo that lasts in UK weather: Keep the base secure, then allow softness at the edges. A style can be both robust and flattering.
• If you’re growing out layers or a fringe: Ask for face-framing to be refined at your next trim so your “front pieces” look intentional.
• If you’re short on time: Do a sleek ponytail with a clean part and polished ends — it’s one of the most wearable ways to borrow awards-season energy without the fuss.

Key Takeaways

• Golden Globes 2026 hair leaned towards “quiet glamour”: glossy finishes, clean shapes and controlled movement.
• Side parts and face-framing pieces are back in a big way, helping styles look sculpted yet soft.
• Modern updos balance a polished base with gentle edges — secure, but not painfully tight.
• Texture looks more believable and intentional, with soft bends, defined natural pattern and touchable movement.
• Your next practical step: pick one element (shine, parting, face-frame or updo) and refine it with better sectioning and a lighter, smarter finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Golden Globes 2026 hairstyle trend is easiest to recreate at home?
Typically, a sleek ponytail or a soft, brushed-out wave is the most achievable. Both rely more on good prep and sectioning than complex pinning or specialist tools.

How do I get a glossy finish without making my hair oily?
Apply smoothing or shine products from mid-lengths to ends first and use only a small остаток on the crown. If your roots get greasy quickly, keep heavier creams away from the scalp.

Are side parts flattering for everyone?
Side parts can suit many face shapes and are especially helpful for adding lift in fine hair. If your hair naturally falls central, try a softer, off-centre part rather than forcing a deep side part that won’t sit comfortably.

How can I make an updo feel modern rather than “bridesmaid”?
Keep the overall shape clean, then soften the edge: a couple of face-framing pieces, gentle texture at the ends, or a slightly undone finish around the hairline can make it feel current.

What should I do if humidity ruins my blow-dry?
Use smaller sections and fully dry each one before moving on. Many stylists also suggest finishing with a light anti-humidity product and avoiding over-handling the hair once set.