The Boldest Met Gala Edge Hair Moments: Artistry, History, and Unapologetic Style
Discover how the Met Gala 2025 red carpet became a canvas for cutting-edge edge styling, celebrating Black hair artistry, innovation, and fashion history.
Met Gala 2025: When Edge Hair Styling Stole the Spotlight
The 2025 Met Gala red carpet was a celebration of beauty, heritage, and artistry, but this year, it was the edges—baby hairs and hairlines styled into waves, swoops, and intricate designs—that set the tone for the night. Celebrities proved that edge styling is both an homage to Black hair culture and a contemporary fashion statement. From delicate kiss curls to bold zigzag parts, edge work was more than just a finishing touch: it was a centerpiece that commanded attention and told a vibrant story.
The Art and Evolution of Edge Styling
Edge hair styling, often referred to as “laying your edges,” has long been a form of expression, especially within the Black community. Once considered a routine for keeping hair ‘neat,’ edge styling has evolved into a celebrated art form that merges tradition, self-expression, and defiance of mainstream beauty standards. The Met Gala’s 2025 red carpet elevated edges—showing their potential for both tribute and innovation.
- Edges as Artistry: Celebs and their glam squads experimented with everything from precision swoops to sculptural baby hair swirls, proving that edges can be as intentional—and as mesmerizing—as any gown or accessory.
- Technique Meets Imagination: The night’s looks highlighted meticulous technique, creative design, and deep ties to cultural pride and identity.
- Every Curve Tells a Story: From sleek and sharp to playful and pattern-rich, each edge style became a unique signature, reflecting both individual personality and collective history.
Edge Styles That Defined the 2025 Met Gala Red Carpet
From Afrofuturist volumes to vintage Hollywood references, these were the edge and baby hair moments that had everyone talking, zooming in, and updating their inspiration boards.
1. Zendaya’s Sculpted Vintage Glam
Zendaya made a dramatic return with not one, but two groundbreaking beauty moments. For her first transformation, her hair was swept into a sculpted low updo, perfectly framing her face beneath an ivory hat. Later, Zendaya switched to a midnight-black ensemble paired with a headpiece of twisting branches and feathers. In both looks, attention to her hairline—with soft, controlled waves—showcased artful edge work that subtly honored the glamour of Old Hollywood while updating it for the present. Every curve of her edges felt intentional, precise, and supremely elegant.
2. High Pony with Jeweled Edges: Lupita Nyong’o
Lupita Nyong’o signalized strength and modernity with a hyper-sleek ponytail straight off a sci-fi runway. What set her look apart? Shimmering jewels carefully applied along her brow line and hairline, turning her edges into a futuristic work of art. The effect balanced classic beauty with avant-garde detail, elevating her style into a true Met Gala standout—both regal and playful, tradition sculpted into tomorrow’s fantasy.
- Key notes: Sleek ponytail, jeweled edges, minimalist but high-impact.
- Trend factor: The ultimate example of blending edge work and hair accessories for a dramatic finish.
3. Simone Biles’s Finger Waves: A Vintage Tribute
Olympic legend Simone Biles paid homage to Josephine Baker, the era-defining entertainer known for her iconic finger waves. Biles’s side-swept hairstyle revived the flapper aesthetic, its slicked, high-shine ripples echoing the Harlem Renaissance. The look combined historical reverence with 2025 high fashion, held together (literally) by flawless edge control. Navigating between the past and the present, Biles revealed that edge work is not just a trend but a vehicle for cultural storytelling.
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4. Doechii’s Afro Volume and Celebrated Texture
Doechii blazed onto the carpet with a voluminous afro—unapologetically bold. Her look celebrated the full form and texture of coily hair, with baby hairs styled into artful swirls at the hairline. Paired with Afrofuturist makeup and accents, her edges underscored the power, creativity, and multidimensional beauty inherent in natural Black hair.
- Key notes: Shape, texture, volume, and playful baby hair artistry.
5. Teyana Taylor’s Durag Reveal: Reclaiming Black Fashion
One of the night’s most talked-about moments came when Teyana Taylor removed her top hat mid-carpet to unveil a silky durag. Her baby hairs, delicately styled into swoops and curls, framed her face in a celebration of everyday Black hair rituals elevated to the level of haute couture. The durag, once a symbol relegated to the private sphere, now took center stage as a powerful statement of cultural pride, beauty, and ingenuity.
6. Coco Jones and the Zigzag Part: Precision and Play
Coco Jones’s hairstyle was an instant editorial classic. A sharply divided zigzag part ran across her head, setting the stage for an extra-long braid interwoven with metallic threads and beads. Her edges were swooped and defined, proving that even classic protective styles can offer endless room for customization and flair—and that precision and imagination can go hand-in-hand.
7. Gigi Hadid and the Retro Rolls
While Gigi Hadid’s victory rolls delivered a nod to 1940s glamour, it was her ultra-sleek hairline that brought the look into 2025. Her edges sat smooth and sharply outlined, bridging the elegance of old with modern-day edge control mastery.
8. The “Kiss Curl” Comeback
The kiss curl—an intricate spiral of baby hair pressed against the forehead—emerged as a show-stealing detail among multiple stars. Worn by artists such as Cardi B, Tyla, and Nicki Minaj, the kiss curl recalls the Jazz Age, shimmering with sophistication and playfulness. This style, deeply rooted in Black hair history, was reborn on the Met steps into a symbol of excellence, visibility, and creative freedom.
- Key notes: Stylized baby hairs, creative swirls, front-and-center placement on the hairline.
9. Buzzcuts and Edge Perfection
For celebs with closer-cropped hair—think Jodie Turner-Smith and several others—edges still found their moment. Baby hairs were sculpted into crisp, delicate waves along the hairline, demonstrating that precision edge styling works on every length, cut, and texture. Whether minimalist or ornate, these edges radiated confidence and individuality.
10. Buns, Braids, and Edges: Elevating Versatility
Several attendees paired classic updos and braids with statement edges. Hair was slicked back into polished buns, with baby hairs left out as decorative accents, or braided back with intricate edge designs sweeping across the forehead and temples. The effect: softens strong, structured silhouettes and personalizes every protective style, whether understated or elaborate.
Why Edge Styling Matters: Culture, Representation, and Art
Edge styling at the Met Gala was more than a viral trend. It became a moment of representation, reclamation, and artistry—spotlighting the Black community’s influence on mainstream beauty and challenging old narratives about what is “neat” or “acceptable” on the world stage.
- Roots in Black Culture: Laying edges has been integral to Black hair care and style for decades—seen from everyday routines to milestone celebrations. The widespread embrace at the Met Gala affirmed its status as a form of Black excellence.
- Visibility and Confidence: For many, seeing edges honored, celebrated, and innovatively styled by celebrities provided needed visibility, inspiring confidence in younger generations and anyone who’s ever felt pressure to erase their natural hair patterns to fit mainstream standards.
- Technique and Craftsmanship: From toothbrushes to edge control gels and fine-tooth combs, the right tools have been essential to edge design. At the Met, stylists turned technique into couture-level craftsmanship—each swoop, swirl, and kiss curl a testament to both armor and adornment.
Table: Iconic Edge Styles at the Met Gala 2025
| Celebrity | Edge Style | Overall Hair Look | Key Cultural Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zendaya | Sculpted vintage waves | Sculpted updo under hat, feathered headpiece | Homage to Old Hollywood drama |
| Lupita Nyong’o | Jeweled edges | Sleek ponytail with browline embellishments | Modern, futuristic elegance |
| Simone Biles | Finger wave edges | Side-swept, slicked vintage style | Tribute to Josephine Baker |
| Doechii | Artful baby hair swirls | Natural, voluminous afro | Celebration of natural texture |
| Teyana Taylor | Delicate swoops with durag | Durag unveil after top hat | Reclaiming Black fashion staples |
| Coco Jones | Zigzag part and defined edges | Long beaded braid | Rhythmic rebellion, editorial flair |
| Gigi Hadid | Smooth, sharp edges | Retro victory rolls updo | Vintage fusion with modern finish |
| Cardi B, Tyla, Nicki Minaj | Kiss curl | Various updos and styles | Sophistication and play rooted in Black excellence |
| Jodie Turner-Smith | Baby wave edges | Buzzcut | Short hair, maximum impact |
How to Achieve Next-Level Edges at Home
- Start with Clean, Moisturized Hair: Well-hydrated hair and edges make for smoother styling and lasting designs.
- Choose the Right Products: A strong-hold, non-flaky edge control gel is essential. Popular picks among stylists include Eco Styler, Edge Booster, and Murray’s Edgewax.
- Use the Right Tools: Toothbrushes, edge brushes, or fine-tooth combs help sculpt precise swoops and curls.
- Work in Small Sections: Lay baby hairs in the direction you want using gentle swooping motions. Use fingertips to press and shape.
- Set with a Scarf: Tie a silk or satin scarf along your hairline for 10–20 minutes to hold the shape and prevent frizz.
- Get Creative: Try kiss curls, S-shapes, or ornate swirls. Mix in gems, threads, or color for a red-carpet effect.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Why are edges and baby hairs such a big deal in Black hair culture?
A: Edges have long been an integral part of Black hairstyling, serving as a creative outlet and source of pride, self-expression, and cultural heritage. What began as a neatness requirement evolved into a medium for artistic and personal flair, challenging mainstream standards and celebrating textured hair’s possibilities.
Q: Which products work best for edge control?
A: Look for strong-hold, non-flaky gels or pomades like Eco Styler, Edge Booster, or Murray’s Edgewax. The ideal product depends on hair texture and desired style hold.
Q: Can people with straight or wavy hair experiment with edge styling?
A: Yes, while edge styling is rooted in Black hair traditions, anyone can try edge art! Results will vary based on texture—coily and curly baby hairs offer flexible styling, but with the right gel and tools, any hairline can achieve swoops, curls, or swirls.
Q: How can I make my edges last all day?
A: Apply edge control to clean, dry hair, shape using a brush, and set your hairline with a silk or satin scarf before leaving home. Avoid too much product buildup and refresh with a damp cloth and gel if needed throughout the day.
Edge Inspiration Board: Met Gala 2025 Highlights
- Sharp zigzags: Think Coco Jones for editorial drama.
- Playful kiss curls: Cardi B–inspired spirals along the forehead.
- Artisanal swoops: The intricate, delicate curves from Teyana Taylor’s reveal.
- Old Hollywood waves: Simone Biles’s soft, finger-wave edge tribute.
- Jeweled accents: Lupita Nyong’o style, embellishing the hairline with gems and glitter.
Whether you’re after a classic smooth finish or make-it-your-own pattern, the Met Gala reminds us all—edges are a canvas, and you are the artist.
References
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/g64676112/best-edge-hair-styles-met-gala/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/beauty-hair/hair/a64685041/kiss-curl-edges-met-gala/
- https://moehair.com/blogs/blog/the-best-hair-looks-from-the-met-gala-2025
- https://www.cosmopolitanme.com/celebs/celebrities-first-met-gala-dresses-from-kim-kardashian-to-blake-lively
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