How Miley Cyrus’s $16 Hair Product Stole the 2025 Met Gala Spotlight
Discover the story behind Miley's ultra-sleek Met Gala ponytail and the affordable beauty product trend it launched.
The Met Gala Moment: Miley’s Unforgettable Slicked-Back Ponytail
Miley Cyrus made a dramatic entrance at the 2025 Met Gala with a hairstyle that immediately captivated beauty enthusiasts and set new standards for red-carpet hair. Breaking away from wild curls or intricate updos, Miley embraced a slicked-back, braided ponytail so polished and smooth it looked like the work of magic—or, as revealed by stylist Bob Recine, the result of a deceptively affordable drugstore styling stick.
Paired with her custom Alaïa gown, Miley’s look was a nod to supermodel chic: minimalist, statuesque, and all about strong, sculptural lines. The effect was a hairstyle that looked impossibly glossy and secure, with no flyaways disrupting the line, and an element of surprising attainability that resonated deeply with beauty fans worldwide.
The $16 Secret: What Is the Nexxus Slick Stick?
Miley’s iconic Met Gala hair was created using the Nexxus Slick Stick Strong Hold Hair Wax. This product, retailing for just $16 and resembling an oversized glue stick, is quickly gaining cult status for its ability to create a shellacked, polished finish with minimal fuss. Unlike heavier gels or sprays, the Slick Stick offers a strong, flexible hold without sticky residue, flakiness, or a greasy finish.
- Portable: The tube is small enough to fit comfortably in a purse or pocket, making it perfect for on-the-go touch-ups.
- Long-lasting: Users report hold that lasts 10–12 hours—even in humid conditions.
- Versatile: Effective on a variety of hair types, from fine straight strands to coiled, textured hair.
- Shine-enhancing: Adds a glossy, static-free sheen without weighing hair down.
This product isn’t just for celebrities—hundreds of reviewers and TikTok creators have confirmed its power, praising how it “lays baby hairs,” “tames edges,” and keeps hair in place without visible buildup.
Behind the Scenes: The Stylist’s Approach
Bob Recine, the mastermind behind Miley’s Met Gala hair, collaborated closely with her to ensure the hairstyle elevated both the gown and Miley’s distinctive personality. The inspiration stemmed from top models and modern dandy aesthetics—think Naomi Campbell-level cheekbones and tightly sculpted updos.
- Prep: Recine used Nexxus Humectress 20-in-1 spray for pre-styling protection and hydration.
- Structure: Nexxus Volume Medium Hold Mousse provided the base structure without sacrificing hair health.
- Finish: The Nexxus Slick Stick was the hero for locking every strand in place, delivering an immaculate finish.
The goal was to create a style that would not only survive the Met Gala’s bright lights and hours of socializing but would also remain touchable, soft, and elegant throughout the night. According to Recine, “It was important to ensure every little flyaway was held down, but the Nexxus Slick Stick made it very easy.”
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Why Miley’s Hair Broke the Internet
This style went instantly viral for two main reasons:
- Accessibility: The secret weapon was an affordable drugstore buy, not a luxury salon exclusive.
- Performance: Fans and professionals alike marveled at the glossy, durable finish, leading to hundreds of glowing reviews and TikTok recreations.
The contrast between high-fashion attire and budget-friendly hair care sparked a wave of “real-life” beauty inspiration, making the look both aspirational and achievable.
Product Ratings and Real-World Performance
| Feature | User Feedback | Editor’s Perspective |
|---|---|---|
| Hold Strength | 9/10 (lasts 10–12 hours) | Impressively durable in all conditions |
| Finish | Sleek and shiny, no flaking | Comparable to salon-quality products |
| Application | Quick, mess-free stick | User-friendly design |
| Hair Types | Effective for straight, wavy, coiled | Truly multi-textural versatility |
| Touch-Ups | Fits in bag/pocket | Ideal for travel and events |
Editor’s Take: Why This Should Be Your Next Beauty Buy
Megan Uy, associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, offers her expert insight: as someone who wears a slicked-back ponytail most days, the Nexxus Slick Stick changed her routine. Unlike multi-step high maintenance styling or salon visits, this product delivers luxury results without the luxury price tag. Uy notes:
- No crunchy residue, even after reapplication
- Holds styles through intense elements and long shifts
- Perfect for taming edges and creating high-gloss ponytails
Uy’s verdict, echoed by countless reviewers: this stick “does what gels and sprays promise, but often fail to deliver.” The combination of professional-grade hold and ease of use makes it a must-have for anyone seeking Met Gala-level polish on a real-world budget.
How to Copy Miley’s Met Gala Hair at Home: Step-by-Step Guide
- Prep Hair: Use a hydrating spray (like Nexxus Humectress 20-in-1) for moisture and protection.
- Add Volume: Apply a medium hold mousse to damp hair, focusing on roots for structure.
- Create the Pony: Brush hair smoothly into a high or mid ponytail, securing tightly.
- Braid and Sculpt: Take the ponytail and braid it, then sculpt it into an updo or leave it long as preferred.
- Detail and Finish: Glide Nexxus Slick Stick along the part, edges, and ponytail base. Pay special attention to baby hairs and flyaways for a sealed, shiny look.
- Touch-Up: Keep the stick handy for quick fixes during the day or night.
Pro Tip: For extra gloss, use a little high-shine hairspray on top (optional).
Who Should Try the Nexxus Slick Stick?
- Fans of Sleek Styles: Anyone who loves slicked-back buns, ponytails, or braids.
- Multi-texture Hair Types: Effective on fine, thick, wavy, curly, and coiled strands.
- Busy Professionals: Those needing a long-lasting style that survives marathon shifts or unpredictable weather.
- Travelers & Event-Goers: Perfect portable solution for touch-ups on the go. Fits discreetly in any bag.
- Beauty Minimalists: Skip the multi-step routines and heavy gels—one swipe offers hold and shine.
Celebrity Styling Goes Drugstore: Why Affordable Products Are Having a Moment
Miley’s Met Gala hair marks a bigger trend: top stylists are increasingly turning to affordable beauty products for red carpet looks. The era of only luxury brands dictating style is giving way to high-low mixes where performance trumps price.
- Inclusivity: Drugstore finds make celebrity trends accessible to all.
- Ingredient Innovation: Many affordable products now rival salon formulas for hold, shine, and care.
- Social Proof: TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube amplify reviews, as real users demonstrate results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Does the Nexxus Slick Stick work on curly and coiled hair?
A: Yes. It’s highly recommended by users with textured hair for taming edges and laying baby hairs without flakiness or buildup. Humidity resistance is a highlight.
Q: Will it make my hair feel greasy or heavy?
A: No. The formula is designed to be weightless and non-greasy, delivering shine with a clean finish—even after multiple touch-ups.
Q: Can I use it on colored or chemically-treated hair?
A: Absolutely. The stick is safe for most hair types, including colored and treated hair. It’s important to prep with a hydrating spray if your hair is fragile.
Q: How does it compare to traditional gels or sprays?
A: Unlike heavy gels, the Slick Stick offers control without crunch or white residue. It’s less messy than sprays and easier to apply precisely where needed.
Q: Where can I purchase it?
A: Widely available at major retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, and Target for approximately $16.
Expert Voices: Why Miley’s Stylist Chose The Slick Stick
Bob Recine explained his product pick: “It was important to ensure every little flyaway was held down, but the Nexxus Slick Stick made it very easy.” The focus was on achieving effortless shine, perfect sculpting, and total hold that translates just as well for everyday wear as it does for major events.
For those hoping to channel a supermodel look—or just impress at the office—the key takeaway is clear: superior results don’t have to come with a luxury price tag.
What TikTok and Beauty Influencers Are Saying
- “Held up all night at prom with zero frizz.”
- “The only stick that tames my 4C edges in summer humidity.”
- “Slick, glossy, and touchable—my new must-have for every ponytail.”
Social media is ablaze with tutorials, product reviews, and #MileyMetGala recreations, fueling demand and solidifying the Nexxus Slick Stick as the go-to solution for sleek, effortless style.
About the Editor
Megan Uy has been with Cosmopolitan since 2019, specializing in shopping and style curation. Her expertise bridges digital and print, offering well-researched product guides across fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. For more behind-the-scenes editor tips and New York City stories, follow her on social platforms and join the conversation on trending viral beauty hacks.
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