Long, Fairytale Hair Was the Met Gala's Biggest Beauty Trend

published 7 May 2024

The Met Gala might be known as "fashion's biggest night out," but it's also beauty's biggest night out. For proof, check out this year's best beauty looks. It's one of the only annual events where celebs go all out with hair and makeup—the bigger, bolder, and more experimental the better.

Each year, I anxiously watch the red carpet (well, it was green this year, but you get the point) so I can be the first to see each celebrity's look. Sure, it's part of my job as a beauty editor, but if I'm being honest, it's more than that. The Met Gala is the last major event before the summer season, and as such, it predicts all the biggest trends to come.

While watching celebs flock to the iconic Met staircase, I noticed something. Many of them had long, wavy hair falling down their backs. This isn't a coincidence. After all, this year's theme is Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion, and the official dress code is The Garden of Time, which is based on a 1962 short story of the same name. To put it simply, fairytale references were the name of the game. Could long, flowing, fairytale-esque hair be the next big thing? I certainly think so. It's time to invest in effective haircare products and maybe some extensions. First, check out the best long-hair looks of the night.

Kendall Jenner

Kendall Jenner arrived at the Met Gala with uncharacteristically long hair. It was styled in natural-looking, beachy waves. That's the key to perfecting this look. The more effortless and undone it looks, the better.

Madelyn Cline

Madelyn Cline also got the fairytale-hair memo. Her hairstylist, Marc Mena, used Great Lengths extensions and the Wavytalk 5-in-1 Curling Iron Set ($43) to create her Sleeping Beauty-worthy look.

Zoe Saldaña

Zoe Saldaña paired her Chloé dress with similar waist-length waves.

Elizabeth Debicki

Elizabeth Debicki's signature blonde hair was ultra-long and straight.

Dove Cameron

Dove Cameron fully committed to the long-hair trend. Her honey-blonde tresses reach well past her waist. It's giving me mermaid vibes in the best way.

Shakira

Shockingly, this is Shakira's first-ever Met Gala. I loved that she stayed true to her signature honey-toasted blonde, styling it in those Met Gala–approved beachy waves.

Shop Products for Strengthening and Styling Long Hair

Fable & Mane

Holiroots Pre-Wash Hair Treatment Oil

This pre-shampoo treatment oil makes my scalp feel calm and moisturized, setting the stage for healthy hair growth. It also happens to smell incredible.

epres

Healthy Hair Shampoo & Conditioner Duo

I'm a big fan of the Epres Bond Repair Treatment ($50) since it seals and prevents split ends. I recently tried the brand's new shampoo and conditioner, and they're just as reparative.

SEPHORA COLLECTION

Silicone Scalp Massager

A scalp massager is a necessary part of my shower routine. It helps remove product buildup for a cleaner scalp and even boosts circulation for faster hair growth.

Fable & Mane

Holiroots Repairing Hair Mask

This is my favorite hair mask of all time. I know that's a bold statement, but it's true. Rich, moisturizing ingredients like mango butter, banana, and coconut make my hair feel soft, smooth, and strong. Just like the Holiroots Pre-Wash Hair Treatment Oil, it smells incredible—like a luxurious tropical spa.

dae

Cactus Fruit 3-in-1 Styling Cream

I heard about this product on TikTok, and I'm so glad I tried it. It's a three-in-one formula that smooths sleek styles, preps shiny blowouts, and defines natural curls.

Nutrafol

Women's Lightweight Thickening-Hair Serum for Thinning Hair

This hair serum encourages thicker, denser hair with a physician-created formula that uses patent-pending Ashwagandha Exosomes.

Explore More:

Kaitlyn McLintock is an Associate Beauty Editor at Who What Wear. Although she covers a wide range of topics across a variety of categories, she specializes in celebrity interviews and skincare and wellness content. Having lived in Los Angeles and Austin, Texas, she recently relocated back to her home state of Michigan where she works remotely. Prior to Who What Wear, she freelanced for a variety of industry-leading digital publications, including InStyle, The Zoe Report, Bustle, Hello Giggles, and Coveteur. Before that, she held a long-term internship and subsequent contributor position at Byrdie. When she's not writing, researching, or testing the latest and greatest beauty products, she's working her way through an ever-growing book collection, swimming in the Great Lakes, or spending time with family.