Oscar Sunday is a night of Hollywood royalty—of course A-listers would have regal hairstyles to match. As the night heats up, we've noticed more than a few sensational beauty looks on our favorite celebs (Lisa! Cynthia! Selena!), but one elegant (and surprisingly very practical) hair trend has been reigning the red carpet: tiara buns.
What is a tiara bun, you ask? Coined by hairstylist Tom Smith, the style simply refers to a bun that sits on the crown of your head, just like Ariana Grande's above. "Therefore [it] lifts the face [and] gives that slightly regal and elegant look to the wearer," Smith notes on Instagram. You can play around with the positioning a bit, but generally, it's placed higher than your average slicked-back bun.
He calls the trend practical yet glamorous, as it's a low-lift style that makes you look instantly sophisticated. "You can make it [as] sleek and polished as you prefer," he adds. "Just make sure the positioning is high on your head to get that lifted look." And rest assured it's very easy to achieve—arguably the most uncomplicated Oscars look to try at home. Take a look at the stunning celeb inspiration below, plus the best products to achieve your own royal-esque bun.
Want to add even more elegance to your tiara bun? Add dainty pearl accessories à la Lupita Nyong'o.
Opt for whatever hair part you like: side, middle (like Mikey Madison here), or none at all.
Elle Fanning paired her Givenchy Couture dress (which is giving us major wedding vibes) with the prettiest high bun.
A tiara bun and curtain bangs are a match made in heaven. Just look at Marissa Bode!
We are obsessed with Felicity Jones's "undone" take on the tiara bun. The two separated sections give the look some effortless texture.
The Best Products to Use for Tiara Buns
Celebrity hairstylist Bridget Brager used this blow-dry brush on Jones to create a sleek, frizz-free base.
Celeb stylist Rena Calhoun used this detangling brush to comb product through Madison's lengths.
She also used this wet-to-dry styler to give Madison a smooth blowout.
When twisting Madison's hair into a "ribboning updo," Calhoun used this flexible hair spray to set strands section by section.
I personally love this stick for my slicked-back styles.
A boar brush is essential for slicked-back looks. This one by Emi Jay comes in an adorable mini size to take with you on the go.
This styling cream and wand eliminate flyaways ASAP.
I also love this styling cream for sleek buns, as the formula simultaneously conditions the hair.
These pearl pins elevate any hairstyle, tiara buns included.
This gel-cream offers incredible hold (great for slick-backs) yet brushes out with ease.
-
The Oscars Are the Pinnacle of Award Season (and so Are the Beauty Looks)—22 StandoutsOne word: obsessed.
-
From "Exhaustion Blush" to "Party Lips," NYFW's Best Beauty Trends Are Delightfully UnexpectedThey'll define the next 10 months.
-
I'm Still Thinking About Altuzarra's "Cowlick Fringe," so Here's Every Chic, Low-Effort DetailHigh fashion, minimal maintenance.
-
Emma Stone Is Almost Unrecognizable With Her New Twiggy-Esque Pixie CutIt's so mod.
-
Speed-Dial Your Stylist! Hair Extensions Are *It* for 2025, According to the Golden GlobesMaximalist hair has made a comeback.
-
This $2 Hair Accessory Unlocks Instant Elegance—Just Ask Lily-Rose Depp and Elle FanningGet ahead of the trend.
-
Editors Know Hair Accessories Elevate a Winter Wardrobe—These Are the Chicest Ones to ShopSome are even on sale.
-
Kendall Jenner's Go-To Colorist Just Gave Me the Juiciest "Hot Girl Hair" RecsPlus, underrated fragrance finds that simply ooze cool.
