The 78th Emmy Awards brought Hollywood’s biggest small-screen stars together Monday night, and the red carpet did not disappoint. We’ve already covered the best beauty looks on stars over 50 and the manicures you need to see up close, but the night’s hairstyles deserve their own spotlight. From textured updos to soft, lived-in waves, attendees served plenty of hair inspiration. Ahead, see our favorite hairstyles from the 2026 Emmys.
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Zendaya’s Modern Pixie
“For Zendaya, the inspiration is a classic pixie reimagined through a modern, editorial lens,” says celebrity hairstylist Coree Moreno. “I wanted the silhouette to feel feminine and refined with a little rebellion—sleek around the perimeter with airy, piecey texture and controlled height through the crown.”
To get the look, Moreno used the ghd Speed ($429) to build the pixie silhouette. Once hair was dry, she used ghd Sculpt ($449) to lift, bend and redirect pieces. She finished up using her fingertips to pinch and separate individual pieces through the crown and fringe to help the silhouette feel effortless. To get the grip, separation and workable texture that’s key to this look Moreno used göt2b glued 2-in-1 Spray Wax ($8) and göt2b glued Blasting Freeze Spray ($11) to lock the style in place.
Monica Schipper / Getty Images
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Sarah Pidgeon’s Sun-Kissed Beach Blonde
Celebrity colorist Kari Hill transitioned Sarah Pidgeon’s Bessette blonde into a slightly warmer sun-kissed beach blonde for the Emmy Awards using Schwarzkopf Professional.
Amy Sussman / Getty Images
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Jessica Williams’ Old Hollywood Waves
The Shrinking nominee charmed us with old Hollywood waves and a piecey, side-swept bang. The romantic style paired perfectly with her lavender dress.
Amy Sussman/Getty Images
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Emmy Rossum’s Voluminous Natural Curls
Every time Emmy Rossum goes full send with her natural curls, we can’t look away. Her voluminous, glossy hair made for the perfect beauty moment as she returned to the spotlight at the Emmy Awards.
Amy Sussman / Getty Images
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Florence Pugh’s Artfully Undone Bun
We’re suckers for a messy bun polished enough for the red carpet. Florence Pugh’s high, artfully undone style had us doing double takes thanks to its impressive volume, tousled texture and perfectly imperfect finish.
Kevin Mazur / Getty Images
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Ayo Edebiri’s Dreamy Textured Bun
Celebrity hairstylist Jacob Aaron Dillon says the inspiration behind nominee Ayo Edebiri’s hair “was something that felt snatched yet dreamy at the same time. We wanted to keep the hair off the back to really showcase the beautiful detail of the dress, so an updo felt like a no-brainer.”
Dillon used OGX Bond Protein Repair Sealing Serum ($12) to help lock in moisture and create a smooth foundation. The hairstylist then “shaped hair into a softly textured bun, allowing delicate curls to frame the face for an effortless finish.” Dillon finished the look with Nourishing + Coconut Oil Weightless Hydrating Oil Mist ($11) for added shine and Strong Hold Hairspray ($11) to define and secure the face-framing curls.
Monica Schipper / Getty Images
