The 2023 VMA pink carpet showcased a split in celebrity hair trends, with stars flaunting two distinct styles that stole the spotlight. On one side, the pink carpet saw the enchanting allure of cascading mermaid waves, as sported by Karol G and Shakira. On the other, the sleek, long, and glossy “Cher-hair,” epitomized by Olivia Rodrigo and Cardi B, saw a polished elegance that left heads turning. These were the best dramatic long hair looks, wavy or straight, that made us pop a few hair supplements before bed.
Karol G
La Bichota wore a sheer mermaid style dress and went full mermaid core with her ombre pink wavy locks.
Shakira
The Colombian iconic singer let her natural waves take center stage as she wowed the crowd both on and off stage.
Oliva Rodrigo
The six-time nominated singer-songwriter not only performed at the awards show, she lit up the pink carpet in a silver sparkling gown, soft glam and long sleek, shiny strands.
Cardi B
Cardi showcased versatility at the awards show, flaunting big, bouncy retro curls on stage during her performance of “Bongos” and opting for a long, straight look on the pink carpet.
Selena Gomez
The Only the Murders in the Building star went for an understated yet elegant look, opting for a neutral eye and lip. To add to her polished look, her smooth, glossy hair was parted neatly in the center.
Dove Cameron
An award winner for her Video for Good for her song “Breakfast,” Cameron also wins in the best hair category for her lengthy, glossy ebony locks. Celebrity hairstylist Jacob Rozenberg used the Olivia Garden hair dryer and curling iron to give hair a slight wave. “Once we saw the coach dress she designed, we had two options,” he said. “Short or Long! We opted for inches and went for goddess Aphrodite vibes.”
Nicki Minaj
Even with a veil concealing her lustrous locks, we can’t help but notice the homage to long, slick 70s-style hair in this Nicki Minaj pink carpet lingerie ensemble.
TS Madison
Famous for the TikTok catchphrase, “I look like a Puerto Rican with this hairstyle,” RuPaul’s Drag Race star Ts Madison celebrated her own version of a mermaid-inspired look on land with voluminous curls.
Bebe Rexha
Sporting a lengthy black tail as part of her look, Rexha showcased two smooth looks on the carpet. The singer-songwriter opted for subtle glamour, letting her long blonde locks flow freely.