Mens Hair at the 2026 MET Gala

By Jim Shaw

This years red carpet at the 2026 Met Gala blurred the line between tailoring, beauty and self-expression, with hair becoming the focus. From Sombr’s rockstar texture to Damson Idris’s razor-sharp cornrows, the night showcased just how diverse modern mens grooming has become. Patrick Schwarzenegger leaned into sleek Hollywood polish with a more sculpted, classic approach and Hudson Williams delivered one of the boldest beauty moments of the evening with his voluminous look. This years Met Gala took men’s red carpet hair to the next level!

Sombr

Sombr’s hair was one of the strongest examples of how texture dominated the 2026 Met Gala. Instead of going overly polished, he embraced a softer curl pattern that gave the look movement. The shape sat somewhere between a modern shag and a rockstar silhouette with loose curls falling naturally around the forehead and ears to soften the sharpness of the outfit. What made the style work so well was the contrast, the hair felt effortless while the fashion felt intensely detailed, creating a balance that kept the overall look from becoming too theatrical.

Damson Idris

Damson Idris approached the 2026 Met Gala with the same precision and confidence that defined his tailored look. His cornrows were clean, symmetrical, and immaculately detailed, giving the entire look a sense of structure and control. Paired with a precisely shaped beard, the style felt polished without losing personality and what made the look stand out was its balance between classic grooming and luxury. Unlike the softer, more undone hair trends seen on the carpet, Idris embraced sharp lines and intentional grooming, showing there’s still power in precision when it’s done more subtle.

Patrick Schwarzenegger

Patrick Schwarzenegger took a more understated approach to grooming at the 2026 Met Gala, proving that simplicity can still make a strong statement. His hair was styled with a clean, classic shape that leaned into old Hollywood influence. Rather than chasing dramatic texture or experimental styling, the look focused on healthy volume and subtle movement, creating a polished finish that complimented the sharp tailoring of his outfit. The structure and soft natural lift gave the look an effortless sophistication that felt timeless rather than on-trend.

Hudson Williams

Hudson Williams delivered one of the most visually striking hair moments of the 2026 Met Gala, embracing a style that felt theatrical without losing its sense of cool. His voluminous, textured hair added softness and movement to the sharp drama of his overall look, creating a silhouette that stood out on the carpet. Rather than opting for a perfectly sculpted finish, the style embraced chaos - loose layers, natural lift, and a slightly undone shape that gave an effortless impression. The texture framed the face in a way that amplified the darker, moodier elements of the look, making the hair feel like part of the story.