How Rihanna Pulled Off “Living Sculpture” Metal Hair for Met Gala 2026

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Creating Rihanna’s stunning hairstyle for the 2026 Met Gala required a huge amount of effort.

The singer’s hairstylist, Yusef Williams, really embraced this year’s “Fashion Is Art” theme. He designed the singer’s look – jeweled curls and a golden crown – as a direct artistic statement.

According to stylist Williams, the goal was to create a complete artistic vision, as if the singer was a living sculpture. Speaking to British Vogue right after the singer arrived at the May 4th Met Gala in New York City, Williams explained that the hairstyle needed to enhance the overall outfit, not distract from it. You can see all the looks from the 2026 Met Gala here.

To complete Rihanna’s stunning, structured gown by Margiela—covered in over 115,000 crystal beads—hair stylist Jennifer Behr created 40 delicate, gold wire curls woven into the singer’s hair.

Williams described the hairstyle as intentionally simple and elegant, taking inspiration from classic gold pin curls but updating them for a modern look. The goal was to hint at the past without appearing like a costume. The hair was styled close to the head, with metallic waves arranged on top to resemble a crown.

The metallic accents made the designer’s hair appear golden and enhanced the outfit’s edgy, industrial look.

According to Williams, the goal was to create a look that felt sculptural and perfectly matched the team’s overall vision: powerful, classic, and carefully considered from all perspectives.

Rihanna’s hairstyle was a key part of her look, so stylist Yusef Williams chose a wig from True Indian Hair Company’s True HD Lace RTW Collection – the Ava style – to complete her red carpet appearance.

Okay, so he told Vogue, but honestly, I already knew! The HD lace front was EVERYTHING. It melted so perfectly into his hairline – seriously, seamless! It gave him so much freedom to move naturally, but still held everything in place. And it was crucial, absolutely crucial, because of those gorgeous gold wire pin curls he added. They needed a solid base, and that lace delivered! I’ve been studying his work, and this install was perfection.

Let me tell you, all the effort Rihanna puts into her Met Gala looks is always worth it! She absolutely sparkled as she arrived with A$AP Rocky – honestly, she has a way of owning that staircase like no one else. It was a truly unforgettable moment, and a perfect example of why she’s a style icon.

For their date night, the rapper—who has three children, RZA (3), Riot (2), and Rocki (7 months)—wore a unique Chanel outfit designed by Matthieu Blazy. The look included a bright pink wool robe with black satin details, black pants, and dress shoes. He also carried a small, apple-shaped bag.

Keep reading to see Rihanna and A$AP and more celebrity couples on the Met Gala red carpet.

Rihanna dazzled in a custom Maison Margiela gown covered in 115,000 crystals, and her partner stood out in a bright pink Chanel outfit.

Beyoncé and Jay-Z added extra sparkle to the 2026 Met Gala, and they brought their 14-year-old daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, as a first-time attendee.

Beyoncé turned heads in a stunning, custom-made skeleton dress by Olivier Rousteing, while her husband looked sharp in Louis Vuitton and Blue glowed in Balenciaga.

The Snap CEO and KORA Organics cosmetics founder were clad in Dior for their date night.

The NBA player enjoys a fancy date night, but jokingly admitted he’d prefer to be playing basketball instead.

Steph shared with Zuri Hall during Live From TopMob: Met Gala 2026 that while he enjoys the Met Gala, it takes him away from playing basketball.

All hail our royal couple, as the NFL player and singer were gilded with glamour.

The NBA star let his lady shine on the steps of the Met—literally, as they both wore Tiffany & Co. 

Dwyane explained to Zuri Hall on Live From TopMob: Met Gala 2026 that his role is to support her and let her shine. He said, ‘She’s the star,’ emphasizing that he doesn’t want to take attention away from her.

He said she’s the leading expert on carpets, so his role is simply to support her and let her take the lead.

The Broadway stars made their Met Gala debut as a couple.

The couple stunned in golden and silver accents.

The Night at the Museum star and his wife were in for a much calmer museum evening than he’s used to. 

The Saturday Night Live star and his better half were a vision in all black look. 

The Grammy winner, wearing custom ERL, placed a sweet kiss on his wife’s cheek.

Sam Smith’s Met Gala outfit was created by their partner, who accompanied them at the event.

The husband and wife duo coordinated their all-black looks. 

Anna Wintour’s daughter and her husband were photographed on the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

One of the event’s hosts sparkled in a custom Swarovski creation, and her husband looked sharp beside her in a classic black tuxedo.

The Conclave star was all smiles alongside his wife. 

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2026-05-05 18:48