The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards on September 14, 2026 offered a thoughtful lesson in red-carpet hair: polish does not have to mean stiffness. Across the evening, soft texture and healthy-looking shine balanced more structured gowns and classic glamour.

Nicole Kidman: a loose updo with face-framing softness

Nicole Kidman’s updo paired gathered hair with sweeping curtain bangs and a few softer pieces around the face. That contrast is what made the style feel current rather than overly formal. For an event-ready version, keep the updo secure but not pulled painfully tight, and leave the face-framing sections relaxed. A stylist can tailor the placement to your cut and the neckline of your outfit.

Mariska Hargitay: volume with a personal point of view

Host Mariska Hargitay moved through several hairstyles during the broadcast, including loose waves and more voluminous, classic-Hollywood shapes. One of the evening’s most memorable transformations nodded to her mother, Jayne Mansfield. It was a reminder that a hairstyle can be more than a trend: a familiar silhouette or a thoughtful reference can make a look feel deeply personal.

Soft waves: shine and movement over perfect uniformity

Loose waves appeared in several different interpretations, including looks worn by Selena Gomez and Quinta Brunson. The modern version is not a row of identical curls. It is a smooth, glossy foundation with bends that still move. Work in manageable sections, let each section cool before loosening it, and avoid brushing so much that the wave disappears—or so little that it looks overly defined.

The preparation behind a polished finish

Red-carpet styling often involves professional tools, extensions, and expert hands. For everyday hair, the useful part to borrow is the preparation—not the pressure to reproduce a celebrity’s exact finish.

• Start with clean, conditioned hair. Choose a routine suited to your texture and color history; avoid layering heavy products if your hair is fine.
• Detangle gently. Work from the ends upward and use a tool appropriate for your hair type.
• Protect from heat. Apply a heat protectant as directed, use a sensible temperature, and keep hot-tool passes controlled.
• Finish lightly. A small amount of serum or finishing product can enhance shine; too much can weigh down a soft style.

For lengths that feel dry or rough, consider a conditioning step such as Brazilian Bondox Expert. Hair needs vary, and a conditioning mask is not a styling service or a guarantee of a particular red-carpet result; follow the product directions and consult a professional stylist when planning a chemical or heat service.

Make the inspiration yours

Choose one element—an easy updo, softer face-framing pieces, or waves with more movement—and adapt it to your cut, hair density, and comfort. The most elegant finish is one that lets your hair look cared for and still feel like you.

Sources: Television Academy: 78th Emmy Awards; Cosmopolitan’s 2026 Emmys beauty roundup; Allure on Mariska Hargitay’s Emmys hair; NBC Insider on Hargitay’s hairstyle changes; E! on the Emmys’ soft-wave trend.