Misty Copeland's 3 Stunning Oscar Hairstyles Redefine Ballet Chic

File Misty Copeland's Oscar hairstyles under the category of beauty moments that truly captivate our attention. This pioneering ballerina graced the 98th Academy Awards with a special live performance of “I Lied to You,” a nominee for Best Original Song from the film <

File Misty Copeland's Oscar hairstyles under the category of beauty moments that truly captivate our attention. This pioneering ballerina graced the 98th Academy Awards with a special live performance of “I Lied to You,” a nominee for Best Original Song from the film Sinners. Marking her first stage appearance since retiring from the American Ballet Theatre—and merely months following her hip replacement surgery—she shared the spotlight with songwriters Miles Caton and Raphael Saadiq, alongside guest performers like Shaboozey and Alice Smith, as well as a ensemble of fellow dancers.

Copeland's red carpet ballet bun, crafted with precision.

Miles Jeffries

A close-up view of her chignon from the back.

Miles Jeffries

To celebrate the prestigious Oscars event, Copeland showcased not just one or two, but three remarkable hairstyles deeply inspired by ballet aesthetics: a seemingly simple yet polished bun for the red carpet, an elaborate chignon decorated with feathers for her onstage performance, and culminating in an impressively long ponytail for the Vanity Fair afterparty.

For the red carpet arrival, hairstylist Miles Jeffries fashioned a smooth, slicked-back ballet bun positioned perfectly at the center of the nape of Copeland’s head. “The vibe was a sleek, slick bun that looks effortlessly wrapped without any visible pins,” he shared in an Instagram post. Jeffries leaned extensively on products from two trusted brands: Olaplex for superior styling performance and Bellami extensions, which allowed him to achieve a neat, gift-wrapped finish on the chignon.

In the preparation process, Jeffries began by applying Olaplex Volumizing Blow Dry Mist—a standout 2024 Best of Beauty award recipient—to shield the hair and provide enhanced hold. He followed this with Olaplex No.5 Leave-In Moisturize & Bend Leave-In Conditioner, layering on additional protection essential for the intensive styling ahead. Once the hair was blow-dried and prior to flat-ironing, he worked Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil evenly through the strands, applying extra as he seamlessly integrated the extra-long Bellami tape-in hair extensions. With expert technique, Jeffries then artfully twisted and wrapped Copeland’s hair into an illusion of an endless, elegant knot.

Copeland captured backstage during the Oscars ceremony.

Getty Images

The intricate back view of her performance updo.

Miles Jeffries

Transitioning to her dynamic performance with Caton and Shaboozey, Copeland’s bun was elevated to a higher, far more complex structure, featuring encircling braids and a striking red feather accessory that complemented her costume. This outfit drew from the Dance Theatre of Harlem’s iconic production of the ballet Firebird. “I ensured the red carpet look one would seamlessly evolve into look two for the performance,” explains Jeffries, who first unraveled the initial ballet bun before rebuilding from the same ponytail base. He then constructed a lofty foundation, meticulously wrapping braids around it for dramatic effect.

The creative spark for her performance hairstyle stemmed from the towering headdress traditionally worn by the lead ballerina in Firebird, a detail Jeffries knew intimately from his own background in dance. “I crafted this one freehand. I allowed Misty’s facial features and vibrant energy to guide the overall shape,” he detailed on Instagram. “It represents a fusion of various inspirations, perfectly attuned to the moment’s demands. Naturally, incorporating the red feather was a must.”

Copeland's elegant long ponytail at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party.

Getty Images

The evening reached its stylish peak as Copeland unleashed her hair for the Vanity Fair After Party, putting her voluminous XXL extensions front and center. She opted for a sleek, high ponytail that paired flawlessly with her striking black backless dress adorned in shimmering sequins, creating a look of effortless glamour and poise.