Oscar Sunday is a night of Hollywood royalty—of course A-listers would have regal hairstyles to match. As the night heats up, we’ve noticed more than a few sensational beauty looks on our favorite celebs (Lisa! Cynthia! Selena!), but one elegant (and surprisingly very practical) hair trend has been reigning the red carpet: tiara buns.
(Image credit: Gregg DeGuire/Penske Media via Getty Images)
What is a tiara bun, you ask? Coined by hairstylist Tom Smith, the style simply refers to a bun that sits on the crown of your head, just like Ariana Grande’s above. “Therefore [it] lifts the face [and] gives that slightly regal and elegant look to the wearer,” Smith notes on Instagram. You can play around with the positioning a bit, but generally, it’s placed higher than your average slicked-back bun.
He calls the trend practical yet glamorous, as it’s a low-lift style that makes you look instantly sophisticated. “You can make it [as] sleek and polished as you prefer,” he adds. “Just make sure the positioning is high on your head to get that lifted look.” And rest assured it’s very easy to achieve—arguably the most uncomplicated Oscars look to try at home. Take a look at the stunning celeb inspiration below, plus the best products to achieve your own royal-esque bun.
(Image credit: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images)
Want to add even more elegance to your tiara bun? Add dainty pearl accessories à la Lupita Nyong’o.
(Image credit: Monica Schipper/Getty Images)
Opt for whatever hair part you like: side, middle (like Mikey Madison here), or none at all.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Elle Fanning paired her Givenchy Couture dress (which is giving us major wedding vibes) with the prettiest high bun.
(Image credit: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images)
A tiara bun and curtain bangs are a match made in heaven. Just look at Marissa Bode!
(Image credit: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images))
We are obsessed with Felicity Jones’s “undone” take on the tiara bun. The two separated sections give the look some effortless texture.
The Best Products to Use for Tiara Buns
FHI Heat
Innovator Polisher Pro Air Brush
Celebrity hairstylist Bridget Brager used this blow-dry brush on Jones to create a sleek, frizz-free base.
Sisley Paris
Hair Rituel by Sisley The Cream 230
She then gathered Jones’s hair using a pump of this nourishing cream.
Tangle Teezer
The Chrome Ultimate Detangler
Celeb stylist Rena Calhoun used this detangling brush to comb product through Madison’s lengths.
She also used this wet-to-dry styler to give Madison a smooth blowout.
Bumble and bumble
Spray De Mode Flexible Hold Hairspray
When twisting Madison’s hair into a “ribboning updo,” Calhoun used this flexible hair spray to set strands section by section.
Olaplex
No. 7 Bonding Frizz Reduction & Heat Protectant Hair Oil
Celebrity hairstylist Vernon Francois finished Nyong’o’s look with this shine-inducing oil on her mid-lengths and ends. “This versatile oil also played a crucial role in enhancing the depth and dimension of the look,” he says in a release.
Briogeo
Style + Treat Hair Styling Sleek Stick
I personally love this stick for my slicked-back styles.
Emi Jay
Mini Boar Bristle Brush
A boar brush is essential for slicked-back looks. This one by Emi Jay comes in an adorable mini size to take with you on the go.
Dae
Cactus Fruit 3-in-1 Styling Cream With Taming Wand
This styling cream and wand eliminate flyaways ASAP.
Fekkai
Brilliant Glossing Styling Crème
I also love this styling cream for sleek buns, as the formula simultaneously conditions the hair.
Jennifer Behr
Perla Bobby Pin Set
These pearl pins elevate any hairstyle, tiara buns included.
Crown Affair
The Flexible Hold Finishing Hair Gel
This gel-cream offers incredible hold (great for slick-backs) yet brushes out with ease.
