Go Backstage at “Black Hair Reimagined” With the Top Celebrity Hairstylists

While we all look to the Met Gala for fashion inspiration — alongside some standout beauty moments and drugstore products we can shop — "Black Hair Reimagined" is where we go for our fill of elaborate hairstyles. The brainchild of Jawara Wauchope and Jarrod Lacks of Echelon Noir, it's a celebration of the extraordinary innovation and artistry around Black hair and a tribute to the powerful legacy of Black hair shows. Their awe-inspiring creations, including a gravity-defying braided updo and an oversized perfectly-coiffed Mohawk, would easily dominate the Met Gala red carpet or any event for that matter. Some of the most creative minds in the industry contributed to the record thirty hairpieces that graced the runway, including Jawara Wauchope, Malcolm Marquez, Fesa Nu, Vernon François, Issac Poleon, Joshua Meekins on hair; makeup by Jamal Scott and Raisa Flowers; nails by Dawn Sterling; tailoring by Coco Lee; and styling by such names as Solange Franklin, Jan-Michael Quammie, Ronald Burton III, Edward Bowleg, Matthew Henson, and Yohana Lebasi. With Black hair constantly under attack at our schools, workplaces, and more, it was especially moving to see the co-founder of the CROWN ("Create a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair") Coalition, Dove, come on as a major sponsor for the event. Dove supported the passage of the CROWN Act, legislation that prohibits race-based hair discrimination against textured hair and protective styles, including braids, locs, and more. As we celebrated Black hair, it was also important to acknowledge the many instances where we're still fighting for fair and equal treatment for our strands — and the progress we're making step by step. While some of the "Black Hair Reimagined" hairpieces are a bit too intricate to recreate for everyday life (maybe!), we did get the scoop on the products artists used backstage for the second annual event — and one from the gift bag. If it's good enough to hold an intricate braided web in place, surely, it'll work for your sleek top knot. Keep scrolling to shop and see our favorite looks from the runway.