Hairstyles, Makeup, and More: The Defining Beauty Trends of 2025's Celebrity Landscape

From High Ponytails to Bold Pixies: A Year of Daring Hair and Glam Makeup Trends That Captivated Fans and Redefined Celebrity Beauty

As the curtain closes on 2025, it’s once again time for the celebrity world to reflect on its most memorable moments. This year was a significant one for hair and beauty trends among stars, showcasing an array of styles at pivotal award shows. From the Golden Globes in January to the Met Gala in May and through the summer's music events, celebrities embraced a diverse palette of beauty statements that reverberated through pop culture. The focus this year leaned heavily on standout haircuts, imaginative makeup looks, and daring nail designs that ignited conversation among fans and critics alike.

The Golden Globes, as always, set the bar high for red carpet glamour. One of the defining trends of the night was the resurgence of high ponytails, with stars like Margaret Qualley and Nicole Kidman turning heads in voluminous styles reminiscent of '60s Hollywood glamour. This theme of nostalgia continued into the Grammy Awards where pop sensation Chappell Roan stole the spotlight, showcasing a fantastical Victorian-inspired look that perfectly blended whimsy with avant-garde elements. This event is recognized for its spirit of fun, and Roan’s daring makeup delivered just that, solidifying her status as Best New Artist.

In the wake of the awards season, beauty took on a narrative of its own, particularly with the summer release of the third season of "The White Lotus." Star Leslie Bibb made waves with a striking blunt micro bob that resonated with fans and fashionistas alike. This cut, developed by renowned stylist Chris McMillen, became iconic, especially as it accompanied her character's dramatic on-screen adventures. Meanwhile, Doja Cat’s bold red lip and pastel eye makeup at the Met Gala marked a shift away from the prevalent “clean girl” aesthetic dominating the early 2020s. Her more-is-more approach hinted at a potential resurgence of maximalism in the beauty industry, contrasting sharply with the minimalist trends that have been prevalent.

Braiding took center stage this year, particularly through the creative lens of stars like Doechii, who made bold artistic braids her signature. This included eye-catching finger-curled styles at the Grammy Awards and intricate calf-skimming braids at the BET Awards. The originality showcased in these styles highlighted the diverse hair expressions present in 2025. Alongside these advancements, celebrity manicurist Zola Ganzigort launched a polka dot manicure trend that gained enormous traction. Featured on stars like Hailey Bieber, Sydney Sweeney, and Dua Lipa, these designs provided a refreshing twist to summer nails and became the talk of social media.

As the warmer months faded into fall, the trend of the bob transitioned into more versatile cuts like lobs and bixies, as celebrities adjusted their styles for different looks. Keke Palmer introduced audiences to a striking ginger pixie, while Carrie Coon switched from a bob to a platinum pixie during the Emmy Awards. A notable standout in this category was Emma Stone, who made a bold statement by debuting a shaved head at the Golden Globes for her role in the film "Bugonia." She later showcased a chic "bixie" at the Venice Film Festival, drawing acclaim for her stunning versatility and fashion-forward approach.

Amid a sea of unforgettable moments, the press tour for “Wicked” served as a celebration of transformation for its leads, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. While they previously embraced vibrant hues of pink and green synonymous with their characters, hints of their transition became evident as they introduced new styles and shades, signaling a readiness to move on. Grande ultimately made headlines by revealing her return to warmer brown locks, a stark contrast to her earlier choices—a choice that could signal another influencing wave throughout the beauty scene.

As 2025 draws to a close, the celebrity beauty landscape is a stunning tapestry woven from the creativity and courage of its stars. The notable haircuts and daring makeup choices have not merely represented fleeting trends but encapsulated a broader narrative of identity and expression. With bold highlights in hairstyles leading the charge, coupled with innovative makeup and captivating nail designs, this year has helpfully reframed the conversation around celebrity beauty. As we gear up for 2026, the anticipation of what these stars will deliver next is palpable, making it clear that the world of celebrity beauty is far from static—it is a dynamic landscape ever-evolving as each year unfolds.