Before she arrived on the 2024 Oscars red carpet, Lily Gladstone had already made history: the Killers of the Flower Moon star is the first indigenous woman to be nominated for Best Actress. To make the night even more memorable—and to dress for a potentially historic win—the actress opted for a hairstyle meant to be both timeless and eye-catching, while also paying homage to her heritage.
Gladstone worked with celebrity hairstylist Marc Mena, who chose side-parted gentle waves that tumbled past Gladstone's shoulders. Mena worked closely with Gladstone's stylist to ensure that the classical Hollywood-inspired glamour complemented her dress, a deep blue custom Gucci gown made in collaboration with indigenous fashion designer Joe Big Mountain.
"For tonight's look, we wanted to make sure that the look was timeless," Mena explains to Marie Claire. "This is a historic moment, and we wanted Lily to shine. Her hair is down, and the soft, loose waves work beautifully with her custom Gucci gown."
Lily Gladstone arrived at the 2024 Oscars in a custom Gucci gown complemented by soft waves.
To create the stunning look, Mena first applied the Sister Sky Minkisoft Nourishing Mist on Gladstone's still-wet hair, followed by Better Not Younger's Lift Me Up Hair Thickener and No Remorse Heat Protection & Taming Spray. Then, he sectioned her hair and blew it out with a round brush for a balance of volume and smoothness.
Mena particularly wanted to enhance Gladstone's length in creating her look, so he then added hair extensions from Great Lengths to her blowout. They were shaped to look like long layers with a swooping side part.
“When I work with Lily, I need to make sure whatever I am using is authentic and ethical," he says, noting that Great Lengths is ethically sourced and B-corp certified.
Gladstone wore her hair to the 2024 Oscars in loose, Old Hollywood waves.
Once Mena had styled the extensions, the hairstylist used a curling iron to create waves, brushing the curls out for a soft, natural look. Finally, Mena finished her hair off with the Sister Sky Sleek+Shine Styler Oil for ensured shine all night long.
The final touch? As an homage to Gladstone's indigenous roots, Mena tucked a thin micro-braid into the actor's voluminous hair.
While the on-trend detail is mostly hidden from view, Mena says that it's meant to be a good luck charm of sorts for the actress—though, as a fan and critic favorite, she'll hardly need it.
Shop the products used for Gladstone's meaningful Oscars 2024 beauty look below.
Get Lily Gladstone's Oscars Look
-
Why Fans Are Speculating Caleb and Mariah Are the Most Likely Couple to Leave 'The Ultimatum' Season 3 EngagedCould they be evidence of how the reality show's experiment is actually supposed to work?
-
The Yeti Coat Trend Has It-Girls in Its GraspDressing like a mythical beast is so hot right now.
-
Taylor Swift Spreads Holiday Cheer in Miu Miu TartanHer presence is a present.
-
Emma Stone’s Oscars Glam Takes a Major 2024 Makeup Trend to the Next LevelHer manicure and lipstick are perfectly matchy-matchy.
-
There's No Sign of 'Dune' in Zendaya's Retro, Wavy Oscars BobNo signs of 'Dune' beauty here.
-
Lupita Nyong’o Walks the Oscars Red Carpet Coated in Shimmering Silver GlitterShe tossed some silver sparkle into her hair, too.
-
Gabrielle Union's Ornate Oscars 2024 Updo Is the "Perfect Snatched Bun"And she used her 'Flawless' haircare line for the look.
-
Anya Taylor-Joy Uses This Reverse Logic Trick to Make Her Oscars Lipstick Last All NightSave this Georgie Eisdell-approved technique for your next major event.
-
Danielle Brooks Uses Her 2024 Oscars Manicure to Pay Homage to Black HistoryHer homage was a beauty highlight of the night.
-
The Best Beauty Moments at the 2024 OscarsPeach lips and top knots are the biggest trends of the night.
-
The 12 Best Drugstore Hairsprays for Tight (But Not Uptight) HairstylesBig hold minus the big budget.
