(Red Carpet)
Sultry Updos Reigned Supreme At The 2026 Emmy Awards
She’s come undone!
I will forever sing the praises of an awards show updo. Don’t get me wrong: Long, loose hair can be absolutely gorgeous (especially with a strapless gown or necklace-free look). But there’s just something about tousled, sexy, messy strands piled atop a celebrity’s head — showcasing some sparklers dangling from the ears, allowing an impressive neckline to take center stage, or just generally framing their glammed-up visage. And the number of sexy updos at the 78th Annual Emmy Awards gave me plenty to shout about.
The star-studded ceremony, held Sept. 14 at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater, featured celebrities in a variety of impressive, effortless swept-up hairstyles. They included Florence Pugh, who paired her lilac, off-the-shoulder Vivienne Westwood gown with a romantic, textured updo with punk princess energy, and Ayo Edibiri, whose boho braids were gathered into a soft, romantic bun with wispy, face-framing tendrils. Nicole Kidman’s chignon was arguably a bit too close to the nape to qualify as an “updo,” but with face-framing curtain bangs and loose pieces, it absolutely fit the bill spiritually, so I’ll allow it. One style that was inarguably “up”? Rachel Sennott’s sky-high ponytail, which featured plenty of volume and body.
Scroll on to see the standout updos from the 2026 Emmy Awards.
Florence Pugh
Ayo Edibiri
Nicole Kidman
Rachel Sennott
Kaley Cuoco
Eunice Bae
