After an unprecedented year of virtual awards shows, the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards returned to its former glory with an in-person ceremony at Brooklyn’s Barclay Center. Hosted by Doja Cat, this year’s show was full of all the showstopping music moments that we’ve come to expect from the annual award show—thanks to incredible performances from Chloe Bailey, Lil Nas X, Machine Gun Kelly, and Olivia Rodgrio,
But, the award show didn’t only deliver on the entertainment front, the hair looks were just as good, if not totally nostalgic. In fact, Y2K-inspired hairstyles ruled the night amongst stars like Tinashe and Avril Lavigne. From crimped locks to pin-straight strands, these looks honestly had us questioning if it was 2002 again.
Ahead, feast your eyes on some of our favorite hairstyles from the 2021 MTV VMAs.
Lil Nas X
The 80s vibes were strong when Lil Nas X strolled up to the VMA’s red carpet rocking a purple embellished pantsuit and a Jheri Curl mullet styled by hairstylist Evanie Fausto. His “business-in-front, party-in-the-back” hairstyle was totally giving Little Richard vibes with a dash of Prince.
Megan Fox
Megan Fox’s see-through Mugler dress and wet waves caused quite a stir—both off-line and online. Many people on Twitter couldn’t deny the similarities between Fox’s VMA look and that of Kim Kardashian at the 2019 Met Gala. But references aside, there’s no denying that Fox’s hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons totally nailed this “wet look”.
Bretman Rock
If Bretman Rock’s animal-printed dress looks familiar, it’s because Aaliyah last wore this exact same gown to the 2000 MTV VMAs. For a moment as iconic as this, Rock entrusted hairstylist Irinel de Leon to bless him with a super smooth wolf cut.
Billie Eilish
This year’s show served as the perfect opportunity for Billie Eilish to show off her new platinum shaggy bob in all its glory. Doesn’t she look amazing?
Doja Cat
Doja Cat delivered quite possibly one of the boldest hair looks of the night when she walked the red carpet with super crimped locks streaked with red. The edgy look came courtesy of hairstylist J Stay Ready, who used all Joico products.
Doja Cat later switched things up to host the show, opting for a super sleek, waist-grazing platinum blonde wig. To style the star’s gorgeous strands, J Stay Ready used GHD’s new Unplugged flat iron to ensure that not a single hair was out of place.
Later for her solo performance, J Stay Ready styled the star in yet another icy blond wig—this time around featuring a slick wet and wavy texture.
Troye Sivan
Troye Sivan showed up on the red carpet sporting a whole new look—blond highlighted curls, courtesy of hairstylist Charlie Le Mindu.
Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys looked stunning as ever rocking a long braided ponytail and sculpted baby hairs styled by hairstylist Nai’vasha Johnson.
Cyndi Lauper
As Cyndi Lauper proved last night, all girls really want is to just have fun with their hair color. The singer walked the red carpet sporting the coolest lavender streaked wavy bob styled by hairstylist Jutta Weiss.
Chloe and Halle Bailey
Chloe and Halle Bailey looked gorgeous with their matching waist-grazing locs styled by hairstylist Tinisha Meeks. Halle stuck to her signature reddish-brown hue while Chloe opted for a striking platinum blond that looked super cool with her black swirled baby hairs.
Flo Milli
Flo Milli totally slayed the red carpet rocking platinum blonde locks styled in a half-up hairstyle by hairstylist The Snobb.
Olivia Rodrigo
For her big night, hairstylist Clayton Hawkins created the most gorgeous glossy waves for Olivia Rodrigo using all Matrix products.
Rita Ora
Rita Ora turned heads with her super intricate twisted buns that came courtesy of hair artist Brent Lawler. If you look closely, you’ll see that they are decorated with little black leafs.
Avril Lavigne
Avril Lavigne took us all the way back to the early 2000’s with her blonde pin-straight locks—her signature back in the day. And, let’s face it: her hairstyle totally looks just as good now as it did then!
Saweetie
Saweetie very much looked the part of an “icy girl” last night rocking voluminous platinum waves that were parted to the side.
Normani
Normani kept things super sleek, opting for a slicked back bun paired with swirled baby hairs.
Kacey Musgraves
Kacey Musgraves traded in her cowboy hat for an enormous purple feathered hat that perfectly matched her Valentino ensemble.
Tinashe
Tinashe looked cool as ever sporting a mixture of highlighted braids and crimped strands styled into a half ponytail by hairstylist Malcom Marquez.
Paris Hilton
Paris Hilton was totally *sliving* her best life at the VMAs, rocking a high ponytail that could almost put Ariana Grande’s to shame. I mean, just look at that volume!
Which VMAs hairstyle was your favorite? Share with us below!
