Hailey Bieber's Sculptural Met Gala Bun Is "a Modern Classic"

Someday when they curate a museum exhibit in Hailey Bieber's honor, there's going to be a whole section reserved for custom gowns and chrome nail art. I'm also picturing some hands-on activations, with attendees being able to sniff long-gone Peptide Lip Tint scents and—naturally—learn to perfect a slick-back bun.

On Monday, May 4, the Rhode founder took her easy-breezy style to the Met Gala red carpet, where she paired a body-molded Yves Saint Laurent gown (it was inspired by a 1969 YSL couture look!) with the slickest of hairstyles: a sculptural bun courtesy of Irinel de León.

Ahead, the artist tells us all about the look—including what inspired it.

About Hailey Bieber's "Sculptural Bun"

Instead of letting her strands fly free, Bieber's hair was middle parted and slicked back as tight as can be with a suite of Ouai products.

"We wanted it to feel like a modern classic," de León tells Byrdie. The inspiration was "a sculptural bun that’s clean, minimal, and very intentional."

The artist adds that she's seen a shift toward "more polished, designed hair" in the industry—"but still with softness and movement."

“Hailey’s look is all about balance; it’s structured, but still soft. The dress has a strong silhouette and presence, so we wanted the hair to feel clean, pulled back, and really intentional," she explained in a press release. "With the Met theme, it’s about refinement-letting the shape, shine, and overall mood speak without overcomplicating it.”

How to Get the Look

The hairstylist started by cleansing her famous client's hair with Ouai's Detox Shampoo. Then, she applied Ouai Bond Repair Balm through her mid-lengths and ends to strengthen, smooth, and "create the best foundation." As she told Byrdie, "it’s all about healthy, hydrated hair."

While the brunette locks were damp, Ouai's Leave In Conditioner was added from the roots to the ends to prep while Anti-Frizz Crème made its way through the lengths for some additional smoothness and control.

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Then, it was time to take out the tools. They used the Dyson Airwrap Co-anda2x multi-styler with the Large Round Volumizing Brush attachment, blow-drying in sections to build volume and perfect a soft, polished shape. A few pumps of Ouai Hair Oil were added for shine, then Bieber's hair was brushed back into a sleek ponytail and fitted with custom Perlino by Priscilla Valles extensions that colorist Matt Rez had dyed to match her hair. Before she hit the carpet, they refined the hairline and flyaways and added a little more hair oil for extra shine.

"The key is using products that give hold without stiffness," says de León.

And her best tip for getting the look? "Focus on the base. A smooth, controlled foundation, achieved with the right prep and a polished blowout is everything."