The ESPYs give our athletic stars the spotlight to showcase their influence, demonstrating how sporting icons can directly inspire mainstream hair movements. When world-class athletes trade performance kits for high-fashion custom couture, their styling choices instantly influence global beauty trends. This guide will look at previous milestones and forecast breakthrough looks for the 2026 ceremony.
Highlighting Standout Celebrity Hairstyles from the 2025 ESPYs
Last year, the ESPY’s red carpet brought us some breakthrough, impactful hair looks; following are some highly influential characters within the sporting world and their striking looks from the red carpet.
Starting us off is Ciara’s shimmering platinum-blonde waves, a truly iconic red carpet moment. Her soft, cascading waves radiated effortless glamour while a sleek middle parting framed her face beautifully.
Gabby Thomas’ sleek high ponytail was equally unforgettable. The Olympic track star paired a flawlessly smoothed, high-set pony with an angelic, white feather-trimmed gown to create a seamless, high-fashion contrast.
Lastly, gymnast Jordan Chiles turned heads with an architectural, avant-garde updo; her structured, highly polished hairstyle paired effortlessly with a sculptural, blush-toned mini dress.
These looks prove that trends on red-carpet hair are moving towards a hybrid of sleek performance-ready security with high-fashion elegance. Sophie Chandler, Rush Artistic Team Member says: “I’m really looking froward to seeing the hair on the 2026 EPSY’s red carpet – athletes are great inspiration for looks that fuse stability and elegance!”
Predicted Hairstyle Trends for the ESPYs 2026
We predict that the most dominant looks for the ESPY’s 2026 ceremony will continue to leverage industry momentum with these runway shifts. Kicking off the predictions, ultra-glossy, liquid-shine panel highlighting will be big this year. With mainstream trends like the unique Neapolitan colouring and glass hair trends growing in popularity, we’ll certainly be seeing styles like this. Old Hollywood waves reminiscent of Simone Biles’ will be another popular choice for it’s glamorous nature. Lastly, we will be seeing a lot of protective braids turned chic; their elevated structure makes a statement of hair health on the red carpet, which is something we’re expecting to see more of this year.
Expert Styling Tips for Achieving ESPY-Inspired Hairstyles
To achieve long-lasting red-carpet finishes, you must start with the correct kitbag. It’s a non-negotiable to use premium thermal protectants that shield strands up to 230°C. Another essential is volume-boosting root mists, smoothing hair serums, and high-hold finishing sprays. These styling products are key to achieving long-lasting looks that won’t budge.
Sophie Chandler, Rush Artistic Team Member says: “Applying a lightweight glossing oil strictly in a downward motion onto damp hair before blow-drying ensures light reflects cleanly from every angle.”
Now, do you ever find that styling a ponytail always ends up with tension bumps at the root and the huge risk of hair breakage? Here’s a step-by-step styling routine for achieving that perfectly smooth mirror-shine ponytail:
Start by prepping the roots with a smoothing gel or gloss finishing serum, depending on the finish you’re looking to achieve. Start with a normal detangling brush to pull your hair together at the crown of your head, closely followed by a bristle brush used to tame those unwanted flyaways and sneaky bumps. Choose your hair tie carefully, opting for a not-too-tight elastic will prevent your hair from any damage. Finish the look with an ultra-hold hairspray to keep the look locked in place.
High shine styling looks require a healthy foundation for your hair; keeping a strict deep conditioning hair routine is key to this. Using deep moisturising masks and professional bond-repairing treatments regularly are easy ways to keep your hair healthy and hydrated.
Choosing the Right Hairstyle for Your Hair Type and Face Shape
If you’re unsure what style to go for, then let’s start with customising this guide to suit your features. Different looks adapt to specific structures: for example, sharp bob cuts are great for maximising fine hair volume, while leveraging deep side partings works well in framing thick natural curls.
If you have a round face, it’s recommended to try high-sitting updos or sleek, elongated straight lengths add vertical balance to your face. Oval faces are lucky in the fact that your proportions work for almost any look, including bold middle-partings and blunt crops. While square faces should opt for soft romantic tendrils or side-swept waves to beautifully soften a strong jawline.
Book an Expert Style Transformation at Rush Hair
Now that you’ve heard all we have on ESPY’s hair predictions and our expert advice on recreations, why not Book an appointment or dedicated styling consultation at your nearest Rush salon? Whether you’re prepping for a formal summer gala or simply looking for a luxury colour refresh, our certified design teams are here to help you achieve celebrity-level hair health.
FAQ's
What are the most popular hairstyles expected at the 2026 ESPY Awards?
Ultra-glossy, liquid-shine panel highlighting, Neapolitan colourways, Old Hollywood waves, Protective braiding styles and unique parting layouts are predicted to be big in the 2026 ESPY Awards.
What hairstyle suits a round face for formal events?
High-sitting updos or sleek, elongated straight lengths are perfect for those with round faces looking for formal event hairstyles, as they bring vertical balance to the features.
Which hair products are best for styling red carpet looks?
Premium thermal protectants up to 230°C, volume-boosting root mists, smoothing hair serums, and high-hold finishing sprays. These styling products are key to achieving long-lasting looks that won’t budge. Perfect for styling red carpet looks.
