Baftas red carpet: 5 celebrity hair looks we love and how to style them
The stars were out in force for the 2025 British Academy Film Awards.
Taking to the red carpet at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall, A-listers from both sides of the pond showed off chic designer outfits, but the overall Baftas fashion aesthetic felt distinctly subdued compared to previous years, with black and white looks dominating.
“It was just a very pared-back, simplistic kind of year,” says Paul Edmonds. “You didn't see any of the outrage that you do some years. Apart from Gwendoline Christie, she's the only one who went slightly outrageous with her hair and outfit.”
There was a similarly understated feel to many of the red carpet hair looks.
“It was lots of hair down, lots of slicked-back hair and tight chignons,” says Paul, who is a member of Bafta and votes in the awards each year.
“What's funny is that a lot of the men looked more ‘done’ than the women, like David Tennant with his dark red hair and quiff. That really made a statement.”
The lack of fashion-forward looks was no bad thing, however, because wearable hair means lots of IRL inspiration for us.
It doesn’t take a whole glam squad to create a beautiful bun, glossy blow-dry or, for the guys, a cool quiff. All you need is the right products and some expert advice on how to DIY the style.
Here, Paul runs down his five favourite Baftas hair looks and explains how to recreate them at home…
1. Molly-Mae Hague’s low chignon
Fresh from starring in her own behind-the-scenes documentary, influencer Molly-Mae Hague was one of several celebrities who opted for a low bun at the Baftas.
“It's actually really good the way she kept her hair looking neat - it went with her whole look,” says Paul.
“Her hair's taken back into a ponytail and then she's got a hairpiece added to make it into a looped nape chignon. The hair piece has been wrapped around the hair.”
To give the hair grip and a smooth finish, apply a generous amount of gel, he advises: “Take the hair in sections starting at the nape and add gel, working forward and smoothing each section over the next then fix the ponytail with a hair tie. Wrap the hair piece around the ponytail and pin it in place, then finish with hair spray.”
2. Camila Cabello’s curtain bangs
Pop singer Camila Cabello chose a laidback, loose hairstyle to complement her blush pink corset dress with a jewel-encrusted sheer overlay.
Featuring a trendy fringe, this look is more about the cut than the styling, Paul explains: “She's got a collarbone-length haircut that’s graduated through the front to give curtain bangs.”
To create the softly sleek tresses, he says: “Blow dry using Oribe Gel Sérum Radiance Magic and Hold to give a high-gloss finish then spritz with hair spray.”
3. Lupita Nyong’o’s braided bob
Acclaimed actress Lupita Nyong’o served a gorgeous take on the sharp bob trend, offering major inspo for anyone with braid or twists.
“This looks like it’s been created with hair extensions braided in and then cut blunt to give the sharp finish,” Paul says.
You only need one product to style a braided bob, he adds: “Hair oil should be applied all the way through. You want the hair to be shiny with movement, so you don’t want anything that's too heavy like a wax.”
4. Demi Moore’s sleek strands
Demi Moore may have missed out on the Leading Actress award, but she impressed with her Alexander McQueen gown (one of the few colourful creations on the red carpet) and her super-sleek flowing locks.
“One thing that's amazing about her hair is it’s so youthful looking with great shine,” Paul says. “That means that she's either looking after it really well or using really good products to finish it off.”
He recommends a pair of products to create super-straight blowdried tresses like Demi’s, starting with Oribe Straight Away Smoothing Blowout Cream: “Apply the cream on wet hair and blow dry it with a large round bristle brush to smooth the hair.”
If your hair is wavy or curly, use the L’Oreal Steampod to straighten out any kinks, then finish with hair oil, Paul adds: “In winter in the UK there’s a high moisture level in the air so you can end up with frizzy hair when you go out. You want something that will actually hold the hair down and stop the moisture getting to it.”
5. Luke Newton’s cool crop
Bridgerton star Luke Newton was Paul’s pick for the best men’s hair on the Baftas red carpet.
“Luke looked amazing,” Paul says. “He's one of our clients. Jennie cut his hair on Saturday, the day before the Baftas.”
To create volume and structure on short hairstyles, he recommends a combination of styling cream and volumising dust: “Oway Flux Potion would be a really good product to start with, then finish off with some of their dust Hair Puff. The dust holds the hair in place and means that you can put your fingers through it.”
Red carpet to real life
This year’s Baftas fashion might not have been the most exciting, but celebrities served us some gorgeously wearable hair looks.
Next time you want to get glammed up for an event, choose your red carpet inspiration and follow Paul’s advice for a celeb-worthy hairstyle.
Need a helping hand with your red carpet-inspired hair? Book a blowout or hair-up appointment at Paul Edmonds London
