At the same time as a longtime magnificence editor, I’ll admit: crimson carpet hairstyles nonetheless intimidate me. They will really feel difficult to put in writing about, not to mention recreate in actual life. However Lea Michele’s smooth waves on the 2026 Tony Awards on Sunday, June 7? Surprisingly approachable. Dare I say, I’m already planning to attempt them earlier than my subsequent 9 a.m. Zoom.
Michele’s waves had been dropped at life by celeb hairstylist DJ Quintero, who used the Dyson Supersonic r ($549), Dyson’s lighter, precision-focused tackle its cult-favorite dryer. In accordance with Quintero, the objective was “Old-Hollywood-meets-modern-romance,” a becoming complement to her Michael Kors Assortment Fall/Winter 2026 look: a white bodysuit paired with black sequin trousers.
To get there, Quintero leaned into smooth, undone texture. He began with clear hair, making use of a light-weight warmth protectant from roots to ends, then labored a volumizing mousse via the crown and mid-lengths. Subsequent, he used the Dyson Supersonic r and its smoothing nozzle to dry the hair about 90 p.c, specializing in lifting the roots whereas directing airflow downward to assist easy the cuticle and create a shiny end.
Working in giant sections, he then used a spherical brush with the Dyson Supersonic r, loosely wrapping every part across the brush and directing the airflow down the hair shaft. By alternating the path of every part, he stored the completed look smooth, dimensional and a little bit undone. Relatively than creating an outlined curl, the concept is to construct a softer wave that begins across the cheekbones and falls loosely via the ends.
As soon as every part was dry and formed, Quintero used the Dyson Supersonic r’s cool shot—a burst of chilly air that helps set the model and protect its easy, shiny end. Final however not least, he created a smooth middle half, gently raked his fingers via the lengths and misted a light-weight shine spray via the mid-lengths and ends, avoiding the roots.
After learning Michele’s look from each doable angle, I can say with confidence: It delivers the sort of polished end you’d anticipate from the Tonys, however nonetheless feels doable for actual life. Higher but, it doesn ’t require additional fingers for an elaborate updo or sufficient hairspray to go away your hair crunchy for days. A crimson carpet coiffure that doesn’t require a glam squad or a heroic surge of motivation? I’m in.
Lea Michele’s Tony Awards HairGetty Photographs / Jamie McCarthy
Getty Photographs / Mike Coppola
