When Mindy Kaling arrived at the 2024 Met Gala and stepped onto the lush green carpet for the first time, the mood at the museum changed noticeably – even viewers watching the gala at home could feel it on their screens. Dressed in a voluminous, swirling couture gown, handmade by an Indian designer Gaurav GuptaKaling’s elegant interpretation of the evening’s themes instantly catapulted her to the top of the best-dressed list. But Kaling’s Met Gala hairstyle, carefully planned and crafted to work with every other element of her outfit, is an equally vital part of the equation.
The flower-speckled decorations on the Met’s steps reflected this year’s “Garden of Time” dress code, as well as the theme of the Costume Institute’s exhibition “Sleeping Beauties: Awakening Fashion.” Kaling’s look is a original combination of both, with her gown dubbed “The Melting Flower of Time” by the acclaimed designer. Therefore, a star hairdresser Richard GrantThe main inspiration for the entire look was a blooming flower, but the most vital thing was to choose a hairstyle that complemented, rather than competed with, the drama of the dress. Grant tells TZR that the entire team collectively decided on a sleek bob instead of long hair, which turned out to be a great decision.
Grant then walks TZR through the entire process, from the initial collaboration with Kaling to the exact products used to prepare the star for the staircase.
Because Grant and Kaling collaborate so regularly, the ideation process was seamless — the hairstylist describes it as very uncomplicated and “as loving as she is.” She says the initial plan was to create a look with particularly long hair styled half-up, half-down, but Grant says the flowing cape dress called for a shorter, more elegant look. While the pair have collaborated on many of her red carp highlights, the Met is always special. “The approach is obviously completely different because as [her] hairdresser, makeup and stylist, this red carpet is like our Super Bowl,” he explains. “It’s much more thoughtful and intentional.”
To bring this sleek, sculpted bob to life, Grant relied on TRESemmé’s full suite of styling products and a few key Shark tools he could trust to look their best on camera and last all night long. Grant shares that the first step was some initial prep work with a few pumps TRESemmé Keratin Glossy, weightless leave-in conditioner, which he distributed evenly throughout the hair. Then came the brand’s 5-in-1 device Heat Protect Spray Keratin Glossy with marula oil, which is a combination of protection against damage and a smoothing agent that prevents frizz. “[I focused] more on the middle ends of the bristles to ensure glossy detangling and detangling,” explains Grant. He continued this with TRESemmé Extra Hold hair moussecombing it through the hair to distribute it over the entire surface, applying the serum to the most vital ends in the middle of the hair, but being careful not to touch the roots – this is the key to ensuring maximum volume at the top.
Finally it was time for some warmth. Grant first divided Kaling’s hair into separate sections, then used a dryer paddle attachment on the novel section Shark FlexStyle Sparkle Air styling and drying system in Black Diamond, aiming to obtain as much volume as possible. As a bonus, it also provides a reflective glossy finish. “Then I worked in horizontal lines, starting at the back of the neck [of the neck]spraying each section TRESemmé Keratin Glossy, a weightless, silky hairspray and styling hair on gigantic rollers,” Grant tells TZR. He also used a bit of smoothing cream to further sculpt and style Kalinga’s curved front of hair.
Two hairsprays TRESemmé Keratin Glossy, weightless, silky hair and brands Extra Hold hairspray were used, stacked on top of each other so that the shape and structure of the bob would survive all those photos, dinner and dancing. Finally, Grant reached the end of his trial. Last pass with some TRESemmé Keratin Glossy, a weightless anti-frizz finishing spray softened any flyaways, then stepped into the Shark FlexStyle with a curl-defining diffuser to seal everything in with a gentle touch of heat.
As for those who want a Met-worthy style in their home, Grand says it’s all about the prep work. “My tip for keeping your makeup on all night long is to start with a great foundation,” she explains. Judging by Kaling’s breathtaking appearance at the gala, this is a strategy definitely worth trying.
