How To Achieve Miley Cyrus' Barbarella-Inspired Grammys Hair
Always ahead of the fashion curve, Miley Cyrus dropped by the 2024 Grammy Awards red carpet in an eyebrow-raising tribute to a sci-fi classic: "Barbarella." If you're not familiar with the 1968 space flick, let us give you a brief rundown. The original, campy film starred Jane Fonda, and it was based on a racy French comic that shared its same name. Barbarella donned a scantily clad silver spacesuit and a massive, teased hairstyle that scraped the heavens — a look that some may find reminiscent of Ariana Grande's "34+35" fembot phase. Similarly, Cyrus' out-of-this-world outfit served up serious vintage vibes, from her exaggerated bouffant to her smoldering sepia-toned eyeshadow, courtesy of Pat McGrath Labs.
Pop culture fanatics may even be aware of Sydney Sweeney's upcoming role in the "Barbarella" remake. Whether or not Cyrus had "Barbarella" on her mind when she donned her 2024 Grammys 'fit, observant fashion analysts were quick to draw comparisons to her space-age twin. "Miley is in her Barbarella era, and I must say it looks fabulous on her," wrote one admirer on X, formerly known as Twitter. Data uncovered by Glam supports everyone's obsession with Cyrus' hair, too. Google searches for "Miley Cyrus hair Grammys" and "Barbarella hair" each rose by 5,000% following her appearance, while "Miley Cyrus" and "Miley Cyrus hair" rose by 3,750% and 3,000%, respectively. The hashtag #barberella even has over 36 million views on TikTok, which isn't bad for a film from the '60s.
So, thinking of rocking this retro hairstyle yourself — or as part of a cheeky Halloween costume later down the line? In any event, Glam's got you covered. Now, let's take a peek at what you'll need to get Miley's ultrastellar aesthetic.
The styling tools needed for Miley Cyrus' Grammys hair
Any updo can benefit from extra texture, and this is one time when having dirty hair actually pays off. But if you're vehemently opposed to skipping wash day, several products can give freshly washed hair a boost. Invest in a few basic tools and products if they're not already part of your styling arsenal — a teasing comb, for instance, is a must for achieving Miley's "Barbarella"-inspired hair. Those with fine hair may use curling tools for building body, while those with tighter curls may want to smooth them with a straightening iron. Here are the products that will help you get Cyrus' Grammys style:
- Texturizing paste
- Volumizing spray
- Teasing comb
- Dry shampoo
- Curlers
- Curling iron
- Straightening iron
- Extra-strong hairspray
Add some heft to your hair with a texturizing product and hold it in place with hairspray — that's the basics of this look. But what makes it even better is that '60s bombshell looks are all about practicality, so you can use the tools that work best for your budget. Once you've gathered them, you just need a little patience, and then you'll look akin to Cyrus and Jane Fonda.
If your hair is fine or flat, add volume with curls
Fantasy hair fans with fine or straight strands can grab some curlers or a curling iron to create the illusion of more volume. Heat-free curling options include satin, foam, or velcro rollers. Each type of tool is fairly self-explanatory and can be used on wet or damp tresses. Otherwise, you can try a curling iron or straightener to create coils on dry, clean hair — just be sure to use a heat protectant spray first.
If your hair is already curly or wavy, getting Miley Cyrus' "Barbarella" look is a breeze. If your bangs or certain sections fall flat, simply dampen them and re-style accordingly using a round or paddle brush and dryer to create large, bouncy waves. You can also give your locks a little boost by teasing each section about an inch or 2 from the root.
Begin your Barbarella bouffant by teasing the hair
Be forewarned: Vigorous teasing takes a lot out of your hair, so you'll want to reserve this technique for occasional use — or get ready to rock a shag haircut with plenty of frequently trimmed layers. Begin by sectioning the hair into thin, ¼-inch sections, starting at the nape of your neck. To tease the hair, hold each section taut and scrape the teeth of your teasing comb or brush downward in a swift, firm motion toward the root. This will, essentially, tangle the strands at the base of the hair, creating a voluminous effect.
P.S. Keep in mind that this look works best for medium-length to shorter styles. If your hair is super long, it might not be possible to mold it quite like Cyrus'.
Lock the space-age style in with heavy hairspray
Last but not least, you're going to need heavy-duty hairspray to hold the look together. Once you're satisfied with your "Barbarella" bouffant, give your hair a generous mist of hairspray to lock everything into place. The best part of Barbarella's creative coiffure is that it doesn't have to be perfect. After all, the woman battles aliens on the reg. To refresh your style throughout the day, try using a gentle dry shampoo mist or powder on your roots. And voila, just like Barbarella herself — you're a certified dime ready to fight space crime.