The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is the baddie Super Bowl; it always has been, but this year, textured hair was an undeniable star player. Instead of staying on the second-string bench, curls, coils, Afros, and braids were starting athletes!
For years, the show had a signature hairstyle almost as distinctive as its iconic Angel wings. You know what I mean: long, flowing hair, perfectly tousled waves, and enough volume to make a drag queen jealous.
Don’t get me wrong, I too was obsessed with the bombshell blowout. But when practically every model wears some variation of the same hairstyle, things can get a little homogeneous. Clearly, someone backstage understood the assignment, because the 2026 VS Fashion Show gave us something different! This year, textured hair wasn’t just invited to the party; it hit a cute boom kack in the middle of the dance floor.
Braids on the Victoria’s Secret Runway
Models Ayen Agany and Marlee Guillory walked the Victoria’s Secret PINK runway wearing braids, marking a potentially historic moment for the fashion show. Yes, BRAIDS! And I say, “Hell yeah!”
Ayen wore long, sleek braids that beautifully framed her face, while Marlee rocked a fun, playful braided updo, both perfect for the youthful PINK collection.
For Black women who grew up hearing that braids weren’t professional, glamorous, or appropriate for fashion, seeing them on a runway belonging to a brand that practically built an empire around a very specific definition of sexy is a big deal!
Braids have always been sexy. It’s just nice to see the fashion industry finally recognizing it.
The Curls Were Popping
Braids weren’t the only textured hairstyles having their moment. Gorgeous, voluminous curls and natural-looking textures also entered the group chat, bringing more individuality to the show.
And we’re not talking about a few strategically placed curls created with a curling iron. We’re talking about models embracing the personality of their textured hairstyles!
With hairstylist Guido Palau leading the backstage team, the beauty direction allowed each model’s individuality to shine instead of forcing everyone into the same signature look. It showed young women that there’s more than one way to be a head-turning bombshell.
As someone who has worked backstage at more than 100 fashion shows, I love seeing this individuality on the runway! It’s beautiful to see a show supported by hairstylists who understand how to work with different textures.
Now, we know the VS bombshell blowouts aren’t going anywhere, and that’s perfectly fine. But seeing braids, curls, and coils sharing the spotlight makes the Victoria’s Secret beauty aesthetic feel more representative of the women who love the brand. Textured hair never needed to become more glamorous. It always was.
Which Victoria’s Secret hair look was your favorite, besties?
XOXO,
Your Beauty Bestie
