All hail Tessa Thompson. The beauty icon and in-demand actress is on a multi-year winning streak, with untouchable turns in Emmy favorite Westword and box office hits like Thor: Love and Thunder and Sorry to Bother You.
The Hollywood darling has made a name for herself on screen…and on the red carpet. No beauty roundup or best-dressed list is complete without a nod to Thompson. She practically dominates the hair space, taking on both timeless trends and avant-garde aesthetics. From waist-length braids to glossy bobs and intricate chignons, she’s given us lifetimes of mane inspiration. Read on and see for yourself with a few of our favorite Tessa Thompson hair moments to date.
1. Wavy Bob
Tessa Thompson can pretty much pull off hair at any length. Back in 2017, the actress traded her normally long locks for a shorter cut. The results were stunning.
(Image Source: Getty / Frazer Harrison)
2. ’50s Pompadour
This rock and roll moment from the 2019 MTV Movie Awards lives in our mind rent free. A manicured pompadour paired with loose curls? Gorgeous.
(Image Source: Getty / Emma McIntyre)
3. Patent Pony
Thompson has a flair for the dramatic. This patent wrapped ponytail from the 2019 MET Gala was one of the night’s very best.
(Image Source: Getty / Taylor Hill)
4. Hip-Length Braids
This look is giving us long hair envy. Thompson’s hip-hugging chestnut braids from the Thor: Love and Thunder screening circuit is one of our favorites this year.
(Image Source: Getty / Jeff Spicer)
5. Glossy Low Pony
This superstar is single-handedly bringing the low pony back in a brand new way. With finger waves and a high-shine finish, this mane moment is magical.
(Image Source: Getty / Raymond Hall)
6. Beehive
It’s official: Thompson is queen of the retro red carpet aesthetic. Her take on a ’60s-style beehive is simply stunning.
(Image Source: Getty / Taylor Hill)
7. Haute Headwear
Only someone with serious style game could pull off a sculptural woven hat. And in neon green too. We’re obsessed.
(Image Source: Getty / Frazer Harrison)
8. Braided Bun
Here comes another standout moment from the 2021 Met Gala. A minimal, modern take on a classic braided bun is so intricate and eye-catching.
(Image Source: Getty / Gilbert Carrasquillo)
9. Smooth Chignon
We’re ready to dub this actress queen of the Met Gala. Twisted to perfection, this smooth and chic chignon from the 2022 affair is impeccable.
(Image Source: Getty / Gilbert Carrasquillo)
10. Twisted Pony
No one does a pony like Thompson. This soft, twisted moment from the 2020 Vanity Fair Oscars party really wowed us.
(Image Source: Getty / Rich Fury)
Regal braids are everywhere right now, thanks in large part to Thompson’s hair looks. But she isn’t the only one making a case for the avant-garde trend. So are THESE celebrities!
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