Slick.
It's the word Joey Tribbiani might have used to describe his dating style on Friends [1], or how you'd like to believe you handle hiding your ugly cry-face while watching This is Us with a group of friends. But one thing you may not have noticed is that it's also the way nearly every TV star chooses to style their hair [2] at least once for the Emmy Awards [3] for as far back as we can remember.
To get a true sense of all the sleek, ultrachic hairstyles that have made an appearance on red carpets of yore [4], we're going back in time to all our favourite celebrity looks. From Halle Berry [5] to Sarah Jessica Parker [6] to Issa Rae, this is the trend that will forever be smooth ‚ real smooth.
1988: Jane Seymour
When it comes to '80s hairstyles [7], this is about as slicked-back as it gets — and Jane Seymour knocked it out of the park with her 1988 Emmys look.
1996: Julia Louis-Dreyfus
Save for a few errant crimps — a huge trend in the late '90s — Julia Louis-Dreyfus [8]'s updo was as sleek and shiny as that Emmy award she's holding.
1998: Angelina Jolie
Ever the minimalist, Angelina Jolie [9] stayed true to form on the Emmys red carpet with a simple chignon and cream-coloured eye shadow.
1998: Halle Berry
If you can somehow manage to peel your eyes away from Halle Berry [10]'s bold lip, sparkly getup, and tiny sunglasses [11], you'll notice her sleek low bun is just as chic.
1998: Lisa Kudrow
These days you can't walk within 500 feet of your apartment without seeing at least one person with a bob [12], but it was Lisa Kudrow's pushed-back take on the cut that really deserves a comeback.
2000: Sarah Jessica Parker
Any fan of Sex and the City [13] will tell you: SJP can do no wrong, and this sleek half-up style is nothing if not proof.
2001: Jessica Alba
The true way to let a bold smoky eye and dramatic lip sing, as demonstrated by Jessica Alba [14] in 2001: keep your hair off the face.
2003: Eva Longoria
There is nothing desperate about Eva Longoria [15]'s half-up hairstyle during the 2003 Emmys.
2009: Blake Lively
Ever the queen of envy-inducing hairstyles, Blake Lively [16] paired her snatched ponytail with impressive braids and won best in show.
2012: Lucy Liu
Lucy Liu [17]'s side ponytail was just as slick and shiny as her silver dress.
2015: Lizzy Caplan
Lizzy Caplan went grey with her eye shadow, black with her dress, and oxblood red with her nails — but it's the classic low chignon that will stand the test of time.
2017: Issa Rae
For Issa Rae's very first Emmys appearance last year, she paired her jet-black smoky eye with a slick, braided updo.
2017: Gina Rodriguez
Whether it's her deep side part, plunging V neckline, or sharp cat-eye, Gina Rodriguez's 2017 look was every bit a winner.