Lupita Nyong'o never disappoints when she steps onto the red carpet at an awards show, gala, or premiere, and the 2021 Met Gala was no different [1]. The actress showed up at the American-themed event wearing a full denim dress with her hair masterfully styled on top of her head in an updo that was truly a work of art.

When speaking with red carpet host Keke Palmer, Nyong'o explained that the reference for her hairstyle was an actual artist — Brooklyn-based conceptual artist Lorna Simpson. She also explained that it was created by her longtime hairstylist Vernon François, who used hair pieces, lots of pins, and Redken's Triple Pure 23 Hairspray (Françcis is a spokesperson for the brand). "Lupita is incredibly visionary and adventurous, not only does she have the most versatile kinky, coily, hair but the ability to wear and show the beauty of all hair textures," François told Vogue [2] in an interview. "I've always wanted to bring this technique to life within the Afro hair experience, and doing it for the Met Gala is mind-blowing."

Every last detail was taken into consideration, right down to her navy blue eye makeup by makeup artist — the handiwork of Nick Barose [3] — which complemented her denim dress perfectly. "Double denim with a touch of #FemmeFatale from classic Hollywood Western Films," Barose said of his inspiration on Instagram.

Ahead, get a closer look from every angle at Nyong'o's Met Gala hairstyle and prepare to be in awe at just how stunning she looks.