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One thing we love about Oscar-nominated actor Florence Pugh is that she's never afraid to try something new on the red carpet, which she proved at the 2026 Primetime Emmys on September 14. Remember when she revealed her shaved head at the Met Gala or channeled Guy Fieri with her grown-out buzz? She is fearless, blending high-fashion elements, classic styling techniques, and a little cheeky edginess for a look that is all her own, no matter the event.
For the Emmys, Pugh—who presented at the awards ceremony—again had a lot of fun with her hair, this time opting for an updo that honestly defies explanation, it's so intricate and unique. Her blonde hair, styled by Hyungsun Ju, was pulled up and pinned in a handful of loops and swoops, with the ends left out for an almost spiky, yet soft effect. Instead of a sleek base, the updo was built on a slightly more voluminous foundation with a hint of height near her hairline and back; the lengths were then pinned right at the crown of her head to give it even more volume and height, with two skinny tendrils pulled out on either side to frame her face.
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Getty Images
My first thought when I saw this was “2000s prom," as the volume and texture feels like a prom-queen updo from a teen rom-com of the era, especially when paired with her gorgeous pale purple Vivienne Westwood gown. But it's not dated at all, and it's definitely not shellacked in place with gallons of hairspray like the updos I remember from my childhood. Instead, the upswept look is more about the element of surprise: dramatic yet classic from the front, with an unexpected finish at the back thanks to all those feathery pieces. Soft but strong, done but not done. An updo can definitely be formal without looking fussy, and this is a masterclass in hitting exactly the right notes.
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