Nicole Kidman's Messy, Twisted Updo Wins the Red Carpet

After a very brief hiatus, Nicole Kidman's divorce bangs are back and red carpet-ready.

Kidman is set to star in the upcoming TV adaptation of Margo's Got Money Troubles, based on the 2024 novel written by Rufi Thorpe, and she joined her costars on the red carpet this week for the show's New York City premiere. For the event, the actress stepped out wearing a black and white, see-through midi dress from Schiaparelli that featured sheer panels on the sides and white scales along the torso. When it came to her glam, she decided to embrace the messy updo look, piling her strawberry blonde hair into a very loose twisted bun. She wore the "divorce bangs" that she debuted back in October during Paris Fashion Week in a wispy, lightly-tousled style.

a white woman wearing a messy strawberry blonde updo attends a red carpet event — Nicole Kidman wears a messy updo to the New York City premiere of "Margo's Got Money Troubles."

So far, 2026 has been all about messy, lived-in hairstyles and updos. Back in January, loose buns and ponytails practically took over the red carpet at the 83rd Golden Globes, but they were also a go-to look at last month's Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards thanks to Kerry Washington, who wore a messy beehive. Jodie Turner-Smith was also spotted during Paris Haute Couture week this year wearing her curly hair in a messy top bun.

"In 2026, hair isn't about perfection—it's about intention," celebrity hairstylist Rogério Cavalcante previously told MC, predicting that "effortless, but never accidental" styles will be highly requested this spring.

The good news is that a chic, messy updo isn't hard to achieve at home. If you need some styling tips on how to make yours look effortless, read ahead.

Conair

Infinitipro Digitalaire Drying Wand

Start by adding some volume to your hair by giving yourself a blowout.

Nexxus

Frizz Control Blow Dry Cream

Apply a blow dry cream to wet hair to ensure a frizz-free finish.

amika

Un.done Texture Spray

If you're not working with second or third day hair, use texture spray to give yourself a lived-in look.

Singlepass Smooth X Professional Flat Iron With Extra-Long Plates

Add a bend to your bangs with a flat iron.

Kitsch

Metal French Hair Pin

After piling your hair onto your head, grab a pin to secure it in place.

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Danielle Jackson is the former senior beauty writer at Marie Claire. She has nearly a decade of experience covering beauty, lifestyle, and entertainment and was previously the senior beauty editor at Women's Health, where she thoughtfully covered topics related to skincare, haircare, aesthetics, and wellness. Before that, she spent three years as an assistant beauty editor at PS, and in the years since, her work has appeared in titles like Vogue, InStyle, Glamour, and more. Danielle graduated from the University of Georgia with a BA in English, and has lived in Brooklyn for almost ten years. When she's not writing, you can find her reading romance novels and talking about sunscreen. You can find her on Instagram @danielleknecole.