Chappell Roan has swapped her signature curls for something straight out of a 2005 music-video countdown. At MISTR's second annual National PrEP Day celebration at The Abbey in West Hollywood on Saturday, October 10, 2026, the singer showed up with pin-straight crimson hair, chunky strawberry-blonde highlights and choppy baby bangs. Allure summed it up: her chunky highlights are "so 2005 TRL."
It's one of the boldest hair changes of the season, and it ticks three trends at once: high-contrast highlights, the baby bang and a nostalgic Y2K mood.
The colour: crimson base, strawberry-blonde streaks
According to Allure, Roan's trademark curls were replaced by "a pin-straight style in a vivid shade of crimson red," with chunky strawberry-blonde highlights placed throughout, a look Allure compared to early-to-mid-2000s hair. Harper's Bazaar described the effect as "high-contrast strawberry-blonde highlights" that created "a streaky appearance against her classic deep-red shade."
Allure credited the hair to stylist Virginie Pineda and noted that chunkier highlights have been quietly returning this year, with Jennifer Lopez and Gabrielle Union also trying higher-contrast colour.
If you want to try it, this is not a subtle balayage. The look depends on contrast: a saturated red base with bold, clearly separated lighter sections. Ask for the highlights to be placed in defined stripes rather than blended, especially around the face. Be prepared for upkeep, because red fades quickly and the contrast is what makes the look work.
The baby bang: the season's most divisive fringe
The other headline is the fringe. Allure described "a set of choppy baby bangs that ended an inch or so above her skinny, sculpted brows." Harper's Bazaar called the micro-fringe a "polarizing style" and listed other recent fans, including Florence Pugh, Zendaya, Jennifer Lawrence and Dakota Johnson.
We've been tracking this trend for a while. Florence Pugh helped push it into the spotlight with her dramatic cut, which we covered in "Florence Pugh's Micro Bangs Are Fall's Boldest Hair Moment: Inside Her Spiky Updo at Jaguar's New York Launch." Roan's version is softer and blunter, paired with sleek straight lengths instead of an updo.
A baby bang works best on straight or straightened hair and needs regular trims. If you're curious but cautious, ask your stylist to start slightly longer and take it shorter on a second visit.
The makeup: a box of crayons
The tiny fringe left plenty of room for colourful eyes. Allure described Roan's makeup as a mix of cerulean blue, daffodil yellow and orchid pink, with a brighter pink blush placed high on the cheekbones and buffed out to the temples. Harper's Bazaar described glittery eyeshadow shimmering in purple, blue and yellow, with blush and a neutral-brown matte lip, and credited the glam to makeup artist Andrew Dahling.
The key to wearing this much colour is the matte, neutral lip, which keeps the face from feeling overloaded.
The outfit: striped latex by Christian Cowan x Vex
Roan matched the hair with an equally bold outfit. Harper's Bazaar reported that she wore a red-and-beige striped latex minidress from designer Christian Cowan's Spring 2026 collaboration with latex brand Vex. It was strapless, with matching gloves, and she added thigh-high burgundy stockings.
A full-circle night at the 'Pink Pony Club'
The setting made the night especially meaningful. The Abbey is the West Hollywood venue that inspired Roan's hit "Pink Pony Club." TMZ reported that she DJed there, playing the song, in what Allure described as her first DJ set. On Instagram, Roan joked that she "did literally nothing but vibe and b [sic] cute."
The event was hosted by MISTR, a telehealth company focused on HIV prevention and treatment, to raise awareness of PrEP, a medication that greatly reduces the risk of contracting HIV. TMZ listed Charli xcx, Christina Aguilera, Kesha, Demi Lovato, Lance Bass and Tinashe among the guests.
Roan has used hair and makeup as part of her performance from the start, and her looks often spark trends quickly. This one combines two ideas beauty editors have been tracking all autumn, chunky highlights and baby bangs, and makes them feel playful rather than polished. Expect to see versions of it in salons soon.
FAQ
What is Chappell Roan's new hairstyle?
Pin-straight crimson-red hair with chunky strawberry-blonde highlights and choppy baby bangs.
Where did Chappell Roan debut the look?
At MISTR's National PrEP Day celebration at The Abbey in West Hollywood on October 10, 2026.
Who did Chappell Roan's hair?
Hairstylist Virginie Pineda, according to Allure.
What did Chappell Roan wear to The Abbey?
A striped red-and-beige latex minidress from Christian Cowan's collaboration with Vex, Harper's Bazaar reported.
Cover photo: Popdust / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
