Tate McCrae’s VMAs Hair Look Has a Secret—See the Photos

If you just quickly glanced at pop star Tate McRae on the 2025 MTV VMAs red carpet, you’d assume she wore her highlighted light brown hair down in simple waves. But if you looked closer, you’d see a subtle little surprise woven through the lengths of her hair: feathers!

But these aren’t the colorful feathers you probably wore in your hair circa 2010; rather, McRae’s feathered waves were much more delicate and discreet. Hairstylist Chad Wood, who often works with McRae, added a touch of whimsy to McRae’s hair with the addition of long, skinny white feathers to match the ethereal vibes of McRae’s sheer white Ludovic de Saint Sernin dress. “Inspired by a runway show that incorporated ostrich feathers, I sourced and hand-dyed feathers to perfectly match Tate’s natural highlights, allowing them to flow seamlessly as she moved with elegance,” Wood shared.

Wood used Paul Mitchell products on the Canadian musician, prepping her clean, towel-dried hair with Hot Off The Press Thermal Protection Hairspray for heat protection, then applying Sculpting Foam at the roots to build volume and body. Wood used the Express Ion Round Brush and Neuro Dry Blow Dryer for a smooth glossy finish, then reached for the Neuro Style Iron in 1.25” to create loose, easy bends and waves throughout. Wood layered Extra-Body Hairspray and Texturizing Spray to add texture and hold. Once the base look was complete, Wood placed the feathers at the mid-shaft and ends of select strands, securing them with Super Clean Sculpting Gel. The feathers added soft drama and romance to an otherwise simple style.

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