BUR BUR at the 2025 Met Gala: The Brushes Behind the Magic
This year’s Met Gala was a striking tribute to heritage, identity, and the art of personal expression. With the theme “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” and dress code “Tailored for You,” the evening honored the legacy of Black dandyism and its profound influence on fashion, beauty, and self-definition. It was a night of sharp silhouettes, textured elegance, and stories told through every thread and curl.
From sculpted ponytails to luxurious, brushed-out waves, BUR BUR brushes were the tools of choice for celebrity hairstylist Rena Calhoun, whose work graced red carpets and headlines.
Hunter Schafer: Sleek Strength Meets Sculptural Elegance
Hairstylist Rena Calhoun described Hunter’s look as “all about precision and restraint.” The hair was tightly brushed back into a sculpted mid-height ponytail that complemented the silhouette of her outfit—strong, refined, and elegant without being harsh.
To achieve this flawless finish, Rena used the BUR BUR Ludmila Brush, also known as the Essential Boar Bristle Brush, to smooth the hair back and enhance its natural shine. The Ludmila’s blend of boar bristles and nylon pins delivered just the right balance of control and softness, keeping the lines clean and the texture polished.
In the prep phase, Rena relied on the BUR BUR Nadia Brush, also referred to as our Wet Detangling Brush, using it section by section to stretch and smooth the hair before forming the ponytail. She returned to it once the style was pinned into place, using Nadia’s flexible bristles to gently refine the hairline and tame flyaways without disrupting the sculpted form.
Joey King: Timeless Waves with a Modern Edge
For Joey King, Rena envisioned a look that was “rich, cinematic, and slightly surreal”—a visual echo of old Hollywood, updated with precision and volume. After prepping the hair and curling it into tight, uniform sections, she reached for the BUR BUR Ludmila Brush once again to bring the look to life.
As she brushed through the cooled curls, Ludmila transformed them into soft, cascading “S” waves—a true showcase of the brush’s ability to smooth and sculpt without sacrificing body. The result was a glamorous yet grounded wave pattern that held its shape, moved naturally, and framed Joey’s face with effortless grace.
To ensure even product distribution and tangle-free styling from the very beginning, Rena started the process with the BUR BUR Nadia Detangling Brush, working through Joey’s damp hair to prep for volume and styling control.
Brushes Designed for the Red Carpet—and Real Life
At BUR BUR, we believe beauty rituals should be rooted in intention, heritage, and care. Seeing our brushes—LUDMILA and NADIA—used to create such powerful Met Gala looks is a full-circle moment. Inspired by a family recipe and perfected by science, each brush is handcrafted with purpose and passion to help everyone feel like their most radiant self, whether you're stepping onto the red carpet or simply into your day.
Experience the tools trusted by celebrity stylists.
Explore The Essential Boar Bristle Brush – LUDMILA and The Wet Detangling Brush – NADIA.
