On the first Monday in May, while much of New York buzzed in anticipation of the Met Gala, hairstylist Dre Demry-Sanders was deep in the eye of the storm. Known to many as the “hair bender,” Dre’s work has graced the heads of Ayo Edebiri, Yseult, and the legendary Erykah Badu, while also appearing in the pages of Vogue, GQ, and The New York Times. But on fashion’s biggest night, her client list swelled to over fifty. That included one actress, one designer, one photographer, and more performers than she could count.
And yet, amid the flurry of curls, pins, and hair spray, Dre carved out a few moments to reflect on what the evening—and this year’s theme—meant to her.
A Theme Worth Celebrating
“When I heard the theme was Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, I was overjoyed,” Dre shared. “Black culture doesn’t often get celebrated in this kind of elegant, high-fashion context. Too often, the conversation stops at streetwear. But this theme gave us room to show sophistication, refinement, and heritage. Hair, to me, is just as much a part of that story as the clothing.”
For Dre, inspiration wasn’t hard to come by. She described it as arriving uninvited, bubbling up from the everyday. “Just yesterday, I was at Chez Josephine—a moody little spot in Midtown—and photos of Josephine Baker were all over the walls. That kind of glamor, that history, just found me.”
A Morning at The Met
Her Met Gala Monday began early but not punishingly so—7AM, coffee in hand. By then, her styling chair was already full. First up was actor Myha’la, then photographer Tyler Mitchell. Behind the scenes, a 25-person team under Dre’s guidance was stationed at The Met itself, working tirelessly on more than 50 performers who would help bring the night’s vision to life.
By mid-morning, Dre was with her third client of the day: Grace Wales Bonner. The British designer, whose collections are acclaimed for their cultural depth and emotional resonance, has been a repeat collaborator. “Grace’s wardrobe feels both familiar and transcendent,” Dre said. “Sometimes I’ll see a piece she’s made and think, Wait—that reminds me of my uncle’s style. It’s personal but universal.”
A Signature Look, Reinvented
When it came to Grace’s Met Gala look, Dre wanted something classic yet elevated. Grace is known for a sleek, low bun with a center part—a timeless silhouette—but Dre knew the night called for a little more drama.
“The hair part is everything,” she explained. “Change it, and you change how someone sees themselves. So we kept her part but played with texture. Her natural waves are beautiful, so I leaned into them—subtle finger waves flowing into a polished chignon. It felt authentic, but special.”
The process began with damp hair, Dre’s preferred starting point when working with textured strands. “It’s easier and safer,” she said. “You can mold the hair without risking breakage.” From there, she layered in Bumble & Bumble’s Prep Primer, sharpened the part with a tail comb, and shaped the waves using Sumogel. A finishing mist of Strong Finish hairspray locked everything in place—essential, given the night’s pouring rain.
Her trusted tools—a Pattern detangling brush and her beloved Mason Pearson—helped perfect the look. By the end, Grace’s hair was both rooted in her signature style and reimagined for the grandeur of the Met carpet.
After the Storm
By the time her last pin was set, Dre was already thinking about her next move—not another client, but rest. “My celebration tonight is going to be sleep,” she admitted with a laugh. “After 53 people, I think I’ve earned it.”
Still, the deeper meaning of the evening wasn’t lost on her. “I can’t wait to see the exhibit myself,” she said. “I hope it shows the world the richness of Black style—and not just as a trend, but as an enduring influence. And I hope it opens doors for more diversity in fashion. That’s what keeps me going.”
For Dre Demry-Sanders, the Met Gala wasn’t just another marathon of styling sessions—it was an opportunity to bring culture, history, and artistry together in one unforgettable night.
