Modern Salon
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Met Gala: Hair and Nails Breakdown for Emma Chamberlain

At the Met Gala, YouTuber and influencer Emma Chamberlain, brought a new twist to the Gilded Age theme. Her platinum bob and textured white nail were so on trend and perfect for a red carpet walk.

by Staff
May 3, 2022
Met Gala: Hair and Nails Breakdown for Emma Chamberlain

Emma Chamberlain, pre-event. 

Photo compliments of Laura Polko/ Gear Communications

3 min to read


At the MET Gala, an annual fundraising gala held for the benefit of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute in New York City, on the evening of May 2, celebrity nail artist Betina Goldsteincreated influencer and break-out YouTube star Emma Chamberlain’s nail look using CND while celebrity stylist Laura Polkadesigned the hair using products from Aquage and tools from T3.

NAILS Inspiration: “Emma had a classic ivory look and we wanted the nails to reflect that while still making a statement. We went with clean long coffin shaped nails in a warm ivory tone and created a 3D lace effect in the same shade for a high impact result.” – Betina Goldstein

Ad Loading...

A classic and textured nail

NAILS Look Breakdown

  1. I started on Emma’s nails the day prior because they were so intricate, using long coffin shaped press-on nail tips as the base

  2. For the main color, I applied two coats of CND™ Shellac™ in Cream Puff

  3. Then, using CND™ PLEXIGEL™ Builder and a detailing tool, I created lace molding on the nail and cured to achieve the 3D effect

  4. To make them pop even more, I shaded the molding with CND™ Shellac™ in Rubble around the edges

  5. I then finished with CND™ Shellac™ Matte Top Coat before curing for the final time


 A milky white CREAM PUFF 

HAIR Inspiration: "Emma’s look was inspired by the theme of The Gilded Age, but we wanted to keep it more modern since Emma is young and cool. We wanted to keep her look true to herself, and the combination of the tiara with her icy blonde short bob really spoke to a modern take on the theme."--Laura Polko

An essential iron for styling 

HAIR Look Breakdown: 

Step 1: In advance of this look, Emma bleached her hair ice blonde (Color by Dafne Evangelista)

Ad Loading...

Step 2: First, I prepped the hair with the Aquage uplifting foam to allow for volume

Step 3: Then, I blow dried her hair with my new T3 AireLuxe hairdryer. Since her hair was recently bleached, I used the dryer's customizable settings at a 5 heat and 2 fan setting to protect Emma’s hair from damage

Step 4: I got her hair straight by blow drying it, and then I trimmed her hair into one length into a short bob style, working to create bulk at the ends by adding extensions

Step 5: I then went through her hair with the T3 Lucea flat iron, touching up the ends and messing with them to get them right where I wanted

Step 6: I then used the Aquage transforming paste and dry texture finishing spray to set the hair, before I placed the vintage tiara into her hair

Ad Loading...

Step 7: In order to keep the tiara in place, I braided two rows of baby corn rows at both sides where the tiara was being placed and secured it with a clear Scunci elastic. I then sewed the tiara into place with a thread and needle. I placed one more Scunci pin at the end to keep it tightly secured for the entire night.

Step 8: I put some finishing touches on her hair including some hair spray and then she was off!

More In The Know

A man cuts a man's hair
In The Know|Articles|Aug 6, 2026

In Dubai, Clients Visit the Salon Every Week. Here’s What That Market Can Teach You

In Dubai, a salon visit isn’t an appointment. It’s a weekly routine, and clients can spend $800 to $1,400 a month on it, according to Gaurav Tripathi of MADI International. On October 6-8, 2026, the market behind those numbers opens its doors as Beautyworld Dubai marks its 30th edition at the Dubai World Trade Centre, bringing together distributors, brands, stylists and salon owners from all over the world.

Ad Loading...
A woman with long brown hair, a black sleeveless blouse, and a beaded headband.
In The Know|Articles|Jul 2, 2026

Mireya Villarreal Announces From Chair to Boss Live, a New Business Education Event for Beauty Professionals

Mireya Villarreal, founder of From Chair to Boss™, is bringing together beauty industry leaders for a new one-day educational event designed to help salon professionals strengthen the business side of their careers. From Chair to Boss Live! will take place September 28 at the Hilton Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center in Oak Brook, Illinois.

Ad Loading...
In The Know|News|May 22, 2026

Aura Salonware Announces 2026 Scholarship Winners

Aura Salonware is proud to announce its 2026 scholarship recipients. This first-time scholarship in partnership with the Professional Beauty Association awarded three different scholarships to support beauty professionals at every point in their professional journey.

Ad Loading...