Taylor Swift has practically grown up on the world’s biggest stages—and her hair has come along for the ride. From those fluffy country-curl beginnings to sleek modern ponies, she’s tried it all. Of course, when you’re hitting dozens of red carpets, not every look is a home run. We dove deep into Taylor’s archives to pull out the most breathtaking wins…and the occasional hair horror moments you might’ve totally forgotten.
Here’s the lowdown on her 12 most iconic — and cringe-worthy — red carpet ‘dos.
Best: Taylor Swift’s Curly Tendrils at the 2009 MTV VMAs
Before Kanye stole the show, Taylor’s hair was the headline. At the 2009 MTV VMAs she rocked a loose up-do with perfectly spiral face-framing curls that felt both elegant and playful. It was the ultimate ‘90s revival and still stands as a blueprint for anyone chasing chic but youthful vibes.
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Worst: Taylor Swift’s Messy Ends & Tiny Braid at the 2024 Grammys
In 2024, Taylor leaned into a side-swept look that just didn’t come together. The top half was sleek and retro, but her ends were frizzy, and that random little braid felt like an afterthought. A reminder that even Queen Swift has the occasional tangle.