In 2026, Misty Copeland, a Principal Dancer who had since retired from the American Ballet Theatre who made a high-profile return to the stage during the 2026 Academy Awards ceremony held on March 15. Her appearance remained as elegant and captivating as ever.
As the first African American female Principal Dancer at the world-renowned American Ballet Theatre, Copeland's graceful presence and her hairstyle in particular has deeply captivated a vast fan base. Consequently, many people frequently ask: What exactly is Misty Copeland's hairstyle? Does she wear a wig? This question has sparked intense curiosity among fans, fellow dancers, and even beauty enthusiasts alike.
In this article, we will take a deep dive into Misty Copeland's signature hairstyle. We will explore how ballet dancers typically manage their hair, examine whether Misty Copeland utilizes wigs or hairpieces to craft her look during performances, and ultimately uncover the answer to this intriguing question.
Misty Copeland Hairstyles We Can't Get Over
The Iconic Ballet Hairstyle
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Among Misty Copeland's performance looks, one of the most recognizable features is her sleek, polished low bun. Typically positioned at the nape of the neck, the ballet bun is held firmly in place using hairpins and a hairnet. The hair at the hairline can be parted down the middle or swept straight back, with the baby hairs meticulously smoothed down and secured. This hairstyle ensures that—even during the execution of highly complex choreography involving jumps, spins, and lifts—every strand remains perfectly motionless and impeccably styled.
The Shoulder-Length Bob
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When she is not performing or dancing, Misty Copeland allows her hair to hang naturally. Her shoulder-length black bob haircut lends her an air of softness, exuding an effortless elegance.
Natural Curls
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As a Black woman, Misty Copeland possesses naturally curly hair. When she is off-stage, she grants her hair a moment of respite and recovery, allowing it to simply be—embracing its natural texture and form. This is because, no matter how gentle your technique or how carefully you tend to your strands, the inevitable tension of constantly pulling your hair back tightly is unavoidable. Thus, wearing her natural curls at appropriate times serves as both a protective measure for her scalp and a form of relaxation.
Brown Wavy Hair
Image Source: Getty Images
When appearing on the red carpet for a Breast Cancer News event, Misty Copeland showcased a style featuring brown wavy hair. This look radiated a natural, carefree charm—a striking contrast to the inherent rigor and discipline characteristic of the art of ballet.
Side-Swept Low Ponytail
Image Source: Britannica
When delivering a speech at the 2022 Global Citizen Festival in New York, Misty Copeland sported long straight black hair styled in a simple low ponytail. She allowed the ponytail to drape naturally over her shoulder and across her chest—a look that exuded an air of intellectual elegance. Paired with a blue gown, this style lent a sense of gravity and solemnity to her address, earning her unanimous acclaim from the public.
Does Misty Copeland Wear Wigs?
Currently, there is no widespread, definitive evidence suggesting that Misty Copeland frequently wears wigs during performances. Most professional ballet dancers typically style their natural hair into a bun for performances. However, in certain specific situations or when attending special events, they may indeed utilize human hair wigs, hair accessories, or hair extensions.
Misty Copeland's Natural Hair
In interviews, Misty Copeland has said she embraces and celebrates the natural curliness of her hair. Her hair is typically styled using products such as strong-hold gel, hair oil, and edge control pomade to achieve the sleek, polished look required for ballet performances.
Since ballet buns must remain absolutely motionless, even during vigorous physical movements, such as spins and jumps, dancers often rely on hair gel, hairspray, hairnets, and dozens of U-pins or bobby pins to keep their natural hair sleek, smooth, and securely in place.
Using Hair Accessories to Add Volume
Some ballet dancers occasionally use "donut-shaped" bun makers or small hair accessories to create a fuller, more voluminous bun. This practice is quite common among major ballet companies, as it ensures that the bun size remains consistent across all dancers, thereby enhancing the overall sense of symmetry and aesthetic appeal of the stage presentation.
Using Wigs for Special Events
In certain ballet productions, dancers may wear wigs to fulfill specific dramatic requirements. Additionally, they may wear wigs to meet styling requirements when attending significant events or delivering speeches. For instance—as mentioned previously—the hairstyle Misty Copeland sported while delivering a speech at the Global Citizen Festival in New York was very likely achieved by wearing a long straight wig.
Conclusion
Misty Copeland's most renowned hairstyle is undoubtedly the elegant ballet bun—a look that has become an iconic element of her stage persona. Although some dancers occasionally utilize hairpieces or wigs to suit specific repertoire requirements or special events, there is currently no concrete evidence to suggest that Copeland frequently wears wigs during her regular performances. On the contrary, she prefers to showcase her natural hair, typically styling it into the sleek, tight, and secure bun traditionally required in classical ballet.
The above covers the details regarding Misty Copeland's hairstyles and whether or not she wears wigs; hopefully, having read this, you now have a clearer understanding and a definitive answer to this topic of widespread public interest.
Most importantly, regardless of whether or not Misty Copeland wears a wig, she remains an exceptional ballet dancer. Do you enjoy Misty Copeland’s ballet performances? Do you like her hairstyles? If you have any other insights or thoughts, please feel free to leave a comment in the section below—let’s discuss!
FAQs About Misty Copeland
Is Misty Copeland Married?
Yes, Misty Copeland is married to Olu Evans. He is an attorney and entrepreneur.
At What Age did Misty Copeland Have a Baby?
In April 2022, Misty Copeland and her husband, Olu Evans, welcomed their first child, a son named Jackson, at the age of 39.
What did Misty Copeland Have Surgery On?
Misty Copeland successfully underwent hip replacement surgery in December 2025 to treat severe pain caused by bone spurs, a labral tear, and significant cartilage loss.
How Tall is Misty Copeland?
Misty Copeland is approximately 5 feet 2 inches (157 cm) tall.
Why did Misty Copeland Start Studying Ballet So Late?
Her turbulent childhood prevented her from being exposed to the art form any sooner. Growing up in California, she frequently moved from place to place with her mother and siblings, enduring extremely difficult living conditions. She did not begin studying ballet until the age of 13—considered a relatively late start in the industry. Nevertheless, thanks to her innate talent and unwavering determination, she quickly rose to prominence, ultimately establishing herself as one of the world's most influential dancers.
Why is Misty Copeland So Significant in the History of Ballet?
Misty Copeland broke racial barriers in the ballet world, becoming the first Black principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre. Her success has driven the dance community toward greater diversity and inclusivity.
Has Misty Copeland Written Any Books?
Yes, she is the author of several books, including her memoir Life in Motion, where she shares her journey from a challenging childhood to international stardom.