Serena Williams is yet again proving that her talents go beyond the court.
On Thursday, July 11, the 42-year-old tennis legend flexed her hosting skills at the 2024 ESPY Awards, an annual event that recognizes athletic achievement. Williams kicked off the night strong, arriving to Los Angeles’ Dolby Theatre in an Old Hollywood-inspired look, complete with a bombshell blonde hairstyle. Throughout the night, the WYN Beauty founder (who was styled by Kesha McLeod) underwent a series of outfit changes and wore eight total looks, including a tenniscore after party ensemble.
When it came to designing the hairstyles, Williams’ hairstylist Angela Meadows tells PEOPLE exclusively that the tennis star wanted to “be very out there.”
“She wanted to be blonder. She really wanted to have these cool looks,” the stylist explains. “So my first thoughts was, well, if we are going to do that, we have to step it up. I have to find good products.”To keep Williams’ hair looking its best for the many quick changes, Meadows used Wella Professionals Ultimate Repair Miracle Hair Rescue, which she says works in just 90 seconds.
“I have to make sure that the hair is shiny and beautiful and with no frizz,” she says.
Ahead, get the details on Williams’ eight outfit changes and hairstyles for the 2024 ESPYs.
Old Hollywood Glam
Williams hit honorary pathway in a figure-embracing, custom Giorgio Armani Privé dark outfit with a completely weaved bra and train in gold Swarovski precious stones. She decorated with gems by David Yurman — the High Adornments Direct Drop Studs in 18K White Gold with Yellow Beryl and Jewels and Etched Link Ring in 18K Yellow Gold with Precious stones.
To supplement the look, Knolls made a blondie weave with fun waves. “I needed to give her an old Hollywood glitz roused seek set up for this earth shattering evening,” Glades tells Individuals. “The stylish, exemplary stunner waves develop publicity for the unimaginable looks we have arranged all through the other honors function.”
In addition to the Wella Professionals Ultimate Repair Miracle Hair Rescue, Meadows also used Wella Professionals EIMI Nutricurls Boost Bounce to create the look.
Pretty in Pink
Williams embraced Barbiecore with this custom pink minidress by Galia Lahav. The deviated hemline included a tomfoolery feather detail and the star embellished with pointed-toe stilettos. To match the perky look, Knolls made a voluminous blonde wavy haircut.
To accomplish this beachy blonde tone, the beautician eased up the hair with Wella Experts BlondorPlex 9 to a level 8 and afterward featured with Wella Experts BlonderPlex 7. She then, at that point, conditioned with Wella Experts Shinefinity conceals 7/12, featured with Wella Experts Shinefinity conceal 9/61 and lowlighted and hued the roots with Wella Experts Shinefinity conceal 5/98.
Dramatic Sleeves
For a high-fashion switch-up, Williams donned this red leather minidress with dramatic puffed sleeves and a large gemstone ring to match. Her straight, sleek hairstyle and metallic silver pumps complemented the bold style.
Black Blazer Dress
Williams wore another blazer dress during her hosting gig. This custom black David Koma ensemble features a large silver feather embroidered on one sleeve. Her black strappy sandals added to the edgy vibe, as did her sleek, crimped hairstyle.
Meadows created the wet-looking style with the help of Wella Professionals EIMI Stay Firm Workable Finishing Hairspray and Wella Professionals EIMI Nutricurls Boost Bounce.
Sheer Corset Dress
Williams nailed sultry glamour with this sheer corset dress and equally sexy blonde blowout.
Meadows achieved bouncy curls by using a 1 1/2 inch curler and setting with Wella Professionals EIMI Stay Firm Workable Finishing Hairspray to protect hair from humidity, UV, and heat.
Leopard Print Moment
Williams took a break from gowns to rock this leopard print top with a dramatic train and matching scarf. She completed the look with black cropped trousers and black pumps.
Red-Hot Glam
The tennis legend made her star power known with this textured red halter dress and glamorous updo. The custom Ferragamo gown, which she wore with Borgogna calf pumps, features Bordeaux patent metallic leather sequins and an ostrich feather degradè.
To create the ’90s-inspired hairstyle, Meadows curled WIlliams’ hair and gathered it into a “tastefully messy bun, leaving two tendrils of hair to frame her face,” the stylist says. She then applied Wella Professionals EIMI Stay Firm Workable Finishing Hairspray and Wella Professionals EIMI Nutricurls Boost Bounce to set the style.
Tenniscore
For the ESPYs after party, Williams paid homage to her trailblazing tennis career by wearing white sneakers, a minidress that’s reminiscent of tennis ball-green and a eye-popping, multi-gem tennis necklace. Her hair was styled into a playful half-up look with soft waves.
