The tennis legend’s hairstylist, Angela Meadows, shares the exclusive BTS details with PEOPLE
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.
Related: Serena Williams Brings Bombshell Blonde and Bodycon to 2024 ESPYS — But Daughter Olympia Stole the Show
Ahead, get the details on Williams’ eight outfit changes and hairstyles for the 2024 ESPYs.
Old Hollywood Glam
Serena Williams on the 2024 ESPYs red carpet.
Williams hit the red carpet in a figure-hugging, custom Giorgio Armani Privé black gown with a fully embroidered bra and train in gold Swarovski crystals. She accessorized with jewels by David Yurman — the High Jewelry Linear Drop Earrings in 18K White Gold with Yellow Beryl and Diamonds and Sculpted Cable Ring in 18K Yellow Gold with Diamonds.
To complement the look, Meadows created a blonde bob with bouncy waves. “I wanted to give her an old Hollywood glam inspired look to set the stage for this momentous night,” Meadows tells PEOPLE. “The chic, classic bombshell waves build up hype for the incredible looks we have planned throughout the rest of the awards ceremony.”
Angela Meadows
Serena Williams and Angela Meadows.
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
Serena Williams at the 2024 ESPYs.
Williams embraced Barbiecore with this custom pink minidress by Galia Lahav. The asymmetrical hemline featured a fun feather detail and the star accessorized with pointed-toe stilettos. To match the playful look, Meadows created a voluminous blonde curly hairstyle.
To achieve this beachy blonde color, the stylist lightened the hair with Wella Professionals BlondorPlex 9 to a level 8 and then highlighted with Wella Professionals BlonderPlex 7. She then toned with Wella Professionals Shinefinity shades 7/12, highlighted with Wella Professionals Shinefinity shade 9/61 and lowlighted and colored the roots with Wella Professionals Shinefinity shade 5/98.
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Dramatic Sleeves
Serena Williams at the 2024 ESPYs.
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
Serena Williams at the 2024 ESPYs.
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
Serena Williams at the 2024 ESPYs.
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.
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Leopard Print Moment
Serena Williams at the 2024 ESPYs.
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 brown suede pumps by Steve Madden.
Related: Highlights from the 2024 ESPY Awards After Serena Williams Hosts and Prince Harry Is Honored
Red-Hot Glam
Serena Williams at the 2024 ESPYs.
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
Serena Williams at the 2024 ESPYs after party.
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.
