Kelsea Ballerini Shares How Her 2026 Grammys Hairstyle Came with a Price: Painkillers Needed

Kelsea Ballerini.

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NEED TO KNOW

• In a photo diary for Cosmopolitan, Kelsea Ballerini disclosed that her updo for the 2026 Grammys was so tightly styled that she resorted to taking Advil.
• “It was a SNATCH,” she shared with the outlet.
• The hairstyle was crafted by celebrity stylist Chris Appleton, who drew inspiration from Ballerini’s gown.

During her preparation for the 2026 Grammys, detailed in a photo diary, Kelsea Ballerini recounted the discomfort of her sleek updo, indicating it was so unyielding that she needed painkillers.

“I did indeed have to take Advil for my head because it was a SNATCH,” she remarked, showcasing the style crafted by Chris Appleton.

On Instagram, Appleton elaborated that the updo, featuring a signature looped style at the back, was inspired specifically by Ballerini’s green and gold beaded Etro halter dress. “Snatched and sculpted ✨,” he noted, emphasizing the connection between the hairstyle and the gown’s design.

In her conversation with Cosmo, Ballerini revealed a sentimental touch to her gown: a patch sewn inside to honor her late dog. “This was a surprise touch from the designers and my stylists at our final fitting,” she disclosed. “I lost my soul dog, Dibs, a few weeks ago, and having him close to my heart for the night made it feel more sentimental. A beautiful reminder he’s always with me.”

Kelsea Ballerini.

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On the red carpet, Ballerini discussed the inspiration behind her shimmering gown. The designer had sent sketches back in November, laying the groundwork for the evening’s attire. “There were all these beautiful colors, and we wanted lots of patterns for the record that we’re celebrating tonight,” she explained. “We wanted something that felt grounded. But look at the back. It’s so beautiful, I’m so obsessed with it. I’m so lucky.”

Ballerini also touched on her personal journey, noting her desire to “rein it in” following her recent relationship changes with Chase Stokes. “I’ve always been a chronic oversharer, and I think for the first time, at 32, I’m reigning it in,” she told E! Live from the Red Carpet. “I think my life might just be my life for a while. It feels right.”

Kelsea Ballerini.

Amy Sussman/Getty

Reflecting on her recent album Patterns, which earned her a nomination for Best Contemporary Country Album, Ballerini emphasized the lessons learned throughout the process. “I’ve been such a chronic people pleaser for my whole life and most of my career,” she said. “I think I’m starting to shift that in a healthy way.”

Rumors of Ballerini’s relationship with Stokes emerged in January 2023 after he posted a photo of the couple at a Georgia vs. TCU game, leading to further public acknowledgment during the 2023 CMT Awards. However, in September 2025, they officially parted ways, with sources close to the couple indicating that they both tried hard to make it work but ultimately decided to separate. In a surprising turn, they confirmed their reconciliation on New Year’s Eve.

“I feel like outwardly, it looked a lot more dramatic than it was,” Ballerini shared with Entertainment Tonight at the 2026 Grammys. “And that was quite the learning lesson for us. But I love him so much. We’ve been together for quite a while now and done a lot of life together, and he was with me getting ready today and he’ll be with me when we wrap. I love love, and I believe in it.”