The 22-year-old known for her short platinum bob donned blonde dreadlocks down her back in a high top knot ponytail.
Her outfits may have been questionable, but her hair? Rocking.
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Miley Cyrus arriving on the red carpet of the VMAs
TIGI hair stylist Gregory Russell was the man who styled Cyrus' hair, describing it as an "over-the-top textured ponytail".
Cyrus was wearing extensions to complete her look, so you'll need medium to long hair if you're doing it without.
1. Prepare.
Tightly comb wet hair towards the crown to create a tight ponytail.
Russell combed the hair through using a hard head gel which dries quickly but keeps your hair put, especially for spiky styles.
Secure the ponytail tightly with a hair tie.
2. Texture.
Russell then created a "second day" texture to the hair by using the JoyRide primer balm. To skip this step, complete the style without freshly-washed hair so it has better stylability.
Blow dry your hair roughly using a flat brush until it's about 80% dry.
3. Separate.
Separate out your ponytail into sections of around two to three inches. The amount will depend on the thickness of your hair.
Use a texturising balm or paste on the sections, from your hair band to the ends.
4. Twist.
Twist a section around itself like a tight ringlet. Repeat this for all sections then, while holding on to the bottom of each section, use a comb to backcomb the twist to create a dreadlock effect.
Repeat the comb technique from the top down until the ends and gently pull loosen and pull slightly apart with your fingers to create fuller dreadlocks.
5. Finishing touches.
Russell used a matte product to finish the look, then sprayed with hairspray to keep the style in place.
It was Miley’s most conservative outfit of the night. A pair of trousers (a little thigh exposure, but we’ll let it slide) and a crop top. Overall, tame. (credit:Christopher Polk/MTV1415 via Getty Images)
The Do It Pig Dress(02 of11)
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Again, a lot of coverage, except for those exposed gams. (credit:Jon Kopaloff via Getty Images)
The Sequined Jumpsuit(03 of11)
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We’re totally obsessed with this deep plunging, colourful jumpsuit. Oh, and a matching flower crown? Yes. (credit:Kevin Mazur/MTV1415 via Getty Images)
The Rainbow Kite Dress(04 of11)
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Anyone else think Miley could be a kite in this loud and proud outfit? (credit:Christopher Polk/MTV1415 via Getty Images)
This Glittery Ensemble(05 of11)
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Miley’s entire right leg and left arm are covered in her final outfit of the night. Playing it low-key, we see. (credit:Christopher Polk/MTV1415 via Getty Images)
The High-Cut One-Piece(06 of11)
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It’s a throwback to the ‘80 with this revealing one-piece. And check out those exposed hipbones...watch out, Kylie Jenner. (credit:Michael Tran via Getty Images)
The Eye Bra And Lip Skirt(07 of11)
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Emoji bandeaus FTW. (credit:Christopher Polk/MTV1415 via Getty Images)
The Happy Hippie Barbie Ensemble(08 of11)
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Pink leather vinyl pants + harness/nipple suspenders = the wildest Barbie-inspired ensemble we've ever seen. Bonus points for the nipple pasties -- a Miley fave. (credit:Christopher Polk/MTV1415 via Getty Images)
The Cut-Out Go-Go Dress(09 of11)
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Because a normal go-go dress would just be boring. (credit:Jeff Kravitz/MTV1415 via Getty Images)
The Chandelier Loincloth(10 of11)
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This chandelier-esque Versace number left very little to the imagination (we mean, Miley's derriere was pretty much exposed for the world to see). Is the bejeweled loincloth the new must-have fashion item for the fall? (credit:Jon Kopaloff via Getty Images)
The See-Through Baby Doll Dress(11 of11)
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And finally, Miley’s most revealing outfit of the night: a see-through baby doll dress with what looks like strategically-placed Smarties. (credit:Kevin Mazur/MTV1415 via Getty Images)