Every time Zendaya steps out, she somehow manages to spark a new trend, often without even trying. While promoting The Odyssey, Christopher Nolan’s latest film, the actress debuted a hairstyle that quickly caught the attention of beauty lovers.
This time, there was no intricate updo or perfectly polished blowout. Instead, she opted for a half-up hairstyle that enhances wavy hair while keeping it away from the face. It looks like the kind of style that takes ages to create, but it’s actually surprisingly easy to recreate.
The Perfect Hairstyle for Warm Weather
On July 14, 2026, Zendaya joined part of the cast of The Odyssey at the film’s New York photocall. Alongside Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Matt Damon, Lupita Nyong’o, and Charlize Theron, she once again turned heads. While her white gown by Matières Fécales generated plenty of buzz, her hairstyle attracted just as much attention.
The actress chose a half-up look that leaves the lengths loose while keeping the front sections neatly pulled back. The result is polished without looking overdone, which is probably why so many people are drawn to it. It feels light, shows off natural waves, and is comfortable to wear during hot summer days. That balance between effortless and elegant is exactly what makes it so appealing. It’s a hairstyle that works just as well for everyday wear as it does for a special occasion, without ever looking too formal.
On TikTok, hairstylist Matt Loves Hair, who has more than three million followers, quickly broke down the look. According to him, it’s inspired by a technique made popular by content creator Marley Arnold. The idea is simple: small sections of hair are connected with tiny clear elastics to create the illusion of a braid, without actually braiding the hair.
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Why It’s So Easy to Recreate?
One of the biggest reasons this hairstyle has become so popular is that it doesn’t require any special tools or advanced styling skills. All you need are a few clear elastic bands. Small sections of hair are tied together one after another, alternating from one side of the face to the other. Each new section incorporates the previous one, gradually creating a soft, woven effect before the finished style is flipped toward the back of the head.
The technique works especially well on wavy or curly hair, although it can easily be adapted for straighter textures too. Leaving a few loose strands around the face keeps the look soft and natural while adding a subtle romantic touch. It’s also a great alternative to the classic bun or ponytail for anyone who wants to keep their hair away from their face without tying everything back.
Zendaya’s Go-to Routine For Soft, Defined Curls
Of course, the hairstyle wouldn’t have the same impact without healthy, well-maintained hair. In an interview with Elle magazine, the actress shared that she washes her hair every three days using an argan oil shampoo, followed by a conditioner to keep it hydrated.
“I like to keep my hair pretty natural. [After cleansing] I’ll scrunch it up with a little product to help my curl pattern. And once or twice a week, I put coconut oil through my hair and let it sit. I’ll use any grocery-store brand, as long as it’s 100 percent real coconut oil,” she said.
After washing, she detangles her hair while it’s still wet using a wide-tooth comb, then applies a leave-in conditioner designed for curly hair. She gently dries her hair with a microfiber towel before finishing with a diffuser, which helps maintain curl definition.
At night, she gathers her hair into a loose pineapple bun and sleeps on a satin pillowcase, two habits that help reduce friction and keep curls looking fresh for longer.
