From romantic plaits to natural curls and controlled texture.
Published:When it comes to the red carpet, few stars do it quite like Zendaya. Renowned for her method-dressing approach, the actor consistently delivers carefully considered looks that feel connected to the project, character or occasion.
This year, however, it’s been the hair that has taken centre stage. From Spider-Man: Brand New Day to The Odyssey, each look feels intentional, with texture, movement and shape playing a key role.
We asked hairstylist Chris Grimley to break down some of Zendaya’s standout red carpet hair moments and explain what makes each look work.
At the New York City premiere of The Odyssey, Zendaya wore a custom Matières Fécales gown, complemented by an equally striking, almost angelic hairstyle.
Rather than opting for an ultra-sleek finish, the look embraces movement and volume, working with Zendaya’s natural texture rather than flattening it. The long plait has been intentionally pulled out in sections, creating a soft, romantic finish, while noticeable lift through the crown and around the face gives the style an ethereal, almost halo-like quality.
For stylists recreating this type of look, hydration is key.
“It’s important to use hydrating products for this style to keep the texture reflective and soft without weighing it down”.
The result demonstrates how enhancing natural texture can create a more dimensional and modern finish than attempting to make every strand perfectly smooth.
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For the London premiere of Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Zendaya kept her curls natural while opting for a shorter, more relaxed look.
The soft, separated bangs immediately draw attention, but the overall finish remains wearable. Strategically placed fly-aways and feathered edges prevent the style from appearing overly polished or ‘done’, giving it a more effortless quality.
The transition from the fringe into the longer layers is also important to the shape. Rather than creating excess bulk, the graduated movement allows the hair to retain its natural flow.
It’s a great example of how small details (from the positioning of the fringe to intentionally imperfect edges) can make a polished red carpet style feel more relaxed and contemporary.
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Texture doesn’t have to be completely controlled to look polished. When carefully shaped and balanced, natural movement and softness can elevate a red carpet hairstyle, creating something that feels both sophisticated and effortless.
Learn more from Chris Grimley with her SB article: The Science Behind Curl Patterns Why No Two Curls Are The Same.
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