Zendaya's Halo Braid & Bronzed Skin Are Pinterest Board-Approved
Our take
The resurgence of the halo braid, as exemplified by Zendaya’s recent premiere look for *The Odyssey*, isn’t merely a fleeting trend; it’s a fascinating cultural echo, signaling a broader shift towards a more grounded, romanticized aesthetic. The article rightly points to the early 2010s’ obsession with all things Grecian – gladiator sandals, flowing fabrics, and, of course, the ubiquitous loose braid. That era felt very much about performative bohemianism, a consciously cultivated sense of carefree wanderlust. Now, we’re seeing a return, but with a key difference: a refinement and a sense of quiet confidence that aligns perfectly with the current mood of understated luxury. It's a far cry from the festival-driven, sometimes chaotic energy of that earlier wave. This feels less about projecting an image and more about embodying a feeling, a connection to something timeless and inherently feminine. Interestingly, this echoes the broader conversations around beauty and style we're seeing, like the recent piece on finding beauty staples worthy of the "beauty editor stamp of approval [You Get the Beauty Editor Stamp of Approval if This Product Is in Your Makeup Bag], suggesting a move away from fleeting fads and towards enduring, quality-driven choices. It's a subtle but significant recalibration.
The pairing of the halo braid with Zendaya’s bronzed skin further solidifies this trend’s appeal. The glowy makeup, reminiscent of festival season, isn’t about the harsh, sculpted contouring that dominated the mid-2010s. Instead, it’s a warm, diffused radiance that feels both healthy and effortlessly chic. It's the visual equivalent of a sun-kissed mood, a sense of ease and natural beauty. This aesthetic also speaks to a growing desire for authenticity and a rejection of overly-filtered or manufactured appearances. Consider, too, how this aligns with the current emphasis on mindful consumption and a curated lifestyle. We're seeing a lessening of the desire for constant novelty, and an increasing appreciation for pieces and looks that have staying power. That's why the exploration of accessible, foundational beauty products, as discussed in [I Thought My Summer Wardrobe Was Complete—Then These 31 New Arrivals Dropped], feels so relevant. Both are about investing in pieces that feel both timeless and personally meaningful.
The broader significance of this development lies in its reflection of a cultural yearning for connection – to nature, to history, and to a deeper sense of self. The Grecian aesthetic, at its core, represents a connection to ancient wisdom, to a world of mythology and enduring beauty. The halo braid, in particular, evokes a sense of ethereal grace and timelessness. It’s a visual shorthand for a feeling of serenity and self-assuredness. This isn’t a style being pushed by influencers or dictated by fleeting trends; it’s a style that feels inherently right, a style that resonates with a desire for grounding and authenticity. There’s a quiet power in embracing something so classically feminine, so subtly elegant. It’s a statement that’s made not through volume or flash, but through a sense of confident composure. The return of this aesthetic highlights a shift away from performative trends and towards a more considered, intentional approach to style.
Looking ahead, it's worth considering how this trend will evolve. Will it remain solely rooted in the Grecian inspiration, or will it morph into something new, incorporating contemporary elements and interpretations? Will we see a proliferation of variations on the halo braid, or will its inherent simplicity and elegance preserve its timeless appeal? Perhaps the most interesting question is whether this return to classic beauty represents a larger shift in the beauty landscape – a move away from the constant pursuit of the "next big thing" and towards a more enduring appreciation for timeless style and effortless grace. The beauty industry, and the wider cultural conversation around aesthetics, is poised to reveal the answers.
You couldn’t throw a Coachella wristband in the 2010s without hitting a pair of gladiator sandals or a loose braid with wispy tendrils; the Greek goddess vibes were truly everywhere. While the three-millennia-old style hasn’t been as on trend for the last decade or so, something tells me that Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey — or, more specifically, Zendaya’s press tour looks for The Odyssey —is about to resurrect the trend once more. Starting with the halo-braid hairstyle and glowy makeup the actor wore to the film’s world premiere in London.
Hitting the red carpet for the July 6 event, Zendaya donned two perfectly on-theme, Law Roach-styled gowns: A bust-molded Schiaparelli Haute Couture number from the Fall/Winter '26 collection — which, mind you, had just hit the runway that morning — and a gauzy green sheath with a leaf-accented bodice by Valentino. To complement them both, hairstylist Coree Moreno gave the star a flowing, loosely halo-braided ‘do that would be right at home on Mt. Olympus (or in Indio). “This textured Grecian half-up, half-down was rooted in softness, caramel hues and wispy separation,” Moreno said in an Instagram post.
For makeup, artist Ernesto Casillas also leaned into the Athena energy. (The actor plays the goddess of wisdom in the film.) “I wanted to give Zendaya a bronzed, sun-kissed, and radiant complexion worthy of a glowing Greek goddess,” Casillas said in a statement. He used a suite of skin care-forward Charlotte Tilbury products — including the Magic Cream, Magic Serum Crystal Elixir, and Unreal Highlighter in Glazed Goddess — to achieve this gleaming goal. For the eyes, he used the brand’s Exagger-Eyes Easy Eyeshadow Sticks in Nude Sculpt, Mink Sculpt, and Satin Diamonds to create a “light, mesmerizing” look that echoed “the ethereal elegance of the dress.”
While the glamorous ensemble was as haute as it was divine, I couldn’t help but peep one other ‘10s-esque detail: Zendaya’s manicure, which was short and black. (Essentially the 2010s millennial version of a French manicure.) Maybe at some point on this press tour, Team Z will bring back the owl necklace — after all, the bird is one of Athena’s major symbols.
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