When Olympic champion Alysa Liu stepped onto the ice at the 2026 Winter Olympics, the world wasn’t just watching her incredible performance but people were also captivated by her striking hairstyle. The 20-year-old figure skater, who won Olympic gold in women’s singles and the team event, instantly became a beauty trendsetter thanks to her bold “halo hair.”
Her unique look quickly went viral across TikTok, Pinterest, and beauty blogs, sparking a new wave of interest in the halo hairstyle. With its edgy yet artistic appearance, the trend is now inspiring people everywhere to experiment with creative hair color and self-expression.
What Is the Halo Hairstyle?
Halo hair is a distinctive coloring technique where one or more horizontal bands of lighter color wrap around the head, creating a glowing ring effect that resembles a halo.
Unlike traditional highlights or balayage, halo hair focuses on bold, visible rings that stand out against a darker base color. The result is a dramatic, high-contrast look that adds depth and movement to the hair.
In Alysa Liu’s case, soft milky-blonde rings were painted over her darker hair, forming multiple halo bands that became instantly recognizable on the ice.
The style feels modern, artistic, and slightly rebellious — which is exactly why it has become so popular among Gen Z fashion lovers.
The Meaning Behind Alysa Liu’s Halo Hair
What makes Liu’s hairstyle even more interesting is that it isn’t just about aesthetics. The halo rings in her hair actually carry symbolic meaning.
According to Liu, each band represents a “tree ring,” symbolizing time, growth, and the different chapters of her life.
After stepping away from competitive skating as a teenager and later returning to win Olympic gold, Liu wanted a hairstyle that reflected her personal journey. Every ring added to her hair represents a year of growth, resilience, and self-discovery.
This deeper meaning is one reason the hairstyle resonates with so many fans. It’s not just a beauty trend — it’s also a form of personal storytelling.
Why the Halo Hair Trend Is Going Viral
The “Alysa Liu effect” has turned halo hair into one of the most talked-about beauty trends of the year. Social media users quickly began recreating the look and sharing their versions online.
Several factors explain why the style is gaining so much attention:
1. It’s unique and eye-catching
Halo hair instantly stands out because of the bold horizontal color bands.
2. It reflects individuality
Liu’s unapologetic personal style has inspired people to embrace more creative and unconventional beauty choices.
3. It fits the Y2K and alt-style revival
Fashion trends from the early 2000s are returning, and halo hair aligns perfectly with the edgy aesthetic popular on platforms like TikTok and Pinterest.
As a result, hairstylists are seeing increasing requests for halo highlights and similar graphic coloring techniques.
How the Halo Hair Look Is Created
Creating halo hair requires careful placement of color around the crown of the head. Instead of blending highlights throughout the hair, the stylist paints a defined ring of lighter color that wraps around the head.
The process can take several hours depending on the number of halo bands and the desired contrast between colors. In Liu’s case, professional hairstylists used a hand-painting technique to create her signature halo rings.
The final look is bold but surprisingly wearable, especially when paired with layered cuts or textured hairstyles.
How People Are Styling the Trend
Since Liu’s Olympic appearance, halo hair has started appearing in many creative variations:
- Soft blonde halos on brunette hair
- Pastel halo bands in pink or lavender
- Neon halos for an edgy alt aesthetic
- Subtle caramel halos for a more natural look
Some people are even combining halo hair with other trends like wolf cuts, shag hairstyles, or layered bangs.
The beauty of the trend is that it can be customized to match different personalities and aesthetics.
Why Alysa Liu Became a Style Icon
Part of what makes Liu so influential is her authenticity. Known for her relaxed attitude and fearless personality, she represents a new generation of athletes who embrace creativity and individuality.
Her Olympic win already made her a global sports star, but her distinctive style , including her halo hair, has also turned her into a fashion and beauty inspiration.
In a world where many athletes stick to traditional looks, Liu’s bold aesthetic proves that personal expression can exist even on the world’s biggest stage.
