How to Get Zendaya’s ‘The Odyssey’ Red Carpet Hair at Home
Zendaya stars as Athena in The Odyssey, Christopher Nolan’s latest film. Her looks on the press tour have been a major part of the conversation around the film. Her outfits and makeup have stood out, but many people are hoping to replicate her hairstyles from the red carpet. A beauty expert weighed in on why she’s sparking so much interest, and how to get a similar look.
The actor had looks inspired by the film on the red carpet
Though Zendaya’s screen time in The Odyssey is brief, she has made major waves on the press tour. Each of her looks was inspired by her character, the goddess Athena.
“Zendaya wore Grecian waves at The Odyssey premiere, a hairstyle inspired by ancient Mediterranean goddesses,” said Annabelle Taurua, a beauty expert at Fresha. “This style features voluminous, soft, cascading waves that look both natural and effortless.”
She has worn a variety of looks that emulate her character.
Zendaya’s hair on ‘The Odyssey’ press tour is sparking interest
At The Odyssey’s New York premiere, Zendaya wore a white dress with feathered wings. She wore her hair in a long braid with face-framing waves. Taurua disclosed why this look was so perfect for the red carpet.
“As Zendaya plays the goddess Athena in The Odyssey, this hairstyle allowed her to perfectly channel ancient Greece without looking too much like a costume, and instead, something that is wearable for a variety of occasions,” she said.
She expects this look to take over bridal trends in 2026.
“We anticipate that 2026 brides and bridesmaids will take inspiration from this romantic, effortless style, which pairs perfectly to add contrast and softness to a structured white gown like Zendaya’s red carpet look,” she said.
It’s an adaptable look though. People don’t need a special occasion to try it out.
“But it doesn’t have to be a red carpet or wedding to pull off this look,” Taurua said. “The beauty of Grecian waves is their adaptability as a summer and holiday style, especially as soft curves are flattering on most face shapes, hair lengths, and textures. The flowing S-shaped waves can offer a perfect holiday look when you want to look refined without appearing overly formal, from sightseeing to evening dinners.”
How do you get Zendaya’s hair from ‘The Odyssey’ press tour?
While Zendaya had a glam team, people at home can achieve a similar hair look.
“If you have naturally curly hair, scrunching your wet hair with curl cream or oils will most likely help you achieve Grecian waves; if not, a hair waver will achieve the same kind of waves,” Taurua said. “Once the waves are achieved, create a relaxed, half-up, half-down braid; either a regular or a fishtail works wonderfully.”
She added that the look is good in the heat. It can also stay for days at a time.
“When styled with a lightweight product, Grecian waves can hold their shape even in warm weather, while still allowing movement, and they pair well with humidity-friendly updos,” she said. “Also, if the waves loosen after a day or two, they often transition into relaxed beachy waves rather than looking untidy. Salt sprays will also help to give that beachy, desert-like movement often synonymous with Greek goddesses.”
