At the 2026 Oscars, Zendaya once again delivered a beauty moment that balanced precision with effortless elegance. Known for constantly reinventing her look, this year she embraced a more refined aesthetic.
Her hair, crafted by Moroccanoil Stylist Ambassador Ursula Stephen, marked a shift from her recent natural texture to a smoother, more sculpted finish. The style was understated yet intentional, with soft volume at the crown and lengths tucked neatly behind the ears. It framed her face beautifully, allowing her features and overall styling to shine without distraction.
The key to this look lay in its finish. The hair had a healthy, light-reflecting sheen, paired with movement that felt natural rather than overly set. Also, it’s this balance of control and fluidity that elevated the style from simple to red carpet–ready.
Step-by-Step: Get Zendaya’s Oscars Hair Look
Stephen’s approach focused on layering products and technique to build a polished finish:
- Prep & Prime: She began with Moroccanoil Treatment Mist to smooth frizz and add shine, creating a flawless base. This was followed by Moroccanoil Hydrating Styling Cream, which moisturised the hair while offering a soft, flexible hold.
- Detangle & Set the Direction: The hair was detangled and brushed into place using a Tangle Teezer brush, ensuring a smooth, controlled starting point for styling.
- Blow-Dry for Shape: Using the GHD Air Professional Dual Airflow Hair Dryer paired with a ceramic radial brush, the hair was blow-dried in the direction of the final style. This step helped achieve sleekness while maintaining natural movement.
- Add Volume: Velcro rollers were placed at the crown to introduce subtle lift as well as body. This is key to avoiding a flat, overly slick finish.
- Finish & Set: Once cooled, the hair was gently combed into place and tucked behind the ears. The look was locked in using Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray Strong, delivering hold without stiffness.
Complementing the hair was makeup that echoed the same philosophy of refined minimalism. Zendaya’s complexion appeared luminous, with soft sculpting that enhanced her natural bone structure. Neutral tones on the eyes added depth without heaviness, while defined lashes kept the look camera-ready. A muted lip shade tied everything together, reinforcing the understated elegance of the overall aesthetic.
Red carpets are often dominated by bold, high-impact beauty. Zendaya’s Oscars appearance stood out for its restraint. It was a reminder that true sophistication lies not in excess, but in intention, where every detail, from product to finish, works in perfect harmony.
