From Locs to Baroque Bobs: Zendaya’s Best Hair Moments Ever
Zendaya’s hair transformations redefine celebrity beauty, from waist-length locs to edgy micro bangs and baroque bobs.
Much like her ever-evolving style, Zendaya's mane has always made quite a statement.
Zendaya consistently turns heads with her textured tresses, from flaunting her natural curls to experimenting with bold, transformative hues. Celebrating her heritage, the Dune actor has proudly showcased culturally rich styles like waist-length locs, box braids, and oversized cornrows. Just as effortlessly, she’s wowed with theatrical updos, like the teased honeyed look she donned at the 2024 Met Gala (alongside her Maison Margiela by John Galliano gown) or the '70s-esque tousled shag she sported at the Dune press tour stop in London.
Like any it-girl, Zendaya seamlessly reinvents her look time and time again. Her versatility is on full display across her red carpet appearances. They serve as a portfolio and a masterclass on how to own a swath of looks. Of course, the spotlight isn’t just on the Euphoria actor—it’s also on hairstylists like Ursula Stephens. The renowned celebrity hairstylist is responsible for some of Zendaya’s most iconic hairstyles, including her dramatic blonde transformation during the press tour for Challengers over the summer.
No matter the length, color, or texture, her hair always signals a new chapter. Keep scrolling to see some of Zendaya’s best hairstyles over the years.
Zendaya's Locs
Zendaya stepped onto the red carpet at the 87th Academy Awards in 2015 wearing an ivory Vivienne Westwood gown, but it was her hairstyle that became the center of attention (and racialized controversy). She paired the look with waist-length locs pulled back and a side part at the scalp.
Former E! correspondent Giuliana Rancic made racist remarks about the style on an episode of Fashion Police, where she said, “I feel like she smells like patchouli oil... and weed.” Zendaya called the remarks "ignorant" in an Instagram post at the time, and spoke further on the situation in a 2021 cover interview with W Magazine. “That’s how change happens,” Zendaya said, referring to Mattel creating a Barbie doll honoring the look with locs.
Zendaya as a Redhead
Zendaya entered her red era for the press rollout ahead of Spider-Man: Far From Home in 2019. Truly embracing her role as Mary Jane Watson (MJ), Zendaya traded in her natural brown hair for the auburn tone. (While some speculated she made the color change to play Ariel for the live-action The Little Mermaid reboot, she confirmed in a tweet on X (formerly Twitter) the look was in fact an homage to the Spider-Man character.) She donned the color again for the 71st Emmy Awards, in a look that closely resembled Poison Ivy.
Zendaya's Baroque Bob
Zendaya turned heads at the 54th NAACP Image Awards while sporting iconic archive pieces from Versace and Alaïa. Her embrace of the baroque bob ignited a frenzy online as well. The sleek style is reminiscent of 17th-century opulence and Old Hollywood glamour, with a contemporary twist. Sculpted and styled with intricate waves and volume, the style is a refined take on a classic shape. She’s frequently been seen with the look this year, most recently on a New York City outing with boyfriend Tom Holland.
Zendaya With Braids
Zendaya is a fan of braids (in many forms). She went for knotless box braids in 2020, sporting the hairstyle for the 25th Annual Critics’ Choice Awards and in a viral Instagram post. To receive the Fashion Icon award at the CFDA Fashion Awards in 2021, she opted for jumbo box braids in an ombre hue. In keeping with her fondness of protective styles, she attended the Spider-Man: No Way Home premiere in Los Angeles with oversized cornrows that cascaded down her back.
Zendaya's Extra-Long Hair
Zendaya stunned at the Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2024 womenswear show at Paris Fashion Week in 2023 with a striking look of extra-long, super-straight tresses styled to perfection by Tai Simon. This floor-length hair, which draped past her waist, turned heads alongside her cream-colored gown. Her Rapunzel-like locs have become a signature of hers, especially this year. Her 2024 appearance at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony featured a coif in homage to one of Cher’s trademark hairstyles.
Zendaya With Edgy Bangs
Zendaya arrived at the Schiaparelli Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2024 show and unveiled super-straight micro, bangs flanked by long strands on either side, complementing her sharp, sleek hair. She continued rocking the bangs at the Fendi Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2024 show, pairing them with a low bun instead of wearing her hair down.
Blonde Zendaya
To kick off the press tour for Challengers in April, Zendaya debuted bright blonde hair and clearly enjoyed styling her honey hue. We saw her in Old Hollywood-like waves, a high-ponytail braid, long, choppy bangs, "wet" hair, and luscious waves.
