Halo hairstyle

What it is

The halo hairstyle creates the visual impression of a glowing ring around the head. It consists of one or more horizontal bands of distinct colour, typically a lighter shade such as blond, wrapped around the crown. To achieve the intended radiant effect, the rest of the hair usually serves as a darker base. This contrast makes the light band stand out clearly. The placement is high on the head, ensuring the look persists even as the hair grows out. It is a deliberate styling choice that relies on colour blocking rather than cut or shape.

Where it comes from

Singer Caroline Polachek wore this style as early as 2013 while performing with the synth-pop group Chairlift. It remained a niche look until it captured widespread media attention in 2026. American figure skater Alysa Liu sported the hairstyle during the Winter Olympics that year, where she won gold medals in both the women's singles and team events. Her visibility brought the style into mainstream conversation. Singer Rosalía also adopted the look in 2025 while promoting her album Lux, which featured Catholic themes.

What it means

The name derives from the visual similarity to a religious halo, a symbol of sanctity or divine light. Rosalía’s use of the style coincided with an album surrounded by Catholic iconography, reinforcing this spiritual aesthetic. For others, it serves as a bold fashion statement. Alysa Liu described the annual application as creating an appearance akin to tree rings, suggesting a marker of time or personal growth. The style transforms hair into a graphic element, using contrast to draw attention to the face and head shape.

How it is made

Stylists apply horizontal bands of lightener or dye to mimic a halo. The process often requires a dark base colour to ensure the lighter band appears radiant and distinct. If the natural hair is not dark enough, the base may be dyed darker first to increase contrast. The band is positioned towards the top of the head. Application can be time-consuming; Liu noted her session took five hours with hairstylist Kelsey Miller. The style is maintained by reapplying the band periodically, with Liu stating she does so once a year.

Who and what it suits

This style works best on hair that can support a strong contrast between the base and the band. A darker natural or dyed base is ideal to make the blond or light-coloured band pop. It suits individuals willing to commit to regular colour maintenance. The horizontal placement draws the eye across the upper head, which can balance facial features. It is adaptable to various hair lengths, provided there is enough length to wrap the band around the crown effectively.

Versions

The primary variation involves the number of bands used, though the classic look uses a single horizontal strip. Some may choose different shades for the band, but blond is the most typical choice for the radiant effect. The width of the band can vary, creating a subtle highlight or a bold stripe. Liu described her recurring applications as creating alternating stripes, similar to tree rings, which suggests a layered variant over time. The base colour can also be adjusted to deepen the contrast further.

Questions people ask about Halo hairstyle

Good reading and sources

• Halo hairstyle on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data