How to Achieve Alysa Liu’s Signature Hairstyle

Alysa Liu’s hair became almost as recognizable as her skating during the 2026 Winter Olympics. While most figure skaters leaned toward polished buns and traditional glam styling, Liu showed up with bold horizontal blonde rings dyed through her dark hair, creating what people started calling “halo hair.” The look instantly stood out on the ice because it felt completely different from the usual figure skating aesthetic. Instead of trying to blend into the sport’s long-established image, Liu leaned fully into her alternative style, pairing the hair with heavy eyeliner, piercings, and a more Gen Z-inspired fashion sense. The hairstyle became so associated with her Olympic run that it turned into one of the defining visual trends of the games.

The Origin of Her Signature Style

What made the hairstyle especially interesting was the meaning behind it. Liu explained in interviews that the rings were inspired by the growth rings of a tree. She started adding one new dyed ring every year beginning in 2023, turning the hairstyle into a kind of timeline of her life and personal growth. In one interview, she simply said, “I just wanted to be a tree.” She also explained that each year she adds another stripe during the winter season, making the style evolve over time instead of staying static. Originally, she dyed the rings herself at home using gingery blonde shades, but before the Olympics she decided she wanted the color lighter and more dramatic, eventually working with hairstylist Kelsey Miller to achieve the brighter “milk tea” blonde tone seen during the games.

How to Achieve The “Halo Hair”

To achieve a similar look, the process is much more complicated than standard highlights or balayage. The hair is sectioned horizontally into ring-like layers that wrap around the head, almost like contour lines on a map. The blonde sections are carefully bleached while leaving darker natural hair between each ring to create the striped effect. Since Liu naturally has very dark hair, multiple bleaching sessions were reportedly needed to get the lighter blonde color she wanted. The haircut itself also plays a major role. Liu’s hair usually sits around shoulder length with heavy texture and choppy layering, which helps the rings separate visually instead of blending together. Stylists say the look works best when the hair has movement and dimension rather than being perfectly sleek. Many people attempting the style now use softer versions with fewer rings, warmer blonde shades, or hidden halo sections underneath the top layer of hair for a more wearable everyday version.

The Vision

Part of why the hairstyle became so popular is because it represented something bigger than just hair color. Alysa Liu’s entire Olympic image felt rebellious compared to the traditionally conservative image of figure skating. Her striped hair, relaxed personality, and unapologetic self-expression made her stand out in a sport that often rewards conformity. Fashion and beauty writers described her look as bringing “alt-girl” energy into Olympic figure skating, and many fans saw the hairstyle as a symbol of individuality rather than just a trend. By the end of the Olympics, her halo hair had become one of the most talked-about beauty looks of 2026, inspiring countless recreations online and pushing the halo dye pattern back into mainstream popularity.

Make Yourself Stand Out with Yuji Hair Boutique

If Alysa Liu’s halo hair has you thinking about trying something bold and completely unique, we can help customize the look, color placement, and cut to create a version that fits your style perfectly! Contact us today for consultation.

Sources:
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/olympic-champ-alysa-liu-reveals-145819935.html
https://www.newsweek.com/sports/alysa-liu-reveals-the-meaning-behind-her-now-viral-olympics-hairstyle-11509123
https://www.allure.com/story/figure-skater-alysa-liu-hair-olympics
https://www.thefader.com/2026/02/12/alysa-liu-hair-stylist-alternative-ice-skater
https://www.nbcbayarea.com/olympics/2026-milan-cortina/whats-the-inspiration-behind-alysa-lius-hairstyle/4040952/