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When Alysa Liu — the 20-year-old American figure skater who took gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics — hit the ice, it wasn’t just her jumps that captivated audiences.
Source: Matthew Stockman//Getty Images
Her hairstyle quickly became a trend moment in its own right: a bold, artistic blend of color and personal meaning that’s now inspiring hairstylists and beauty apps worldwide.
Let's learn more about this bold and eyecatching hair trend like Alysa Kiu did!
What Is the Alysa Liu Hairstyle Trend?
Rather than a typical color or cut, Liu’s look is all about horizontal halo-style stripes — alternating bands of dark brunette and bleached platinum blonde that wrap around her head like rings on a tree trunk.
This look is being dubbed:
- “Halo Hair” — a circular placement of lighter color that highlights the crown and top sections of the head.
- “Halos” and “Stripes” — visibly stacked bands that draw attention in motion and photos alike.
- Modern Raccoon or Scene Revival — fans even note parallels with early 2000s raccoon-tail hair tones, now reimagined with a sleek Olympic twist.
This combination of high-contrast color and geometry makes the style cinematic, perfect for AI or AR hairstyle filters in apps like YouCam Makeup.
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Inspiration & Meaning
Unlike most celebrity trends that are purely aesthetic, Liu’s style carries personal symbolism:
“Every year, I add a stripe. It's gonna be like this for a year, then—next wintertime, end of December—I do another ring.” — Alysa Liu (NBC)
The stripes mark milestones in her life and career, making each band a visual timeline, not just a beauty choice. This emotional layer adds depth to why the look resonates with fans — it isn’t just fashion for fashion’s sake.
How to Try This Alysa Liu Haircut?
Here is a simple step-to-step guide to join this Alysa Liu trend!
Step 1. Open YouCam Makeup
Open the app and click on “Hairstyle” to start.
Step 2. Upload your photo
A photo with your face clear and focused would work the best.
Step 3. Choose the Look
Choose the styles "Two-Tone Blonde Cut" which makes you turn into Alysa Liu in seconds!
Once satisfied, save your portrait in a high resolution.
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The #1 Virtual Makeover & Selfie Camera App.
Experience real-time AR makeup trials.
Give The Halo Hair Trend A Try
Halo hair, dimensional highlights, and expressive color bands are already being recognized as one of 2026’s biggest hair trends, driven by celebrities like Liu and Rosalía, and shared widely across fashion media.
Ready to make a bold statement like Alysa Liu? Now’s the perfect time to experiment with the halo stripe trend and create a look that tells your own story.
With YouCam Makeup, you can instantly try high-contrast bands, platinum halos, or even colorful custom stripes — all without touching a drop of dye. Whether you’re channeling Olympic-level confidence or just refreshing your everyday style, this is your sign to step into the spotlight and join Alysa’s viral hair moment!
Alysa Liu's Hairstyle Trend FAQs
Who is Alysa Liu?
Alysa Liu is an American figure skater known for her technical excellence and bold personal style. In 2026, her distinctive striped “halo hair” became a viral beauty trend.
What is the Alysa Liu halo hairstyle?
The Alysa Liu hairstyle features horizontal stripe highlights, often alternating between dark brunette and platinum blonde. The bands wrap around the head like tree rings, creating a bold, graphic contrast.
Why is Alysa Liu’s hair trending right now?
Her look gained attention during major skating appearances in 2026, where her high-contrast striped color stood out on the ice and across social media. The hairstyle blends personal storytelling, artistic expression, and Y2K revival vibes, making it highly shareable.
What is “halo hair”?
“Halo hair” refers to a circular highlight placement technique where lighter tones wrap around the crown or mid-section of the hair, forming a halo-like effect rather than traditional vertical highlights.
How can I try the Alysa Liu hairstyle without dyeing my hair?
You can preview the look using AR beauty apps like YouCam Makeup, which allow you to simulate striped highlights, bold contrasts, and custom color placements before committing to permanent dye.
Is halo stripe hair hard to maintain?
Yes, high-contrast colors like platinum blonde require regular toning and touch-ups. Since the stripes grow out visibly, maintenance appointments are recommended every 4–8 weeks.
Can halo hair work on all hair types?
Yes. The stripe placement can be customized for straight, wavy, or curly hair. The contrast effect is especially eye-catching on layered cuts and medium-to-long lengths.
Is this trend inspired by Y2K raccoon highlights?
Many fans compare it to early 2000s raccoon highlights, but Alysa Liu’s version is more structured, symbolic, and modernized with clean band placement.
