Recently, it feels like we’ve all been glued to our screens catching up on the latest Euphoria episodes, revelling in the Nate-Cassie-Maddy drama, and recreating every bedazzled makeup look Donni Davy throws our way. But one storyline that we all can’t stop talking about is Rue’s journey – so much so, everybody is calling for Zendaya to get an Emmy nom for the role.
Alongside her epic acting, the star is serving some major looks IRL, too and at this point, her renowned hair looks deserve an Emmy award alone. From pumpkin spice 50s-style haircuts to beautiful braids, there’s no style she can't pull off.
In the award-winning actress’s latest Instagram post, she is seen to be serving another gorgeous hair look with XXL mermaid wave extensions for a new Maison Valentino campaign.
But this isn’t the first time we’ve seen her rock this hair. After the 2021 Academy Awards, the Spider-Man star rocked incredible waves that had us digging out our old crimpers in an attempt to emulate her look of the night. That hairstyle transported us right back to the BaByliss wave hype circa 2011. Ahhh, the nostalgia.
Mermaid waves are truly doing the rounds ATM. In fact, as soon as Jennifer Lopez debuted them earlier this, we instantaneously knew it would be a big 2022 hair trend. Even Bella and Gigi Hadid are sporting them in a recent nude photoshoot.
If you want to jump on the crimped hair bandwagon, we’ve got you covered. Firstly, style your dry hair into a plait (you can do one plait, two, or more for a more defined finish). Then, with a heated straightener, run over each plait a few times– the same as you would when straightening. Undo the plaits and you are Good. To. Go. For a long-lasting finish, add a touch of finishing crème or a lightweight oil.
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Well, that’s it, I guess I’ve just convinced myself that I, too, can look like Zendaya. BRB, off to invest in some extensions and plait my hair…
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Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
