Cast your mind back to 2014. We're all still mourning the loss of BBM (RIP screen muncher), Alex from Target just went viral for being, well, Alex from Target, and you've just been nominated to do the dreaded ALS ice bucket challenge on Facebook. Ahhh good times.
But, the one cultural trend that trumps all is none other than flower crown hair accessories and halo braids. Yes, you read that right, these were such big trends that they are now basically categorised as movements. Well, not quite. But they did have us all running down to Topshop in hope that we'd be the next King Kylie of the UK, as well as researching through every YouTube tutorial in order to master the fishtail plait.
And now, one celebrity who has taken us right back to those times is the OG reality TV Queen herself, Paris Hilton. The star has us #living for this throwback moment where she is seen to be rocking the iconic halo braid on her Instagram story, which she has paired with a deep side part fringe and loose waves.
Now, back in the day, if you were really skilled and had long enough hair to do so, you'd plait your own locks and wrap the braid around your head and behind your eyes. However, if like me, your hand-eye coordination wasn't quite up to par with the rest of the beauty community, you'd have bought a faux hair halo plait headband.
We're not too surprised to see Paris sporting this look, as just a few days ago at Coachella Festival, she was spotted wearing her hair in a half-up half-down space bun 'do. So, it seems that she is bringing sexy all of our fav hairstyles back.
I guess it's time to jump back on over to YouTube and relearn how to do the fishtail plait. BRB, I may be a while.
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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 She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today.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.
