With the first trailer for Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers now upon us, we couldn't be more excited for the film's release [15 September 2023]. I mean, *that* steamy throuple make-out sesh had us major side-eyeing our surroundings... Nevertheless, what couldn't keep our eyes averted for too long was star of the show, Zendaya and her four different hairstyles. Overachiever much?
OK, Z's ability to pull off just about every single hairstyle may have me a little begrudged but that doesn't take away from how good she, of course, looks – but did we expect anything less?
In the 2 minutes and 16 seconds of screen time shared, the actor sports a bob cut, extra long mermaid waves, glossy liquid hair and a plaited pony. Spot them all below:
At the beginning of the clip, the leading lady, Tashi, who is a young tennis player, is shown to have long wavy locks. Sometimes styled up and in a sleek plait and other times down and pin-straight, it's clear that these lengths didn't last very long as she soon undergoes a dramatic hair transformation.
Very much like her IRL counterpart, Tashi is later shown to be rocking a chin-length bob haircut. The style is reminiscent of Zendaya's Old Hollywood look from the 2023 SAG Awards and the sunkissed honey blonde highlights take us back to her February tone.
With this in mind, and the inevitabilities of the movie being shot a while back, perhaps this all took place around a similar time?
Everyone's clicking on...
So, I pose the question: Is this the real reason behind Zendaya's dramatic chop circa five months ago? I guess we'll never know.
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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 She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today.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.
