The 2026 ESPYS Awards were a night of celebration and recognition for the athletic elite, and figure skating phenom Alysa Liu commanded attention not only for her groundbreaking achievements but also for her striking red carpet presence. Liu, a two-time World Champion and Olympic bronze medalist, has long been celebrated for her electrifying performances on the ice, characterized by daring jumps and artistic flair. Beyond her athletic prowess, her signature bold, striped hair has become an iconic element of her public persona, a visual representation of her vibrant spirit and willingness to push boundaries. For this year’s ESPYS, where she was honored with the Best Breakthrough Athlete award, her hairstylist, Anh Co Tran, crafted an intentionally undone updo that perfectly encapsulated Liu’s unique blend of elegance and edgy confidence.
The ESPYS, formally known as the Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly Awards, are an annual ceremony presented by ESPN to honor the greatest athletes and sporting moments of the year. Established in 1993, the awards have grown into a significant cultural event, often drawing A-list celebrities and prominent figures from across the sports world. The 2026 ceremony, held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California, marked a significant milestone for Liu, who, at just 21 years old, has already achieved a level of success rarely seen in figure skating. Her selection as the Best Breakthrough Athlete underscored her rapid ascent and profound impact on the sport, solidifying her position as a generational talent.
Liu’s choice of attire for the evening, a sleek, backless black Louis Vuitton halter gown, provided the perfect canvas for Tran’s hairstyling masterpiece. The design of the dress, with its minimalist yet sculptural silhouette, fully showcased Liu’s back, creating an opportune moment for her to wear a delicate beaded cross necklace in reverse and to highlight her distinctive lower back tattoo, styled in a cybersigilism aesthetic. The updo, by keeping her hair entirely off her neck, created a seamless line that accentuated the gown’s dramatic open back, allowing the entire ensemble to achieve a harmonious and impactful presentation.
The Artistry Behind the Updo: A Collaboration of Style
Hairstylist Anh Co Tran, known for his sophisticated yet effortlessly cool aesthetic, elaborated on his creative process for Liu’s ESPYS look. "Inspired by a soft, undone French knot," Tran explained to Allure, "I wanted to create a style that complemented the dress’s sculptural draping while bringing the entire look together. I added natural texture and movement to her hair to give it a subtle edge, creating a finish that felt both effortlessly refined and embodied her free spirit." This philosophy of balancing refinement with an intrinsic sense of freedom is a hallmark of Liu’s public image, reflecting her dynamic personality both on and off the ice.
The "intentionally imperfect" nature of the updo was a deliberate choice, moving away from rigid, overly polished styles. This approach aligns with contemporary trends in hairstyling that embrace a more relaxed and natural aesthetic, even in formal settings. The subtle disheveledness, achieved through carefully placed strands and a soft texture, contributed to the overall aura of effortless chic, allowing Liu’s natural beauty and the striking details of her gown to take center stage. The inclusion of natural texture and movement was crucial, providing a counterpoint to the structured elegance of the Louis Vuitton creation.
Integrating Signature Style: The Impact of Liu’s Bold Hair
A pivotal element influencing the updo’s construction was Liu’s signature boldly striped hair. The high-contrast color, a defining feature of her look, was not merely an accessory but an integral part of the styling strategy. "We certainly factored Alysa’s signature stripes into this look to make sure the patterns of her hair were brought out when it was put up," Tran stated. "I made sure the blonde part accentuated the style." This thoughtful integration ensured that her distinctive hair color enhanced, rather than detracted from, the overall aesthetic. The strategic placement of the blonde highlights within the updo added dimension and visual interest, drawing the eye and further emphasizing the intricate styling. This approach highlights a sophisticated understanding of how hair color can be leveraged as a design element in updos, transforming a potentially challenging feature into a unique strength.
The Technical Craftsmanship: Achieving Effortless Elegance
The creation of Liu’s updo involved a meticulous application of professional styling techniques and products, aimed at achieving both hold and a desirable texture. Tran began by applying a foam mousse from the roots to the ends of Liu’s damp hair. This foundational step is crucial for providing volume, control, and a smooth base for styling. Following the mousse, a frizz-eliminating oil was applied, a key product for ensuring a polished finish and preventing flyaways, particularly important for an updo that needs to maintain its shape throughout an event.
For the drying process, Tran utilized the L’Oréal Professionnel AirLight Pro, a tool praised for its precise heat control and efficient styling capabilities. "The device’s precise heat control allowed me to style efficiently, imparting a beautiful natural sheen without flattening or overdrying the strands," he commented. The hair was rough-dried until it was approximately halfway dry before the smoothing nozzle was attached for section-by-section styling. This method allows for greater control and ensures that the hair is not subjected to excessive heat, preserving its natural health and shine. The technology’s ability to deliver a natural sheen without compromising the hair’s integrity is a testament to its advanced design.
Sculpting the Style: From Waves to Knot
After the initial drying and smoothing, Tran focused on shaping soft, lived-in waves throughout Liu’s hair. This created a subtle texture that would provide grip and visual interest within the updo. To further enhance hold and volume at the roots, a texturizing paste was worked into the hair. This product is ideal for providing structure and a slightly matte finish, preventing the style from appearing too sleek or stiff.
The hair was then divided into four distinct sections. Each section was twisted and carefully guided towards the crown, forming the loose French knot. The "intentionally leaving the ends out and a few pieces unpinned" was a critical detail in achieving the desired undone, yet elegant, aesthetic. This deliberate imperfection adds a touch of relaxed sophistication, making the style appear more natural and less contrived.
Framing the Face: The Role of Curtain Bangs
Liu’s curtain bangs were styled with equal attention to detail, framing her face to complement the overall look. Tran used the AirLight Pro to shape the bangs, parting them down the middle. The longer front pieces were intentionally left loose, creating a soft, romantic effect that added to the effortless charm of the hairstyle. This framing is essential for balancing the volume and structure of the updo, ensuring that Liu’s facial features are beautifully highlighted.
Securing the Style: Finishing Touches for Longevity and Movement
To ensure the updo remained intact throughout the awards ceremony while maintaining its airy texture, Tran employed a strategic combination of finishing products. A styling cream was used to further refine the texture and add a subtle sheen. This was followed by a layer of hairspray, providing essential hold without stiffness. The final step involved a mist of texturizing spray, a product designed to enhance grip, add volume, and impart a touch of lived-in texture. This combination of products allowed the style to appear polished yet natural, embodying the "effortlessly refined" quality that Tran aimed to achieve. The use of texturizing spray is particularly effective in maintaining the airy movement of the style, preventing it from looking overly "done" or stiff.
Broader Implications: Alysa Liu as a Style Icon
Alysa Liu’s consistent ability to deliver memorable and impactful style moments, like her sophisticated updo at the 2026 ESPYS, solidifies her status as a burgeoning style icon. Her willingness to experiment with bold hair colors and to embrace dynamic, personality-driven hairstyles resonates with a younger generation of athletes and fans. The "Best Breakthrough Athlete" award not only recognizes her extraordinary athletic achievements but also highlights her growing influence in popular culture.
The synergy between Liu’s athletic achievements and her personal style suggests a broader trend in sports where athletes are increasingly celebrated for their holistic image, encompassing both performance and personal expression. Liu’s approach demonstrates how an athlete can leverage their platform to showcase individuality, challenge conventional aesthetics, and inspire others. Her carefully curated red carpet appearances, with the expert guidance of stylists like Anh Co Tran, serve as powerful examples of how to blend personal flair with high-profile events, setting a new standard for athlete branding and public engagement. The fact that her updo, a seemingly minor detail in the grand scheme of the awards, garnered such significant attention underscores the power of visual presentation in the modern media landscape. It suggests that for athletes at Liu’s level, every aspect of their public appearance, from their competitive performance to their red carpet styling, contributes to their overall narrative and impact.
