By Jia Lissa 
The 2026 ESPYS Awards ceremony, a prestigious event celebrating athletic achievement and excellence, saw a dazzling array of talent take to the red carpet. Among the honorees, figure skating sensation Alysa Liu captivated attendees and viewers alike, not only for her well-deserved accolades but also for her striking red carpet presentation. Her signature bold, striped hair, a look that has become synonymous with her dynamic career, was expertly styled into an intentionally imperfect updo by renowned hairstylist Anh Co Tran. This elevated hairstyle, balancing timeless elegance with a contemporary edge, perfectly complemented Liu’s personal style and her significant achievements.
The ESPYS: A Platform for Athletic Excellence and Style
The Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly Awards, commonly known as the ESPYS, have been a cornerstone of the sports calendar since their inception in 1993. Hosted annually by ESPN, the awards recognize outstanding achievements in sports across various categories, from individual performances to team triumphs. The 2026 ceremony, held at a prominent venue in Los Angeles, brought together athletes, coaches, and sports personalities from around the globe, creating a vibrant atmosphere of celebration and camaraderie. For athletes like Alysa Liu, the ESPYS serve not only as a recognition of their hard work and dedication but also as a significant platform to showcase their personalities beyond the competitive arena. The red carpet, in particular, offers an opportunity for athletes to express their individual style and connect with fans on a different level.
Alysa Liu: From the Ice to the Red Carpet Spotlight
Alysa Liu, a groundbreaking figure skater, has consistently pushed the boundaries of her sport. At a young age, she made history by becoming the first American woman to land a quadruple jump in competition and the first to land a triple axel. Her impressive performances culminated in World Championship titles and Olympic medals, solidifying her status as a global sports icon. Beyond her athletic prowess, Liu has also become known for her distinctive personal style, notably her vibrant, multi-toned hair, which often features bold stripes of color. This willingness to experiment and express herself through her appearance has resonated with a broad audience, making her a multifaceted role model.
At the 2026 ESPYS, Liu’s presence was particularly significant as she was honored with the award for Best Breakthrough Athlete, a testament to her meteoric rise and impact on the sport. Her selection for this award underscores her status as one of the most promising and influential figures in contemporary athletics. The ESPYS often highlight athletes who have made significant leaps in their careers, and Liu’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, marked by unprecedented technical achievements and a rapidly growing fanbase.
A Coordinated Vision: The Creation of Liu’s Updo
The choice of hairstyle for the ESPYS was a deliberate and collaborative effort between Alysa Liu and her trusted hairstylist, Anh Co Tran. Tran, known for his work with numerous celebrities and his ability to craft effortlessly chic looks, understood the need for a hairstyle that would harmonize with Liu’s chosen attire and her overall persona. The focus was on creating a look that was both sophisticated and reflective of her youthful energy and bold spirit.
"Inspired by a soft, undone French knot, I wanted to create a style that complemented the dress’s sculptural draping while bringing the entire look together," Tran explained to Allure. "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 approach highlights the strategic thinking behind the styling, aiming for a look that was not merely an accessory but an integral part of Liu’s overall presentation.
The decision to sweep Liu’s hair entirely off her neck was a key element in the styling strategy. This choice allowed for a full appreciation of her striking black Louis Vuitton halter gown, revealing the intricate details of its design, including the open back. This also provided an ideal canvas for her choice of jewelry, a beaded cross necklace worn backwards, and served to prominently display her "cybersigilism-style" lower back tattoo. The tattoo, a contemporary art form that merges digital aesthetics with symbolic imagery, further reinforces Liu’s modern and forward-thinking image.
Integrating Signature Style: The Role of Liu’s Striking Hair Color
A crucial aspect of the styling process involved seamlessly integrating Liu’s distinctive striped hair color into the updo. The high-contrast nature of her hair, featuring bold blonde and darker sections, presented a unique opportunity to enhance the visual appeal of the hairstyle. Tran ensured that the placement and structure of the updo would accentuate these natural patterns.
"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 Liu’s iconic hair color wasn’t just a backdrop but an active contributor to the overall aesthetic, adding depth and visual interest to the sculpted form of the updo. The strategic highlighting of the blonde strands within the updo created a dynamic effect, drawing the eye and adding a luminous quality to the hairstyle.
The Craftsmanship: A Step-by-Step Approach to the Updo
The creation of Liu’s elegant updo involved a meticulous process, employing advanced styling techniques and high-quality products. Tran’s approach focused on building a foundation of texture and movement before shaping the final look.
Step 1: Preparation and Foundation
The styling process began with the application of L’Oréal Professionnel AirLight Pro foam mousse to Liu’s damp hair, from roots to ends. This step provided essential volume and hold. Following the mousse, a frizz-eliminating oil was applied to ensure a smooth, polished finish without compromising the hair’s natural texture.
Step 2: Drying and Smoothing with Advanced Technology
Tran utilized the L’Oréal Professionnel AirLight Pro hair dryer, a tool known for its precise heat control and advanced technology. The hair was rough-dried until it was about halfway dry. Subsequently, the smoothing nozzle was attached, allowing for section-by-section styling. "The device’s precise heat control allowed me to style efficiently, imparting a beautiful natural sheen without flattening or overdrying the strands," Tran commented on the tool’s effectiveness. This precision was vital in achieving a healthy-looking shine and maintaining the integrity of Liu’s hair.
Step 3: Creating Soft Waves and Texture
After the initial drying and smoothing, Tran shaped soft, lived-in waves throughout Liu’s hair. This created a subtle texture that would provide a natural, undone feel to the final updo. A texturizing paste was then worked into the roots. This product is crucial for providing grip and ensuring that the updo would hold its shape throughout the evening without appearing stiff or overly constructed.
Step 4: Constructing the French Knot
With the hair prepped and textured, Tran divided Liu’s hair into four distinct sections. Each section was then carefully twisted towards the crown of her head, forming a loose French knot. The deliberate choice to leave some ends out and a few strands unpinned contributed to the intentionally imperfect aesthetic, lending an air of effortless sophistication. This technique is key to achieving a style that looks refined yet relaxed.
Step 5: Styling the Bangs and Finishing Touches
Liu’s curtain bangs were styled separately using the AirLight Pro. They were parted down the middle, with longer front pieces left loose to elegantly frame her face. This detail added a touch of softness and dimension, balancing the more structured elements of the updo.
Step 6: Securing the Style and Adding Movement
To ensure the longevity of the style and maintain its airy movement, Tran applied a styling cream, followed by a generous application of hairspray. A final mist of texturizing spray was used to lock everything in place while preserving the natural flow and polish of the look. The combination of these products created a finish that was both secure and visually appealing, avoiding a heavily "done" appearance.
Broader Implications: Style as a Statement
Alysa Liu’s choice of hairstyle at the ESPYS transcends mere aesthetics; it serves as a powerful statement about her evolving public persona. As she transitions from a prodigious young athlete to a celebrated figure in the sports world, her style choices reflect a growing confidence and a willingness to embrace her individuality. The bold updo, coupled with her distinctive hair color and attire, communicates a message of self-assurance and artistic expression.
The integration of her "cybersigilism-style" tattoo and the unique necklace placement further emphasizes this. These elements, often considered personal or even rebellious, are presented with a sense of pride and artistry, signaling a broader trend among athletes to use their platforms for personal expression beyond their athletic achievements. This can inspire younger fans to embrace their unique identities and to see style as a form of empowerment.
Furthermore, the collaboration with Anh Co Tran highlights the growing importance of the stylist-athlete relationship in shaping public perception. These partnerships are not just about creating a beautiful look for a single event; they are about building a cohesive brand identity that resonates with fans and reflects the athlete’s journey. The success of Liu’s ESPYS look demonstrates how strategic styling can amplify an athlete’s narrative and solidify their presence in the cultural landscape.
The Legacy of a Memorable Appearance
Alysa Liu’s appearance at the 2026 ESPYS Awards was a triumph of both athletic achievement and personal style. Her Best Breakthrough Athlete award was undoubtedly a highlight of the evening, but her expertly crafted updo, a harmonious blend of elegance and edge, ensured that her presence lingered in the minds of many. The look served as a powerful visual representation of her journey – daring, innovative, and undeniably radiant. As Liu continues to forge her path in the world of sports and beyond, her ability to command attention, both on and off the ice, remains a defining characteristic of her remarkable career. The updo was not just a hairstyle; it was a reflection of a champion who is unafraid to shine.
