Zendaya
ROME, ITALY – APRIL 08: Zendaya attends the premiere of the movie “Challengers” at Cinema Barberini on April 08, 2024 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Daniele Venturelli/WireImage) (Photo by Daniele Venturelli/WireImage)

Zendaya continues to reign supreme on the red carpet, and her appearance at the Rome premiere of Challengers yesterday, April 8, was no different.

This time, ditching the playful retro tennis-style themes she’s been donning, both in Paris last week and in Rome earlier that day, she opted for a clean and sophisticated white Calvin Klein suit featuring an open, skin-baring blazer and floor-length skirt.

Photo Credit (L-R): PARIS, FRANCE – APRIL 06: Zendaya attends the “Challengers” Paris Photocall at Maison De L’Amerique Latine on April 06, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Kristy Sparow/Getty Images); ROME, ITALY – APRIL 08: Zendaya attends a photocall for the movie “Challengers” at Hotel Hassler on April 08, 2024 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Daniele Venturelli/WireImage) (Photo by Daniele Venturelli/WireImage)

But just like the movie’s title implies, her hairstyle also offered a subtle twist on a classic, proving once again that Zendaya is a master of modern elegance.

Zendaya
Photo Credit (L-R): ROME, ITALY – APRIL 08: Zendaya attends a photocall for the movie “Challengers” at Hotel Hassler on April 08, 2024 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Daniele Venturelli/WireImage) (Photo by Daniele Venturelli/WireImage); ROME, ITALY – APRIL 08: Zendaya attends the premiere of the movie “Challengers” at Cinema Barberini on April 08, 2024 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images)

Instead of the shoulder-length honey blonde locks she sported earlier that day (yes, that very same day), hairstylist Law Roach went for a darker hair color. This time styled in a low, beehive-esque bun for the Rome premiere.

This sophisticated style is a timeless choice for red carpets and formal occasions. It creates a statuesque silhouette that complements Zendaya’s already striking features.

Here’s a breakdown of the key elements to help you recreate the look:

  • Polished Texture: The key to this style is a polished finish. This involves a thorough blow dry with a round brush to create volume at the crown and a straightening iron to ensure a flawless finish. For extra hold and a touch of shine, a lightweight hairspray can be misted after styling.
  • Strategic Placement: The bun isn’t positioned high on the crown, but rather nestled slightly lower at the nape of the neck. This creates a more relaxed feel and avoids an overly severe look. It also showcases Zendaya’s strong jawline and can complement your own.
  • Clean Lines: Hairstylist Roach kept the overall look clean and minimalist; no loose tendrils or wispy pieces were framing the face. This approach maintains the formal feel of the bun and complements the sharp lines of a power suit.
ROME, ITALY – APRIL 08: Zendaya attends the premiere of the movie “Challengers” at Cinema Barberini on April 08, 2024 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images)

This hairstyle is a great option for anyone looking for a polished yet effortless look for a special occasion. It’s a classic style that transcends trends and can be adapted to different hair textures and lengths.

So next time you’re aiming for a red carpet-worthy updo with a touch of sophistication, take inspiration from Zendaya’s Roman moment at the Challengers premiere. With a little practice and the right hairstyling techniques and tools, you can achieve this timeless look for yourself.