Odessa A’zion is not just having a career moment. She is in the middle of a full-blown hair phenomenon. From “Marty Supreme” to “I Love LA” to the 2026 Critics Choice Awards red carpet, her thick, wild, corkscrew curls have become as recognizable as her performances. The internet is obsessed, stylists are taking notes, and fans cannot stop asking the same question. Is it a wig, extensions, a perm, or some kind of genetic miracle?
The truth, as Odessa herself recently shared, is both simpler and more interesting. Sometimes it is a wig. Sometimes it is five hours of real hair styling. Either way, the look has turned into one of the most searched and copied celebrity hairstyles right now.
© Getty ImagesThe Critics Choice Awards Look That Set Social Media on Fire
At the 2026 Critics Choice Awards, A’zion walked the carpet in a custom silver embellished Ott Dubai gown with a high neckline and flowing cut-out cape sleeves that shimmered with every step. The dress was striking, but it was her hair that stopped the room.
Her raven dark curls were styled into a modern curly shag with soft bangs and dramatic volume at the crown. Tight spirals and loose waves mixed, creating a shape that felt glamorous but also natural. It was the kind of hair that looks expensive, editorial, and effortless all at once.
© Getty Images for Critics ChoiceThat night pushed the hair discourse into overdrive. People zoomed in on photos, compared past images of Odessa as a teenager, and argued over whether this was all real.
© Penske Media via Getty Images
© Getty Images for Critics ChoiceOdessa A’zion Finally Addresses the Wig Rumors
When asked by Deadline about the viral wig debate, Odessa did not shy away. She joked about it first, then dropped the truth. She explained that the LA premiere of “Marty Supreme” featured a wig, while the New York premiere involved five hours of working on her real hair. Yet everyone still thought the real hair was the wig.
© Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for CriShe even laughed about how expensive high-end wigs can be. “You think I can afford a wig like that and wear it all the time? Those are so expensive,” she exclaimed. “I’ve heard wigs can go up to like twenty-, or thirty-thousand dollars. Are you f*ng kidding me? I don’t even have a hair, makeup, or stylist because I’m trying to save my money. Maybe one day.”
What Makes the Odessa A’zion Hair Look So Iconic
The Odessa hair look works because it is built on a modern curly shag haircut. This cut uses layers to lift the hair at the crown, create movement through the lengths, and frame the face with a soft curly fringe. Instead of pulling curls flat or forcing them into a uniform shape, it lets them move in different directions for a lived-in, rock star feel.
© GC ImagesThe curls sit high on top, flow down the sides, and break around the face in a way that feels both vintage and fresh. It is why the style looks just as good on a red carpet as it does in candid street photos.
How to Achieve the Odessa Hair Look
- This hairstyle starts with the right cut. Ask for a curly shag with long layers and a light, wispy fringe. Make sure your stylist cuts your hair in its natural curl pattern, preferably dry, so the shape works with how your hair actually behaves.
- For styling, begin with soaking wet hair. Apply a curl cream or leave-in conditioner to hydrate and define. Then layer a lightweight curl gel on top to hold the shape without stiffness.
- Flip your head upside down and scrunch upward to create volume at the roots. Use a diffuser on low heat and low airflow to dry your curls slowly. This keeps them bouncy and reduces frizz.
- Once dry, gently break the gel cast with your fingers for soft, shiny curls. Add a small amount of hair oil to the ends for extra gloss.
- For the bangs, avoid brushing them dry. Wet them, apply a little curl cream, and finger coil a few strands so they fall naturally across the forehead.
Why This Curly Shag Trend Is Everywhere
Search interest in curly hair, natural texture, and modern layered haircuts keeps rising. People are done with flat, over-styled looks. They want hair that feels expressive, touchable, and real.
Odessa A’zion’s curls look high fashion without looking forced. They celebrate texture instead of hiding it. Whether styled for five hours or worn under a luxury wig, the effect is the same. Bold, unforgettable, and totally current.
© WWD via Getty ImagesFind below a thorough explanation of how to achieve the look according to hairstylist Paul Watts.
