Getty | Gareth Cattermole / StaffGetty | Gareth Cattermole / Staff
With “Challengers” premiering on April 26, it’s all but guaranteed to be a tennis-girl summer. From Zendaya dropping jaws left and right on the movie’s press tour to TikTokers already dubbing 2024 their “tenniscore” eras, you are about to see an influx of tennis-related beauty moments all over your social media feeds.
While all of us can’t be the stars of critically acclaimed romance movies, we can tailor our beauty routines to mirror those of our favorite tennis athletes. “This is a high-level sport, so a player’s first priority is functionality,” hairstylist Dhairius Thomas tells PS. How does this translates to your tenniscore aesthetic? It’ll be all about practical updos, fresh faced, dewy makeup (that may or may not be from sweat), and country-club minimalistic nails.
Keep reading for tips on how to give your beauty routines a tenniscore makeover.
How to Get Tenniscore Hair
Whether you’ve been following the sport for a while or have just been tuning into Zendaya’s looks over the past few weeks, you’ll notice a pattern among tenniscore hairstyles. They always keep the hair up up and out of the face.
“Tennis players need a style that doesn’t obstruct their view,” Thomas says. “Traditionally, this usually looked like players putting their hair into a simple ponytail.” Still, thanks to tennis legends like Venus and Serena Williams, what a “traditional” tennis hairstyle looks like has evolved over the years. “Their use of beads and braids proved that you could craft a signature style in tennis and captivate audiences worldwide.”
Think of ways to bring your standard updo to the next level. “These looks can include a classic, high ponytail, a half-up, half-down hairstyle, a low bun, or a braided ponytail,” Thomas says. “When accessorizing the look, you can’t go wrong with a sunvisor or a 360 headband for that classic tennis-chic aesthetic.” One of our favorite accessories for this look has to be the ’90s-inspired wide fabric headband, which has already been spotted on a handful of stars off the courts.
How to Get Tenniscore Nails
As you’ve likely gleaned by now, tenniscore nails will need to be practical enough to wear both on and off the court. “I love a short, soft-square manicure for the tenniscore trend because you don’t want to have super long nails while you’re holding a racket,” celebrity manicurist Julie Kandalec says. The length and shape of the nail are the most important part, but you can have a little bit more fun with the nail art.
“Short square nails are a classic, so you can never go wrong with the a micro-french design,” Kandalec says. “It’s functional while still stylish.” Kandalec also recommends a neon green to mimic the color of a tennis ball.
How to Get Tenniscore Makeup
While many makeup isn’t usually top of mind for athletes during a match, you can have fun with it on the sidelines. “Tenniscore makeup would best be described as minimal but long-wearing,” makeup artist Gabi Alvarez says. You’ll want your skin to like like it’s your own, just enhanced. “You can achieve this look my using products that land on the more glowy side, so moisturizers, liquid highlighters, sunscreen, and more,” Alvarez says. Is it highlighter or is it sweat? Nobody knows.
There you have it: the three ways to embody the tennis babe you’ve always wanted to be. (You’re welcome).
Ariel Baker is the assistant editor for PS Beauty. Her areas of expertise include celebrity news, beauty trends, and product reviews. She has additional bylines with Essence and Forbes Vetted.
