How to Embrace Tenniscore Beauty
An Expert Guide to Tenniscore Beauty, From Milky Highlighters to Headbands
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In 2023, "Challengers" ignited an obsession with tennis. Tennis fashion, beauty, home decor, and accessories took over our feeds and created what we now affectionately call tenniscore. The best part? There is no athleticism required. While putting on a tennis skirt can automatically transform you into a sporty aesthetic, it's arguably more fun to tailor your beauty routine to mirror those of our favorite tennis athletes. With this year's US Open just weeks away, it's time to get your tenniscore beauty look down. "This is a high-level sport, so a player's first priority is functionality," hairstylist Dhairius Thomas tells Popsugar. How does this translate to your tenniscore trend? 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 routine a tenniscore makeover.
Experts Featured in This Article
Dhairius Thomas is a celebrity hairstylist.
Julie Kandalec is a celebrity manicurist and educator.
Gabi Alvarez is a celebrity and editorial makeup artist.
How to Get Tenniscore Hair
Whether you've been following the sport for a while or have just started to watch, you'll notice a pattern among tenniscore hairstyles. They always keep the hair 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, the "traditional" tennis hairstyle 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." We love the Favorite Daughter Wide Brim Twill Visor ($48) for an elevated visor look. Another one of our favorite accessories has to be the '90s-inspired wide fabric headband, like the Goody Ouchless Comfort Headwrap ($3), 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. If you don't have time to hit the nail salon, there are several press-on options that will help you achieve this effortless look in half the time. Our personal favorites include the Glamnetic Classy French Press-On Kit ($16) and Celebritips Micro French Glaze Extra Short Press-On Nails ($20).
How to Get Tenniscore Makeup
While 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 by 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.
Stick to formulas that are light and dewy, such as the Rhode Highlight Milk Multipurpose Luminizer ($28), which subtly enhances your complexion. Sunscreens such as the Medicube Sunscreen No Cast Just Glow SPF 50 ($19, originally $22) will also feel more like a moisturizer than an SPF and keep your skin protected from UV rays. If you feel like leaning into a bit more glam, we'd recommend the Armani Dolci Blush ($39) blush that melts into your skin, and a trusty transfer-proof mascara such as the Sarah Creal Back Of The Cab Volumizing Tubing Mascara ($40).
There you have it: the three ways to embody the tennis babe you've always wanted to be. You're welcome.
— Additional reporting by Adelaide Giesey
Ariel Baker is a former 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.
Adelaide Giesey (she/her) is a shopping writer at Popsugar. With over seven years of industry experience, she is an expert in all things beauty and enjoys writing across fashion and lifestyle categories. Prior to PS, she helped shape the beauty verticals at Byrdie, Coveteur, and InStyle.
