Alysa Liu's Unique Style: The Story Behind Her Smiley Piercing And Striped Hair
Alysa Liu has captured the world's attention not just for her incredible figure skating talent, but also for her distinctive personal style that sets her apart from other athletes at the Winter Olympics. From her eye-catching striped hair to the jewelry adorning her teeth, Liu has become a style icon in her own right while competing at the highest level of her sport.
The Rising Star of Figure Skating
Alysa Liu is a lot of things - Olympic gold medalist, person with the coolest hair in the world, and burgeoning style icon. At just 19 years old, she has already achieved what many skaters only dream of, winning gold at the Winter Olympics and becoming one of the most recognizable faces in the sport. Her talent on the ice is undeniable, but it's her unique approach to personal expression that has made her stand out in a sport often characterized by traditional aesthetics.
What's on Alysa Liu's Teeth?
Many fans notice a 'smiley' piercing and striped hair when watching Alysa Liu compete. However, viewers noticed something on Alysa Liu's front teeth during the Olympics that sparked curiosity and conversation. Here's what it is—and what she's said about it.
Liu features a smiley piercing, also known as a frenulum piercing, which is a piece of jewelry inserted through the thin webbing (the frenulum) that connects the upper lip to the gums. This type of piercing is called a "smiley" because it's typically only visible when the person smiles, making it a subtle yet distinctive form of body modification.
The Story Behind Alysa Liu's 'Teeth Gems'
Olympics fans may have noticed something on Alysa Liu's teeth as she smiled after her gold medal winning performance in the women's free skate. The story behind Alysa Liu's 'teeth gems' revealed that Team USA figure skater sits in third place after the women's short program event at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
The jewelry Liu wears on her teeth is actually a type of dental jewelry that has become increasingly popular in recent years. Unlike traditional piercings that go through the skin or tissue, these are typically applied to the surface of the teeth using dental adhesive. They can be removed without damaging the tooth enamel and are considered a temporary form of body modification.
Does Alysa Liu Have Pierced Teeth?
Here's everything to know about Team USA figure skater Alysa Liu's mouth piercing that's been on display when she smiles at the Winter Games. Alysa Liu doesn't have anything on her teeth in the traditional sense of a piercing through the tooth itself. When she smiles, you can see a smiley frenulum piercing, which is done in the piece of tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums.
This type of piercing is different from what some might assume when they see the jewelry in her smile. The frenulum piercing goes through the thin membrane above the front teeth, not through the teeth themselves. This makes it a less invasive form of body modification compared to actual tooth piercings, which would require drilling into the enamel.
The Rise of Alternative Style in Figure Skating
Striped hair, mouth piercings turn heads at Olympics as the final skates of the Milan Cortina Olympics may be among the most anticipated events. Liu's bold style choices represent a shift in the traditionally conservative world of figure skating, where athletes have historically adhered to more conventional grooming and styling standards.
Her willingness to express herself through her appearance has resonated with younger audiences who appreciate seeing athletes who break from tradition. In an era where personal branding is increasingly important for athletes, Liu's distinctive look helps her stand out in a crowded field of talented skaters.
What Makes Alysa Liu's Style So Distinctive?
If you've noticed jewelry on Alysa's teeth when she smiles (which happens often during her joyful performances), you're not alone. Her style choices are calculated to be both eye-catching and meaningful. The smiley piercing, in particular, is a subtle way to express individuality without being overly conspicuous during competition.
Her striped hair has also become a signature look, with the bold colors and patterns making her instantly recognizable on the ice. This combination of athletic excellence and personal style has helped Liu build a strong personal brand that extends beyond her achievements in competition.
The Impact of Personal Expression in Sports
Alysa Liu has one of the most distinctive styles at the Winter Olympics, and this distinction goes beyond mere aesthetics. Her willingness to express herself authentically while competing at the highest level sends a powerful message to young athletes about the importance of being true to oneself.
In a sport where judges traditionally rewarded conformity and classical presentation, Liu's style choices represent a new era of self-expression in figure skating. Her success demonstrates that authenticity and individuality can coexist with athletic excellence, potentially paving the way for future athletes to express themselves more freely.
How Alysa Liu Balances Style and Performance
While her style choices generate significant attention, Liu never lets her aesthetic choices interfere with her performance. The jewelry in her smiley piercing is carefully chosen to be secure and non-interfering with her skating. Similarly, her hair is styled in a way that keeps it out of her face during complex jumps and spins while still showcasing her signature stripes.
This balance between personal expression and athletic performance is something Liu has mastered. She understands that her appearance is part of her overall presentation as an athlete, but it never takes precedence over her training, technique, and competitive results.
The Future of Style in Figure Skating
As Alysa Liu continues to compete and evolve as an athlete, her influence on the sport's aesthetic standards is likely to grow. Young skaters watching her success may feel more empowered to express their own unique styles, potentially leading to a more diverse and expressive future for figure skating.
Her approach to personal style - combining subtle body modifications like the smiley piercing with more visible statements like striped hair - offers a template for athletes who want to express themselves without compromising their athletic performance or professionalism.
Conclusion
Alysa Liu's distinctive style, featuring her smiley piercing and striped hair, has made her one of the most recognizable athletes at the Winter Olympics. More than just aesthetic choices, these elements of her personal expression represent a new era in figure skating where authenticity and individuality are celebrated alongside athletic achievement.
As she continues to inspire both on and off the ice, Liu's influence extends beyond her medal count to the way athletes think about personal expression in competitive sports. Her success proves that you can be a world-class athlete while still being unapologetically yourself, making her a true icon for the next generation of skaters and sports enthusiasts alike.