8 Celebrities Who Swapped Their Signature Hues for Surprising Hairstyles — Photos of Their Transformations

Celebrity fashion is ever-evolving, and nothing captures the public’s imagination quite like a dramatic hair transformation. A daring dye job or a bold new cut can make headlines and get people talking everywhere, from Instagram to the evening news.

In this feature, we uncover the stories of eight celebrities who abandoned their signature hair colors for bold new shades. These captivating makeovers and the reactions they elicited are illustrated with vivid before and after photos.

Eight Celebrities Who Dared to Step Out of Their Comfort Zones

Cameron Diaz: Known for her blonde locks, Diaz shocked everyone when she debuted a dark hairdo in 2006. The change was as bold as it was unexpected.

Dakota Johnson: The “Fifty Shades of Grey” star made headlines when she swapped her brunette tresses for a blonde look in 2014.

Cate Blanchett: The Australian actress is not afraid of change. She made a splash with her switch to a dark hair color, proving her adaptability as an actress and a fashion-forward individual.

Margot Robbie: The “Wolf of Wall Street” actress demonstrated her flair for reinvention with a bold hairstyle change. She made a statement that further cemented her reputation for a daring fashion sense.

Blake Lively: Famous for her sunny blonde locks, Lively created a stir when she debuted a major change in her look.

Anne Hathaway: The “Princess Diaries” star is known for her brunette hair. However, she made headlines with a notable hairstyle change that left fans in awe.

Paris Hilton: The blonde-haired socialite, a trendsetter in her own right, has experimented with various styles. But it’s her notable hair transformations that always steal the show.

Cher: The iconic singer and actress, known for her dark hair, stunned fans when she transformed into a blonde.

Cameron Diaz

Born on August 30, 1972, Cameron Diaz quickly became a Hollywood favorite in her early 20s. She made her mark starring in hits like “The Mask,” “There’s Something About Mary,” and “Charlie’s Angels.”

Known for her bright blonde hair and lively personality, Diaz stepped back from acting in 2014 to focus on her personal life. Though she left Hollywood, Diaz still faces public scrutiny over her appearance.

Now in her 50s, she has been open about her journey with aging, embracing her natural self over societal expectations. In a candid reflection on vanity and self-acceptance, she discussed the liberating yet challenging process of stepping away from the constant scrutiny.

Diaz surprised her fans when she appeared on Jay Leno’s “The Tonight Show” in 2006, sporting dark brown hair instead of her signature blonde. Subsequently, she attended more public events sporting her dark hairstyle, drawing significant attention.

The reaction to Diaz’s dark hair was overwhelmingly positive. On social media and various entertainment platforms, fans and critics voiced their approval.

“Cameron Diaz looks so hot with dark hair,” one fan exclaimed. Another added, “Cameron Diaz with dark hair is perfect.” A third comment highlighted a broader sentiment, “Proof that brunettes are better. Cameron Diaz with dark hair. [sic]”

Diaz’s embrace of her dark hair was a celebrated moment in her career, symbolizing a deeper acceptance of self.

In a similar vein, Dakota Johnson also surprised everyone by going from her classic brunette to a dazzling blonde. This change turned heads and sparked discussions on beauty standards.

Dakota Johnson

Johnson was born on October 4, 1989, to a lineage of actors and entered the spotlight early. In 1999, she debuted in “Crazy in Alabama” alongside her mother and half-sister. Johnson’s career has spanned various roles with notable performances in the “Fifty Shades” trilogy and “The Social Anatomy.”

She is open about her views on the brutal realities of ageism and beauty standards in Hollywood. Her strong opinions reflect her commitment to authenticity in her personal and professional life. She once expressed, “In my real life, I don’t look pretty all the time. Nobody does.”

Despite being naturally blonde, Johnson is recognized for her dark brown hair as Anastasia Steele in the “Fifty Shades” franchise. In September 2014, she returned to her blonde roots during London Fashion Week. The transformation was a bold statement that captivated attendees and fans alike.

The reaction to Johnson’s blonde hair was mixed, reflecting diverse fan opinions and media commentary. In 2017, one fan praised her appearance, “Dakota Johnson looks so much better with blonde hair.”

Yet, nostalgia for her blonde look resonates with fans years later, as another remarked in 2022, “I miss seeing Dakota Johnson with blonde hair.”

However, some fans were taken aback by her earlier appearances with this hair color, as evidenced by a 2020 comment, “Dakota Johnson in ’21 Jump Street’ with blonde hair & no bangs……….. honestly a weird sight I forgot about. [sic]”

From Johnson’s exploration of identity through hair color, we turn to Cate Blanchett. Her style shifts have equally contributed to the ongoing conversation about the interplay between celebrity image and personal evolution.

Cate Blanchett

Blanchett, born in Melbourne on May 14, 1969, has shone in theater, television, and movies. Her 1999 standout role in “Elizabeth” led to memorable parts in “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” “Blue Jasmine,” and “Carol.”

In 2017, Blanchett spoke about aging, stressing the beauty of change and self-acceptance. She believes true beauty is about looking outward and engaging with the world, not self-criticism.

Known primarily as one of film’s most iconic blondes, Blanchett debuted her brunette hair at the BAFTAs in 2019. She presented an award, showcasing her new dark-haired look that contrasted sharply with her traditional blonde appearance.

The response to Blanchett’s transformation was overwhelmingly positive, with fans and media celebrating her new look. Comments from fans over the years have shown a strong admiration for her daring choice.

In 2018, a fan remarked, “Cate Blanchett with dark hair is so powerful that it becomes a threat that’s why she keeps it blonde instead.” Another expressed, “Cate Blanchett with dark hair has an effect on me.” By 2023, the sentiment remained strong, as one fan declared, “Cate Blanchett with dark hair. Supremacy. [sic]”

As we move from Blanchett’s embrace of transformation, we encounter Margot Robbie. Her hair journey reflects a similar boldness in exploring different facets of her artistic expression.

Margot Robbie

Born on July 2, 1990, Robbie first gained recognition in “Neighbours,” an Australian soap opera. Her Hollywood breakthrough came with “About Time,” followed by standout roles in “Suicide Squad,” “Birds of Prey,” and “The Wolf of Wall Street.” Her ability to dive into various characters demonstrates her talent.

In 2014, Robbie surprised her fans by trading her signature blonde locks for dark brown hair for her role in “Z for Zachariah.” She revealed her dramatic transformation at the Oscars in March of that year.

The public reaction to Robbie’s brunette hair was decidedly mixed. Some fans expressed a slight dissonance with her new look, as one commented, “She still looks beautiful but this just feels… off.”

Another fan echoed this sentiment, saying, “It’s still Margot Robbie, but I agree with the point you’re making, it doesn’t seem to suit her very well, at least not this dark.”

However, others were more enthusiastic, with one fan saying they were “obsessed with her brunette.”

“Honestly, the brown suits her much better (but she’s beautiful no matter what),” another fan echoed.

Robbie’s unexpected shift to brunette sparked mixed reactions, showcasing the diverse opinions fans hold about celebrity transformations. Similarly, Blake Lively has experimented with her look, stirring excitement and conversation among her audience.

Blake Lively

Lively, 36, began her acting career at a young age, following in her family’s footsteps. Her first role was in “Sandman,” a 1998 film directed by her father.

She gained fame with “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” and became a household name as Serena van der Woodsen in “Gossip Girl.” Lively’s talents extend to fashion and design, where she’s known for styling herself and engaging in creative projects.

Recognized for her signature blonde hair, Lively has played with various shades over the years. In 2015, she tried “bronde,” a mix of blonde and brunette.

In early 2023, she posted a selfie with auburn hair, sparking curiosity. By May, she revealed a bold red color for her new film role, “It Ends with Us,” confirming her love for transformation.

Lively’s hair changes always get her fans and the fashion world talking. Each new look, from subtle tweaks to complete color changes, elicits excitement and speculation online. The varied reactions, from praise to curiosity, illustrate her impact on beauty trends.

In a comparable vein, Anne Hathaway has also embraced significant changes in hair color, aligning her looks with her roles and personal philosophy on aging and beauty.

Anne Hathaway

Born in New York on November 12, 1982, Hathaway grew up in an artistic family. She’s known for roles in “Les Miserables,” “The Dark Knight Rises,” “Rachel Getting Married,” and “Love & Other Drugs.”

At 41, Hathaway views aging as a part of life, rejecting the usual pressures from Hollywood and society. She believes aging is living, offering a fresh take on beauty and self-image. “To me, aging is another word for living,” she famously stated during an interview.

Hathaway’s hair color transformations have often been as dramatic and impactful as her film roles. Originally a brunette, Hathaway has experimented with her hair color for various roles, significantly altering her appearance.

In 2018, she debuted a blonde hue, specifically a coppery tone, for her role in Netflix’s “The Last Thing He Wanted.” This followed a previous blonde look for the 2013 Met Gala, which she described as fulfilling a long-held desire.

Echoing Hathaway’s boldness, Paris Hilton, a celebrity known for her blonde locks, surprised her followers with a brunette transformation. Her transformation highlighted her versatility and impact on public perception.

Paris Hilton

Born on February 17, 1981, Hilton is a multifaceted celebrity and businesswoman. From “The Simple Life” to her ventures as a DJ, designer, and author, Hilton has earned her place in pop culture.

She is also a major influence in social media, boasting over 26 million followers on Instagram. Hilton consistently showcases her polished and glamorous style with her social media fans. She has a deep-seated passion for skincare, which her mother instilled in her from a young age.

Known for her signature blonde hair, Hilton stunned fans in June 2017 by revealing brunette locks. This bold change, diverging from her established image, made waves in the media and among her followers. Though brief, this brunette moment suggested Hilton’s willingness to explore different facets of her persona.

Cher, another icon in the entertainment industry, is no stranger to reinvention because of her constant evolution in style and music. Cher has embraced several transformations throughout her illustrious career.

Cher

Cher, born on May 20, 1946, in California, is a music and entertainment icon known as “The Goddess of Pop.” With a career full of transformations, she’s been dubbed “The Queen of Reinvention.”

Her classic hit “Believe” remains an anthem. The mega-hit is celebrated for its impact and longevity as it marked its 25th anniversary in 2023.

During an interview celebrating the iconic song, Cher shared her disdain for aging. She offered candid insights into her struggles with growing older, contrasting her public image of embracing change.

Known predominantly for her dark hair, Cher surprised her fans in 2021 by debuting a blonde hairdo. She involved her fans in the decision, asking their preference on social media.

The reaction to Cher’s transformation was mixed but generally positive. One fan preferred her traditional look, stating, “My preference is brunette as it makes you look taller, slimmer, and younger. But you look great in whatever color you choose.”

Another fan emphasized the iconic nature of her darker hair, remarking, “Your dark hair is the best!” A third fan appreciated both styles, commenting, “Brunette is iconic, but I really love how blonde looks on you. You look gorgeous either way though.”

The Deeper Impact of Celebrity Transformations

The hair transformations of these eight celebrities are more than just new styles or colors. They’re reflections of their personal growth and the evolving images they present to the world.

Each alteration, whether bold or subtle, challenges us to see these icons in a different light, reshaping our perceptions and expectations. Cameron Diaz’s darker hair, Dakota Johnson’s blonde look, and Cher’s blonde makeover are not just about looks—they’re powerful cultural statements.

Celebrities often mirror and influence societal trends. These changes spark conversations about beauty norms, aging, and identity, showing how deeply connected fans feel to these stars.

Anne Hathaway’s thoughts on aging and Paris Hilton’s brunette phase highlight the ongoing conversation between stars and their fans about being true to themselves and expressing individuality.