Zendaya Debuts Blonde Curls after She Was Mocked for Natural Hair — Her Transformation Stuns

American actress and singer Zendaya was born in Oakland, California. The actress, whose name comes from the Shona language, meaning “to give thanks,” started her career as a child model. She worked for Old Navy, Mervyns, and Macy’s.

Today, Zendaya is known for her versatility as an actress, her fashion-forward style, and her advocacy for various social causes. The “Euphoria” star has proved herself to be a great role model for young girls globally through her exceptional career.

When Zendaya won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for “Euphoria,” she became the youngest person to win this award at the time. The actress has gone ahead to star in other successful films such as “Dune: Part One,” “Dune: Part Two,” “Challengers,” and “Malcolm & Marie.”

Zendaya’s career has skyrocketed and she is often on interviews and tours. However, she wasn’t always outspoken because as a child, she was so shy that her parents, Claire Stoermer and Kazembe Ajamu Coleman, had to attend a seminar for parents of such children.

“I didn’t like being in front of people, so, I never actually would go on the stage. I just would always watch and want to be up there but I wouldn’t actually do it,” noted Zendaya. However, her parents encouraged her to participate in a winter concert when she was eight.

Zendaya was afraid of performing in front of the whole school but her dad, Kazembe Ajamu Coleman, encouraged her to try it and see if she loved it. The actress took the bold step and performed. “I got on stage and I was ecstatic. I had a great time, I loved singing and its history from there,” said Zendaya.

Even as a shy child, the actress was eager to be a performer. Zendaya shared that her first audition was for her school’s rendition of “James and the Giant Peach.” Despite auditioning for the lead role, she was ultimately cast as the silkworm.

Although her character didn’t have any lines, Zendaya embraced the role wholeheartedly. “I had one line. I rocked that one line and I was living on the side of that stage being my silkworm, you know, nobody could tell me anything. I was the best silkworm I could possibly be and I took baby steps and now you know, I got my own tours and shows,” expressed Zendaya

As a child, Zendaya also became part of a kids’ dance group and together they went for auditions for local acting and modeling jobs. When she turned 13, a Los Angeles manager scouted her and six months later, Disney offered Zendaya a role as Rocky Blue in “Shake It Up.”

Even today, Zendaya admits that she is a “shy, introverted person.” Still, she comes out of her shell and is active and vibrant in her movies, tours, interviews, and shows. It isn’t only the movie star’s personality that has gone through changes but also her physical appearance, from when she was a child to now in her late 20s.

Zendaya’s Childhood with Chic Curls and Fashion

Zendaya has shared some of her cute pictures from her childhood. In one charming photo from her childhood, Zendaya beams with a cute smile, her curly brunette hair framing her face. The snapshot also captures her curiosity as she peruses a picture storybook, her eyes alight with wonder.

The actress adds a playful touch by sporting a cowboy hat in one picture, exuding a sense of youthful joy and adventure. She shared the picture on her 24th birthday, thanking her fans for their beautiful birthday wishes.

In a more casual moment, Zendaya rocks basketball attire, with a backward-worn hat, short jeans, and a sleeveless t-shirt, radiating an effortless coolness. “When you gotta ball at 3 but slay a red carpet at 4,” she joked.

Finally, in an endearing display of independence, she proudly sits on a baby dining chair, showing off her cleared plate with a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. ” Quite literally full on love. Can’t tell you enough how much it all means to me. Here’s to 25💫,” she captioned the post.

Zendaya Mocked for Embracing Her Natural Hair As A Teenager

Zendaya’s teenage years were a blend of fun and sophistication, as seen in the myriad of photos. Her naturally curly hair was often styled in various trendy ways. The actress exuded an effortless coolness that captivated audiences.

Whether rocking sleek and sophisticated outfits on the red carpet or embracing casual streetwear with flair, Zendaya showcased an impeccable fashion sense that set her apart. Some photos showcased playful moments with goofy face painting and others captured her gentle and innocent facial features.

The actress effortlessly transitioned from quirky to poised. Channeling her inner model, Zendaya struck poses with the confidence and grace of a seasoned professional. Among the snapshots, one reveals a charming quirkiness with an Ankara hair clip adorning her brunette locks.

In another snapshot, her hair is adorned with a cap, showcasing her flair for incorporating fun elements into her style. These glimpses into Zendaya’s teenage years reflect her versatility, creativity, and evolving sense of fashion.

Her daring fashion choices at the time included rocking short skirts and mesh stockings to red-carpet events. Her appearance combined with her radiant smile and poised demeanor, solidified her status as a style icon and role model for teenagers everywhere.

It has not all been glamour for Zendaya in her teenage years. When she was 18, she had to call out what she referred to as racist remarks from a colleague in the entertainment industry. Zendaya stole the spotlight on the 2015 Oscar red carpet with her stunning white gown.

However, it was her hair that caught the attention of red-carpet host Giuliana Rancic. Giuliana, who was critiquing outfits made a comment about Zendaya’s long dreadlocks, suggesting that she might smell like patchouli oil and weed.

The actress swiftly responded on Instagram, criticizing Giuliana for perpetuating offensive stereotypes. She emphasized the importance of distinguishing between humor and disrespect, expressing her disappointment at the ignorant remarks made about her hair during the Oscars.

The movie star mentioned that her father, brother, and little cousins rock locks. She also pointed out famous figures in Hollywood who wear locks such as Ledisi and Ava DuVernay but their hair does not smell like marijuana.

Zendaya also wrote, “There is already harsh criticism of African American hair in society without the help of ignorant people who choose to judge others based on the curl of their hair.” She explained that wore her hair in locks at the Oscars to “remind people of color that our hair is good enough.”

Giuliana later posted an apology on X, addressed to Zendaya, ” I’m sorry I offended you and others. I was referring to a bohemian chic look. Had NOTHING to do with race and NEVER would!!!” Zendaya accepted Giuliana’s apology, while the TV host took the scenario as a teachable moment.

Zendaya’s Hair: A Testament to Versatility and Expression

Zendaya’s experimentation with her hair does not stop at locks, actually, it knows no bounds. She has embraced her natural texture, proudly showcasing her curls in various styles such as braids, combed-out afros, and playful fringes.

Yet, her versatility extends beyond just texture; she’s been seen rocking her hair in chic buns, elegant ponytails, and edgy pixie cuts, each style exuding its unique charm. When she had braids, her boyfriend, Tom Holland, couldn’t keep his eyes off her.

But it doesn’t stop there—Zendaya has also dabbled in the world of hair color, seamlessly transitioning from classic black and rich brunette to warmer shades of brown and even striking blonde hues. Her hair transformations often complement her dress style.

Zendaya has also been known to push boundaries with her hair color, transitioning effortlessly from brunette to blonde and even experimenting with bold hues like brown and maroon. Even when chilling, her hair looks absolutely gorgeous.

Zendaya’s journey with hair has been an exploration of creativity and versatility. Her willingness to explore different colors not only showcases her adventurous spirit but also highlights her ability to reinvent herself with every new look.

One of the most memorable aspects of Zendaya’s hair journey has been her celebration of diversity and representation. She’s been a vocal advocate for natural hair and has used her platform to challenge beauty standards, encouraging others to embrace their unique textures and styles.

Zendaya’s hair styles also reflect her confidence in red carpets. Overall, her experimentation with her hair is a testament to her fearless approach to fashion and beauty, constantly evolving and inspiring others to do the same.

Zendaya’s Debut of Blonde Hair Met with Online Users’ Disapproval

Zendaya showed her new straight and flowing blonde hair on the red carpet during the “Challengers” press tour in Paris, France on April 6, 2024. She wore the same hair partly in a ponytail and half down in Rome, Italy on April 8, 2024. The actress looked splendid in a short white dress but online users focused on her blonde hair.

Most users criticized Zendaya for going blonde. “Original hair color much better on her,” said one user. Another user admitted that Zendaya looked beautiful but that the “hair color washes her out.” “Beautiful- but she looks more so with dark hair,” an individual concurred.

Other people commented, “She looks much better with dark hair.” A user agreed, “The blonde washes her out. She would look nice with a copper/ auburn color.” One user warned, “She is going to lose that beautiful hair if she keeps bleaching it.”

“Why is Zendaya blonde 😭?,” a frustrated user asked. A person with similar views noted, ” Having blonde Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Zendaya all at once is overwhelming 🥵.”

Zendaya’s journey with blonde hair isn’t a new one; she’s previously stunned audiences with the look, notably gracing the cover of Marie Claire Magazine in 2016 with her radiant blonde mane.

Her blonde tresses also made a memorable appearance in Modeliste Magazine. Not only did she effortlessly showcase her blonde hair, but Zendaya also endorsed Cover Girl cosmetic products while sporting the captivating hue. It’s undeniable that she looked absolutely great.

Zendaya Found Love and A Successful Career

From a shy child to an adult, Zendaya is now in love and has a successful career in Hollywood. She is dating Tom, who calls her “beautiful.” Tom also said his girlfriend is “very wise,” adding that, “She’s like an owl. She’s like a wise owl.”

Tom Holland revealed that Zendaya has helped him navigate fame by giving him companionship and friendship. “Like two friends coming together, like experiencing this world, going through the same problems at the same time, having a shoulder to cry on has been a huge thing for the pair of us,” Tom explained.

Zendaya has not only bagged a loving man but she has numerous awards to show for her dedication to acting. Some of the awards she has won include, the Golden Globes for Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series for Drama in “Euphoria, the Shorty Awards for Best Celebrity, and the Critics Choice Awards for Best Actress in a Drama Series for “Euphoria.”

In 2019, Zendaya won the People’s Choice Award for Favorite Female Movie Star in “Spider-man: Far from Home,” in which she stars alongside Tom. The star has come a long way from a timid child afraid of going on stage to a movie star, who has starred in several successful films and movies and has millions of fans.