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.

In this feature, we uncover the stories of eight celebrities who abandoned their signature hair colors. These captivating makeovers elicited reactions from fans and we have their before and after photos.

Eight Celebrities Who Dared to Step Out of Their Comfort Zones

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

Cate Blanchett: The Australian actress is unafraid 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.

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.

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 awed fans.

Paris Hilton: The blonde-haired socialite is a trendsetter in her own right. She has experimented with various styles but her notable hair transformations 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.”

Her bright blonde hair and lively personality have always been a part of her signature look. However, Diaz stepped back from acting in 2014 to focus on her personal life. Though she left Hollywood, she still faces public scrutiny over her appearance.

Now in her 50s, she has been open about her journey with aging. She is 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.

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

The reaction was overwhelmingly positive. Fans and critics voiced their approval on social media and various entertainment platforms.

“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 celebratory moment in her career, symbolizing a deeper acceptance of self. Similarly, 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. 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.

There were mixed reactions to Johnson’s blonde hair. In 2017, one fan praised her appearance, “Dakota Johnson looks so much better with blonde hair.”

Yet, nostalgia for her blonde look resonated with fans years later. Another fan 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 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 2019 BAFTAs. She presented an award, showcasing her new dark-haired look. This was a sharp contrast to her traditional blonde appearance.

The response to Blanchett’s transformation was 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 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.

Similarly, Blake Lively has experimented with her look. When she made a major change, she stirred excitement and conversation among her audience.

Blake Lively

Lively, now 36, began acting 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.” However, she became a household name as Serena van der Woodsen in “Gossip Girl.” Lively’s talents extend to fashion and design. 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.

This was not the first time Lively had opted for red hair. In 2011, she attended the TIME 100 gala in this shade. Lively’s hair changes always get her fans and the fashion world talking.

Each new look elicits excitement and speculation, from subtle tweaks to complete color changes. 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. She aligns 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. She is rejecting the usual pressures from Hollywood and society. The actress 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 for various roles. This significantly alters 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 on social media, boasting over 26 million followers on Instagram. Hilton consistently showcases her polished and glamorous style to 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 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.”

She has released several songs and her classic hit “Believe” remains an anthem. The mega-hit which marked its 25th anniversary in 2023 is celebrated for its impact and longevity.

Cher shared her disdain for aging during an interview celebrating the iconic song. She offered candid insights into her struggles with growing older. This was in contrast to her public image of embracing change.

Known predominantly for her dark hair, Cher surprised her fans in 2021 with a major change. She debuted a blonde hairdo. The star 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 new styles or colors. They reflect their 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. It reshapes 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. It shows 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. It also highlights these celebrities being true to themselves and expressing individuality.