Celebrities often define their image through their hairstyles—from striking blondes to elegant brunettes, vibrant redheads, and even those who embrace their gray hair. These stars usually rely on high-maintenance styles and wigs, making their natural hair a rare sight. However, a noticeable shift is occurring as many celebrities now choose to showcase their authentic hair. Stars like Taraji P. Henson and Zendaya are flaunting their natural textures, while others like Hilarie Burton and Paget Brewster are allowing their hair colors to shift organically. Andie McDowell expresses her confidence in embracing her gray hair, stating she feels powerful and true to herself. Many entertainers are also stepping into the beauty realm to inspire others to love their natural hair.
Viola Davis shows her natural hair on screen
Celebrities are increasingly revealing their natural hairstyles in public and on-screen. Viola Davis created a memorable moment in “How to Get Away with Murder” when her character dramatically removed her wig, representing vulnerability. This scene was significant, as Davis was pivotal in its inclusion. She emphasized the importance of recognizing beauty beyond superficial appearance. Alongside her on-screen role, Davis has embraced her natural hair during public appearances, suggesting that wearing a wig felt like an apology for her true self.
Nicole Kidman’s nostalgia for her curls
Before rising to fame, Nicole Kidman was recognized for her beautiful curly red hair in Australia. Early in her career, she shifted to a polished blonde image, aiming for a specific glamorous look. Though this transformation has made her iconic, Kidman occasionally reveals her natural curls in social media posts with her husband, Keith Urban. She expressed her longing for her native curls, confessing to having neglected them, saying, “I tortured them to death.”
Taraji P. Henson celebrates her natural hair
For years, Taraji P. Henson has showcased her natural hairstyle on and off the screen. Recently, she decided to stop damaging her hair with heat treatments and began embracing its natural form instead. She officially cut off her processed hair to start anew, emphasizing the importance of self-love and empowerment through hair choices.
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“Now, I’m focusing on letting it grow,” she expressed.
For many years, the actor has prioritized her personal appearance. Although Taraji Henson initially aspired to be a cosmetologist, she redirected her passion for beauty into her own initiatives. In 2024, she launched her hair care brand, TPH by Taraji Henson, aimed at addressing scalp care for women who wear weaves and other hair extensions. Henson aims not just to promote the beauty of natural hair among young women but also to challenge harmful past narratives. “We have been told that ‘your hair is nappy.’ In reality, it’s curly,” she stated in a conversation with HuffPost. “It’s crucial to share this message because many girls still don’t fully understand what their hair represents.”
Amy Adams Transitioned from Blonde to Red, Boosting Her Career
Oscar nominee Amy Adams revealed that changing her hair color was pivotal for her Hollywood success. Initially a natural strawberry blonde, she dyed her hair dark red for a role in the 2004 series “Dr. Vegas.” This change was necessary as another blonde actress was also cast, prompting a hair color distinction. Adams, with her pale complexion, was chosen to make the switch, leading to a significant shift in her career path. “After I became redheaded, my roles transformed to be more quirky and unique rather than just flirtatious,” she mentioned during a TimesTalk event (via People). Her decision to maintain the red hue solidified her identity on screen, allowing audiences to view her in different roles. “It might have influenced how people perceive me beyond just being blonde,” Adams added.
Gabrielle Union Embraces Her Natural Hair Journey
Like her peers, Gabrielle Union decided to highlight her natural hair after years of extensive treatments. In 2017, she founded her hair care line, Flawless, promoting the value of natural beauty. Union believes her brand serves to educate others about the essence of natural hair. “Everyone’s hair journey is unique and deserving of celebration,” she remarked to Beauty Inc.
Her journey towards embracing her natural hair began in her youth in Omaha, Nebraska. She previously used chemical relaxers, mistakenly believing that applying them longer would yield straighter hair. This common practice among Black women often leads to hair damage, which Union experienced firsthand. Determined to embrace her natural texture, she chronicled her transformation on her Instagram account, stating, “It’s been quite the journey.”
Olivia Wilde Revamped Her Hair from Blonde to Brunette to Transform Her Career
While many actors dye their hair blonde to secure roles, Olivia Wilde took the opposite approach, switching to a darker shade to distinguish herself from others. After working as a platinum blonde early in her career and landing stereotypical roles, Wilde found that darkening her hair significantly impacted her career. “There’s a stereotype that brunettes are seen as more intellectual, even if it’s quite illogical!” she shared with Into The Gloss.
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The actress’s relationship with her hair goes way back, long before she found fame in Hollywood. During her youth, she often dyed her hair in various shades as a means of personal expression. Changing her hairstyle allowed Wilde to explore and showcase her evolving identity. “I’ve experimented with almost every color, and thankfully, my hair has remained intact,” she shared with Into the Gloss. “These days, I usually only alter it for work commitments and let it rest otherwise.”