7 Most Popular Ginger Celebs Who Once Ditched Their Signature Hair Color – Photos

• Red-haired celebrities often captivate the public, setting them apart in Hollywood.
• But sometimes, even the most iconic redheads sometimes take a walk on the wild side, trading their fiery tresses for entirely different colors.
• Let's take a look at a few celebrities with red hair who've at some point decided to switch things up.

Ginger hair has always had its unique charm and appeal. It is often seen as a symbol of fiery personality and striking looks. Yet, even the most iconic redheads occasionally swap their signature shades for something a little different.

Whether driven by the demands of a film role or personal style evolution, changing hair color is a bold statement. Seven beloved ginger celebrities have occasionally surprised fans by transforming their trademark tresses.

Julia Roberts: Iconic Red to Blonde

At the 2014 Academy Awards, Julia Roberts, famous for her vibrant red hair, debuted a stunning blonde look. The transformation was complete, from her roots to the tips, leaving her signature red completely out of sight.

Spotted with a high ponytail in golden blonde just days before the Oscars, Roberts had fans and media buzzing about her new look. Previously at the 2014 SAG Awards, she had flaunted lighter ends, hinting at a gradual shift to full blonde.

Roberts has experimented with blonde shades periodically over the years. In a recent interview, she linked her youthful appearance to "good genes, a fulfilling life, and the love of a good man," highlighting her husband's support as a source of her deep happiness.

Roberts' bold shift to blonde for the Oscars was a reflection of her embracing change, much like Julianne Moore, who also ventured into the blonde territory for a movie role.

Julianne Moore's Role-Induced Change

Famous for her rich, auburn hair, Moore had to step out of her comfort zone for the film "Blindness" in 2011. The role required her to go blonde, a striking contrast to her usual fiery mane.

Describing the experience as having "a light on my head," Moore was eager to return to her natural color. She found the interim peach tone quite dreadful saying it was a "weird feeling."

Moore promptly returned to her red roots after filming, although it left her with a temporary peach shade. She has expressed a strong preference for her natural hair, integrating it as part of her identity.

Beyond hair, Moore has openly criticized the beauty industry's obsession with anti-aging. She advocates for a more accepting approach to natural beauty changes, emphasizing the importance of skin tone inclusivity in makeup products.

This openness to transformation is echoed by Bryce Dallas Howard, who also made a dramatic shift to blonde in 2023.

Bryce Dallas Howard

Known for her signature red hair, Howard shifted to blonde in 2023, showcasing a bold new look.

Howard has not shied away from discussing Hollywood's ageism, referencing Maggie Gyllenhaal's experience. In 2015, Gyllenhaal revealed she had been told she was "too old" at 37 to play the love interest of a 55-year-old man.

Howard expressed her support and hoped for rapid changes in the industry's outdated mindset. She praises the industry's inspiring aspects but criticizes its backward and discriminatory elements, calling for necessary changes.

Howard's brief transition to blonde was a striking statement mirroring Emma Stone, who also transformed her hair color early in her career.

Emma Stone's Early Career Shift

Stone, initially blonde, dyed her hair dark brown and then red. This change notably boosted her career, offering her a broad spectrum of roles that diverged from the stereotypical cheerleader parts offered to blondes.

Her hair color change was a strategic move that paid off handsomely, starting with her iconic role in "Superbad." This change, recommended by Judd Apatow solidified her as a redhead in the public's eye.

In 2023, she rocked a blonde look before returning to her signature ginger. Stone sees hair color as an essential element of personal and artistic expression, frequently changing her hair for various roles or personal preferences.

Stone's adaptability in her career is mirrored by Reba McEntire's consistency, which has become a symbol of her enduring energy and zest for life. As Reba reflects on aging with a positive outlook, it's clear that both women view their hair as an integral part of their identity and expression.

Reba McEntire: Four Decades of Red

Country music star McEntire has kept her hair a fiery red for over forty years, symbolizing her vibrant and spirited personality. At 64, Reba openly discussed how her perception of aging has shifted over the years.

McEntire who had just turned 64 at the time of the 2019 conversation said, "I feel 35, maybe 40. Used to be 60 years and one foot was in the grave. Now, maybe 85 is one foot, maybe 95." McEntire credited her mother, who at 92 was still driving and living independently, as a significant influence on her views.

McEntire spoke candidly about the physical challenges of aging, especially as a performer. She talked about the increased effort required to maintain her health and physical appearance, "Watch what I eat, get plenty of rest, drink lots of water." She also noted these practices were not merely choices but necessities.

Before hosting the 2019 ACMs and embarking on tours, she mentioned the added pressure to "shed a few extra pounds," illustrating the relentless demands placed on public figures to embody a certain image.

Similarly, Marcia Cross's journey with her hair color and bold move into a new venture at 61 showcase defiance of ageist norms and a celebration of self-reinvention at any stage of life. Both women exemplify the idea that personal style and career choices can be powerful forms of self-expression, regardless of age.

Marcia Cross: New Ventures at 61

Cross is famous for her vibrant red hair, which has become part of her identity. Early on, she chose a brownish-red color that stood out and fit her energetic roles. Over time, Cross tried different red tones. She went for a deeper, red that brought elegance to her appearance.

This evolution in her hair color parallels her self-discovery and reinvention. At an age when many might not consider starting a new career in modeling, Cross did just that. Her modeling debut at 61 wasn't just a personal milestone. It was also a statement against the ageism prevalent in Hollywood and the fashion industry.

Talking about the campaign, Cross humorously recounted her reaction. She expressed her astonishment and gratitude, "I kept saying, 'Well, they know how old I am, right? I mean, they don't expect me to be 25 or whatever?'"

Even her friends received the news with disbelief and surprise. "My friend was joking about my modeling career starting now," she shared, emphasizing her surprise and initial hesitation about the opportunity given her age.

On the day of the shoot, Cross decided to set aside any self-doubt related to her age, focusing instead on the freedom and joy of the experience. "I had to put my ego away. Because otherwise, all I would have been thinking is, 'I'm not young enough,'" she explained.

This mindset shift allowed her to fully engage with and enjoy the modeling, finding liberation in not having to conform to traditional beauty standards. The modeling experience was transformative for Cross, not just in terms of her career but also in how she views aging and beauty.

Her experience resonates with Lindsay Lohan's return to her auburn roots, which also marked a significant personal transformation.

Lindsay Lohan: Return to Roots

Lohan was originally known for her captivating auburn hair. However, she spent several years experimenting with various shades, including blonde. This time in her life was tough, with highly publicized personal struggles and professional setbacks.

In 2012, Lohan returned to her natural auburn hair. This change symbolized a return to her roots and was a step toward stabilizing her personal and professional life. The public speculated that this was Lohan's way of reconnecting with her earlier, more grounded self before her life became tabloid fodder.

Embracing Change, Celebrating Identity

The stories of these seven stars show us that changing hair color is more than just a fashion choice. It's a way to express who they are and what they're going through. Each new hair color tells a story of courage and finding oneself.

These changes do more than just interest fans; they question the usual ideas of beauty and what society expects as we age. By embracing change boldly and beautifully, these celebrities encourage us to see how the changes we show the world can mirror our inner growth and dreams.

Whether they're making a strong statement or going back to their roots, their transformations demonstrate that change is about more than just looks. It's about identity, acceptance, and how we share who we are with the world.