Tyra Banks, 51, Stuns Fans With Her Short Blonde Hair at a Fashion Event

A jaw-dropping transformation by one of the most iconic faces in fashion history sent shockwaves rippling through Doha and left the internet gasping.

On November 22, at the Fashion Trust Arabia 2025 Awards in Qatar, Tyra Banks, the indomitable supermodel who ruled runways and revolutionized reality TV, stepped out in a look so bold that fans weren't even sure who they were looking at.

The 51-year-old fashion titan appeared at the National Museum of Qatar in a hairstyle that turned heads and raised eyebrows.

Her Daring New Look

Banks, a woman whose name is synonymous with glamour and dramatic television moments thanks to "America's Next Top Model," emerged in a long black gown that screamed statement, with sweeping cape sleeves falling down her arms and a metallic gold corset cinching her waist into an enviable hourglass shape.

Additionally, the star paired her look with bold gold earrings and intense winged eye makeup. But it was her hair, or rather, what she did to it, that stopped fans cold.

The Supermodel's Hair Shock

Known for frequently switching up her style, Banks has long favored flowing long locks. This time, however, she threw everyone a curveball.

Her typically long blonde hair was styled into tight, head-hugging curls, mimicking a short pixie cut. The change was so drastic that many people were puzzled.

"Wow [...] didn't even know it was her," one stunned fan wrote on Facebook. Another echoed the confusion with a simple, "I didn't recognize her."

Mixed Reviews Pour In from Netizens

Once the realization dawned that it was indeed Tyra Banks beneath the striking hair and daring outfit, the opinions came flooding in and they were anything but subtle.

"Hair is definitely aging her," one netizen bluntly stated on Instagram. Another shared, "Hair is completely wrong and throws off the whole look 😩😑 Love her tho…"

Some comments took aim at the whole look, pulling no punches.

"It's giving costume to me - hair looks ok but makes her look old," one critic wrote, while another declared, "No on the blond wig and the corset. Sometimes boring, basic black is best."

Though the hair drew the most attention, others turned their sights solely on her outfit. "Retire the corset girl and dress for your size," one person urged.

Another didn't hold back, writing, "When your corset is too small to cover your Triumph strapless bra…." And one netizen focused on her features, wondering, "What has Tyra done to her face???"

This isn't the first time that Banks has shocked netizens this year. As previously reported, she made a grand return to the Paris fashion scene, stepping into the iconic Louvre for a glamorous evening in March that blended high fashion with centuries of art. Fans had a lot to say after seeing Banks' striking appearance, with many reacting to her seemingly transformed look.

The supermodel turned heads in an embellished Mônot coat by designer Eli Mizrahi, exuding confidence and elegance. She completed the look with an edgy, ultra-short wet sculpted hairstyle, adding a bold touch to her striking ensemble.

Returning to Paris Fashion

The entrepreneur also took to social media to share her excitement about attending the inaugural Le Grand Dîner du Louvre, marking her official return to the Paris fashion world.

Banks revealed that she had strutted outside the famous museum before, as she reflected on her past experiences walking the city's runways in the '90s.

So, this time, the supermodel was excited to be inside the museum for the first time. Surrounded by historic masterpieces and designer pieces seamlessly woven into the exhibits, she described the experience as nothing short of surreal.

"I felt grateful to be in the city that believed in me from the start. Merci, Paris, for helping me put the word 'super' in front of 'model.' ✨," she reminisced.

Banks also acknowledged how beautiful she felt in her curated outfit, adding that more is yet to come. "This is just the beginning. A new beginning. And I am so excited to take all of YOU on this journey with me. Because you're never too old to DREAM and never too young to SMiZE. So keep dreaming. No matter your age. Paris, je t'aime! 💛TyTy," she penned.

Netizens React: A New Face?

Fans were excited to see Banks back at the glamorous fashion week after years of her absence. They promptly reacted to her post online, with some focusing on her facial appearance and others her stunning outfit.

One person was taken aback, writing, "I never thought she'd resort to plastic surgery…. But here we are… she really didn't need to do all that… 🤦🏽‍♀️" Another person who was left in shock simply stated, "Eeks. Didn’t even know it was her."

Some couldn't help but focus on a particular feature, with one asking, "What did she do to her eyes???? No, Tyra, NO!!!!" However, not everyone was critical — one fan praised her, "Tyra got new face 👏 looks stunning 🔥."

Another admirer showered her with compliments, "Sweetheart you look amazing absolutely breathtaking gorgeous sexy hot with beautiful eyes and smile ❤️🔥😍."

Stepping on the Runway Again

Tyra Banks' return to Paris Fashion Week has definitely excited her fans. In a 2024 interview, she divulged that she was considering going back to the runway as she continues to receive encouragement to model again.

She shared, "I'm thinking about really, really modeling, like, for real for real, like, fashion shows and, like, covers of magazines that are not Sports Illustrated." Still, she noted that while she doesn’t feel like she’s actively in the industry, the idea of stepping back into the fashion world is on her mind.

The 51-year-old also acknowledged that her body has changed. She noted that cellulite, once limited to the back of her body, has now appeared on the front as well, which would be a factor to consider if she gets back to modelling.

She noted, "Hope that my hip is here for it, and let's hope that I can get the right lighting so the front of my thighs with the cellulite is not showing as much. We've come a long way when it comes to beauty empowerment and inclusivity, but y'all will still hate on me in the comments about the cellulite on the front of my thighs. It is what it is."

Despite body changes, Banks remains unapologetic and self-assured, embracing every aspect of her evolving beauty. The supermodel also acknowledged the freedom that comes with aging, "I say what I feel a lot more. It feels good."