A new Gen Z adage has permeated the collective consciousness: “Your hair holds memories”. And indeed, there is truth in its whimsical embrace. Recently heartbroken? Seeking self-reinvention? Pencil in an appointment with your hair stylist—for in the realm of transformative experiences, hair makeovers reign supreme. From cathartic chops that liberate the weight of the past to daring dye jobs that embody fearless self-expression, hair transformations stand as undeniable proof that physical makeovers possess the power to ignite profound mental metamorphoses.
Nevertheless, in the realm of celebrities, the art of coiffure surpasses mere symbolism. For stars, hair transformations are more than just a farewell to moments past—they are the moment itself, etched into the annals of slayage.
View this post on Instagram
Insofar, we’ve already witnessed a menagerie of such moments on the red carpet. Florence Pugh, for one, cast a spell of audaciousness as she descended upon the Met Gala with a freshly shaven head. The brazen espirit de corps continued its fervent dance at the Lagerfeld-themed soiree, where French actress Marion Cotillard captivated all with her pastel pink mop top, while English supermodel Cara Delevingne effortlessly rocked a peppy off-white shag. Weeks later, the world was left breathless as Dame Helen Mirren graced the Cannes Film Festival with an exquisitely tousled crown of arctic blue strands, perfectly complementing her periwinkle gown.
Earlier this year, House of the Dragon’s very own Emma D’arcy also stunned the world by executing a complete 180-degree turn, shedding their Targaryen platinum braids for a striking dark, indigo pixie that oozed 70s punk. Meanwhile, Sadie Sink embarked on an equally daring journey, snipping off her signature crimson cascade for a David Bowie-esque mullet.
So, if you’re pining for a makeover for your own mane, take cue from the mesmerising alchemy of aesthetics that have adorned the illustrious carpets. Behold, Vogue Singapore’s compilation of the most remarkable celebrity tresses showcasing spellbinding transformations that embody audacity, creativity, and individuality.
1 / 11
Dua Lipa
Nothing turns heads quite like a well-executed set of bangs. All eyes were on the English-Albanian songwriter at the Cannes Film Festival when she showed up with a new man—as well as a freshly-cut fringe styled seductively over her face.
2 / 11
Helen Mirren
Unfazed by convention, Dame Helen Mirren is the embodiment of “age is just a number” with the fearless embracing of daring looks. The 77-year old’s audacity reached new heights at this year’s Cannes, where she stunned in a top-to-toe blue ensemble. The true showstopper was her signature sterling tresses, artfully painted in various shades of oceanic tones that paired flawlessly with her blue Del Core dress.
3 / 11
Florence Pugh
Fresh off the set of Dune, Florence Pugh made a striking entrance at the Met Gala with her newly shaved head crowned by tall, black feather sprouts. The avant-garde statement was completed with a smokey cat eye and a custom Valentino gown that poured down the steps of the museum, accentuating her recent appointment as their ambassador.
4 / 11
Marion Cotillard
“Pink hair, don’t care” was Marion Cotillard’s anthem for the night as she graced the Met Gala with a pastel pink bowl cut and lips of the same hue—a significant departure from the actress’s usual brunette lob. Accentuated by a silver sequinned Chanel mini, her ensemble drew comparisons to Zendaya’s iconic Joan of Arc-inspired look from 2018.
5 / 11
Cara Delevigne
As a cherished muse of the late Karl Lagerfeld, Cara Delevigne carried the unspoken responsibility of going above and beyond at this year’s tribute-themed Met Gala—and she certainly delivered. Clad in a floor-sweeping collared frock and black thigh-high leg warmers, Delevigne’s icy grey shag evoked memories of Lagerfeld’s distinctive signature style. Unfortunately, as hairstylist Danielle Priano later revealed, her choppy tendrils were only a wig, textured with the skillful manipulation of a flat iron.
6 / 11
Megan Fox
Embracing the trend du jour, Megan Fox confidently traded her brunette waves for a seductive copper cut at the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2023 Party. Drawing inspiration from her fascination with Greek mythology, she attributed her new gingerbread locks to the imagined aftermath of a journey through the underworld, envisioning what it would look like “if all the fire and brimstone from hell was in your hair”.
7 / 11
Emma D'arcy
Emma D’arcy is a true chameleon in the world of acting, often unrecognisable outside of their role in House of the Dragon. While their iconic Targaryen platinum tresses may be a wig, D’arcy’s own pixie cut has undergone remarkable transformations. Just a few months after dazzling at the GQ Men Of The Year Awards, their fiery red locks were extinguished and replaced with a striking metallic blue, sculpted and styled with edgy finesse.
8 / 11
Sadie Sink
Say goodbye to Sadie Sink’s beachy crimson waves as they make way for a bold Mick Jagger-inspired wolf cut. Hairstylist Tommie Bucket fearlessly took the plunge, transforming the actress’s locks into a rockabilly fever dream—perhaps in preparations for a new role?
9 / 11
Lisa Rinna
In a surprising twist, Lisa Rinna turned heads at the Vivienne Westwood Fall/Winter show last March when she bid farewell to her signature short and sassy layers and embraced a sleek and glossy bowl cut. The hairstyle, featuring a stylish slant from forehead to nape, sparked a variety of reactions, with some drawing comparisons to the nostalgic hairstyle sported by Will Byers in the hit series Stranger Things.
10 / 11
Charlize Theron
Reclaiming her status as one of Hollywood’s most iconic blonde bombshells, Charlize Theron has returned to her roots in a striking fashion. The acclaimed actress bid farewell to her brunette mullet, opting instead for a familiar yet captivating chin-length bob in a sandy blonde.
11 / 11
Julia Garner
Julia Garner mesmerised at Cannes, channeling the timeless elegance of the late Princess Diana with her sleek, straightened blonde locks, a departure from her signature curly style. Wearing a constellation of diamonds and emeralds on both ears, Garner was a vision of sophistication and aristocracy—much like her acclaimed portrayal of the notorious socialite Anna Delvey.
