Ariana Grande has made yet another striking transformation, this time swapping her blonde locks for rich brunette hair.
At 32, the pop superstar looks a world away from the teen actress who first captured hearts on Nickelodeon, signaling the start of a new chapter in her ever-evolving style journey.
From Nickelodeon Sweetheart to Global Star
Ariana first rose to fame at just 16 as Cat Valentine in Victorious before continuing the role on Sam & Cat alongside Jennette McCurdy.
What started as a teenage acting gig quickly evolved into a career in music, with Ariana scoring an incredible 86 Billboard Hot 100 entries, including nine number-one hits.
Her signature high ponytail, once paired with cat-ear headbands, became iconic as she toured the globe.
The Many Hair Eras of Ariana
Her hair has been just as famous as her voice.
From bright red during her early Nickelodeon days to a long brunette ponytail, then a shock blonde in 2022 for her role as Glinda in Wicked, Ariana’s hair choices have often reflected her personal and professional growth.
She has spoken openly about the damage caused by dyeing and bleaching her hair for TV, once explaining that her hair was “completely destroyed” after years of constant coloring.
Embracing a Natural Look
In recent years, Ariana has shifted toward a more natural aesthetic.
She’s stopped using excessive lip fillers and Botox, focusing instead on embracing her natural beauty.
In a candid Vogue Beauty Secrets clip, she explained how she once “hid” behind makeup and cosmetic procedures but now values transparency and aging gracefully, hoping to let her smile and cry lines show the life she’s lived.
Facing the Pressures of Fame
Ariana has been candid about the intense scrutiny she has faced, both regarding her appearance and her health.
Reflecting on her past struggles with anti-depressants, alcohol, and poor eating habits, she urged fans to reconsider what “healthy” looks like, emphasizing that it can take many forms.
She also revealed ongoing effects of PTSD following the tragic 2017 Manchester bombing during her concert.
Broadway Dreams Come True
Her journey in Wicked has been a dream realized.
Ariana landed the role of Glinda alongside Cynthia Erivo, a goal she had visualized since she was 13.
While filming, she and Cynthia battled the pressures of long schedules, Covid, and an actors’ strike, but both agreed the challenges ultimately offered much-needed perspective and rest.
Back to Brunette and Feeling Herself
Now, Ariana has returned to her brunette roots as her Wicked chapter closes with Part Two releasing on November 21.
Sharing a mirror selfie on Instagram, she playfully wrote, “It’s good to see me, isn’t it?” Fans celebrated the comeback of her natural hair color, flooding Reddit and social media with praise for the elegant, grounded transformation.
A Star Who Continues to Evolve
From red-haired Nickelodeon star to global pop sensation and Broadway lead, Ariana’s evolution is a testament to her resilience, creativity, and self-awareness.
She continues to navigate fame on her own terms, showing fans that growth, authenticity, and self-love can coexist even under the brightest spotlight.