As an actress and model herself, Jane has embodied diverse roles and styles while fearlessly experimenting with an array of haircuts and colors. Her journey from being in front of the lens to behind the scenes as a makeup artist and hairstylist has enriched her understanding of style and beauty. Armed with this experience and coupled with a journalism degree, Jane now thrives as a writer at the Right Hairstyles. Outside her editorial pursuits, Jane revels in expressing her creativity through writing, makeup artistry, fashion styling, and immersing herself in the worlds of cinema and literature.
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When one thinks about Julia Roberts, there are many things that might come to mind: perhaps her mesmerizing smile, Oscar-winning performances, or, if not else, then the ability to light up the screen with undeniable charm. While all of these traits are quintessential Julia, there is another aspect of her persona that has commandeered audiences’ eyes since the beginning of the nineteen nineties: the constantly reinvented hairstyles. From the late ’80s to 2024, Julia Roberts has never been scared of a bold hair transformation. With each phase of her career came new locks acting out the role of a reflection of herself and her timeless beauty.
Under the skilled hands of hairstylist Serge Normant, Julia’s locks have traveled through quite a few colors and cuts – each one leaving an incomparable dent on the world of fashion and beauty. Let’s take a little journey down memory lane and revisit some of the most iconic looks that have firmly cemented Julia Roberts as one surefire hair chameleon.
Before the Hollywood glamour and endless transformations, Julia Roberts had natural hair – a big, curly mane that matched perfectly with her free-spirited personality. Her unruly curls – mostly gorgeous – became part of her signature look, especially back in her early career. Unlike most celebrities, who are often seen with systematically styled hair, Julia embraced her natural texture, letting her curls take center stage. Whether cascading down her shoulders, in twists, or just a simple updo, her hair reflected natural beauty that many could identify with. It’s thus no surprise that her curls became a defining feature which many fans adored.
Let’s start with a look that’s as bold as it is unforgettable – Julia Roberts’ first major red carpet appearance in 1985. Now, it’s important to remember that it was the mid-80s, a time when bigger was better, and that applied to hair too. Enter the mullet, a style that has since become a humorous point of reflection. It was a combination of voluminous curls on top and a more tapered length at the back, creating a “hair helmet” effect. While it might not be the most flattering look by today’s standards, it’s a reminder of how far both fashion and Julia’s hair journey have come.
Fast forward to 1989, right around the time “Pretty Woman” was being filmed, and Julia Roberts introduced the world to what would become one of her most iconic looks. Her strawberry blonde curls were nothing short of show-stopping, and they perfectly framed her face, adding to the vivacious character she portrayed on screen. These curls were the stuff of legends, soft yet full of life, and with a hue that was warm and inviting. The look became so synonymous with Julia that it’s hard to think of her early career without picturing those enviable strawberry blonde spirals.
In 1991, Julia Roberts walked the Oscars red carpet with Kiefer Sutherland by her side and a hairstyle that took everyone by surprise. Channeling Marilyn Monroe, Julia sported a bright blonde bixie cut – a combination of a bob and a pixie – with soft, romantic waves. The yellow-blonde hue was a stark contrast to the more natural tones she had previously worn, but it was a change that worked beautifully, adding a touch of Old Hollywood glamour to her already striking presence.
By 1993, Julia Roberts had embraced a more minimalist approach to her hair, opting for a sleek, straight style that was dyed a cool-toned light brown. With slightly flipped ends that were quintessentially ’90s, this look was polished yet understated. The side part added a touch of sophistication, while the overall style was a departure from the voluminous curls that had previously defined her. This look was all about refinement, showcasing a different side of Julia’s style evolution.
As the mid-90s approached, Julia Roberts revisited the auburn tones that had once made her a household name. For the premiere of “Something to Talk About” in 1995, she stepped out with a deep auburn shade that was reminiscent of her “Pretty Woman” days. This time, however, she added a long side bang that gave the style a fresh update. The rich color and subtle layers created a look that was both modern and nostalgic, proving once again that Julia knows how to keep things interesting.
The late ‘90s were all about the bob cut, and Julia Roberts didn’t skip the trend. In 1997, she debuted a layered bob with thin bangs that was bouncy, playful, and perfectly on-trend. Dyed a gorgeous honey blonde, this style became a favorite among fans and stylists alike. The sliced ends added movement and texture, while the bangs framed her face in a way that was both soft and striking. It was a style that defined an era and became one of the most requested cuts in salons across the country.
By 1998, Julia was still holding on to her blonde phase, attending the Golden Globes with a golden blonde updo that was both simple and chic. Her straightened hair was pulled back on both sides with neat bobby pins, creating a polished look that allowed her natural beauty to shine. It was a departure from the voluminous curls she often wore, but the sleekness of the style added a level of elegance that was perfect for the occasion.
The year 2000 saw Julia returning to her roots – literally. She went back to her signature auburn color, but this time she opted for tighter ringlets that were cut right to her shoulders. The result was a look that was both fresh and familiar, combining the best of her natural curls with a color that had always suited her. It was a hairstyle that felt authentic, a nod to her early days while still being firmly rooted in the present.
One of Julia Roberts’ most memorable hair moments came in 2001 at the Academy Awards, where she won the Best Actress Oscar for “Erin Brockovich.” She stepped onto the red carpet with a sleek and sophisticated updo that was nothing short of breathtaking. Her chocolate brown hair was styled straight and pulled back into a voluminous, elegant shape. This look was a defining moment in her career and in red carpet history, showcasing her ability to seamlessly blend classic and contemporary styles.
In 2002, Julia brought back the strawberry blonde shade, but this time she kept the styling simple and chic. Her hair was worn pin-straight with a long side bang, creating a look that was effortlessly stylish. The color was soft and flattering, a perfect match for her skin tone, and the straight styling was a reminder that sometimes, less really is more. This was a look that felt fresh and modern, yet timelessly beautiful.
For the premiere of “Mona Lisa Smile” in 2003, Julia Roberts opted for a look that was all about glamour and grace. Her dark hair was styled in loose, soft waves that cascaded over her shoulders, creating a romantic, almost ethereal vibe. The waves were polished yet natural, striking the perfect balance between old Hollywood and modern-day elegance. This was Julia at her most radiant, exuding confidence and style in equal measure.
Julia Roberts has always had a special relationship with the Oscars, and her 2004 appearance was no exception. She returned to her beloved honey blonde hair, this time wearing it in bouncy curls that were full of life and movement. The mid-length style was playful yet sophisticated, a perfect match for the glitz and glamour of the event. This was a look that felt quintessentially Julia, combining her love of blonde tones with a style that was both fun and elegant.
2007 marked the beginning of what would become one of Julia Roberts’ signature looks – a bright auburn shade that quickly became her go-to color. With a hint of red, this vibrant hue was worn in loose waves that were both relaxed and glamorous. This look became a favorite of Julia’s, one that she would return to time and time again. It was a color that felt uniquely hers, a perfect blend of warmth and sophistication.
For the press cycle of “Eat, Pray, Love” in 2010, Julia Roberts made a rich transformation with chocolate brown curls that had subtle reddish highlights. The deeper color was a departure from the lighter shades she had been sporting, but it was a change that suited her beautifully. The curls were soft and voluminous, adding a touch of drama and elegance to her look. It was a style that felt both classic and contemporary, a testament to Julia’s ability to effortlessly switch things up.
The 2014 Golden Globes saw Julia Roberts channeling a retro vibe with a ’60s-inspired bouffant updo. Her hair was piled high with volume, creating a look that was both glamorous and fun. The bouffant was a rare departure from her usual styles, but it was a welcome change that added a touch of vintage charm to her red carpet appearance. It was a nod to the past, yet it felt fresh and modern, showcasing Julia’s ability to pull off any style with ease.
We hadn’t seen Julia Roberts this blonde since the early ’90s, but in 2017, she surprised us all with a bright blonde lob that was both new and exciting. The shorter length and straighter style were a departure from her usual waves, but the volume and strategic layering were unmistakably Julia. The brighter blonde was a bold choice, but one that paid off, adding a touch of edginess to her look. It was a style that felt both daring and true to her, a perfect reflection of her ever-evolving hair journey.
In 2022, Julia Roberts revisited one of her signature looks – voluminous curls, this time with her beloved auburn hair color. The curls were full of life and styled with extra volume, creating a look that was both classic and modern. It was a style that felt quintessentially Julia, a nod to her early days while still being firmly rooted in the present. The auburn color was as vibrant as ever, proving that some looks truly never go out of style.
Julia Roberts continued to surprise us in 2023, this time with a fresh update to her look. She tried out a trending chocolate auburn hair color, a rich shade that added depth and dimension to her already stunning locks. Her hair was styled in soft voluminous waves, with the addition of side bangs that framed her face beautifully. The combination of the rich color and the soft waves created a look that was both fresh and sophisticated, a perfect example of Julia’s ability to reinvent herself while staying true to her style.
By March 2024, Julia Roberts had lightened her hair to a ginger auburn shade, a color that was warm and inviting. Her chest-length hair was styled in her usual waves, but with the addition of blunt wispy bangs that added a fresh, youthful touch. The lighter color and the playful bangs created a look that was both vibrant and chic, a perfect reflection of Julia’s enduring beauty and style.
And finally, we come to one of Julia Roberts’ most surprising transformations – her bright blonde lob in the summer of 2024. After years of sticking to more natural tones, Julia shocked us all by going full blonde, a color we hadn’t seen on her in years. The chic and trendy lob was a perfect match for the bold color, creating a look that was both fresh and exciting. It was a daring move, but one that paid off, proving once again that Julia Roberts is a true hair icon who isn’t afraid to take risks.
Julia Roberts’ hair journey is the perfect example of her fearless approach to style, the will to reinvent herself while remaining real to her character. From the fluffy 1985 mullet to the bright blonde 2024 lob, every haircut documented her career in evolution, personal growth, and timeless beauty. Be it curls, waves, or a slick updo, Julia has always kept us second-guessing, wondering what could possibly be next. Here’s to Julia Roberts, the original hair chameleon, and to endless inspiration she provides for us all.
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