When things get stressful, people often make drastic changes to their hair. (Remember when you chopped it all off after your last breakup, or celebrated your transition to the freelance lifestyle by dyeing your hair electric blue?)
No matter which side of the political spectrum you’re on, it’s safe to say that 2017 has been an incredibly stressful year — one that many celebrities are taking out on their hairstyles.
With the year almost at an end, let’s take a walk down memory lane and check out some of the top celebrity hair transformations and trends of 2017.
Inspired by what you see? We’ll also tell you how to get the look yourself, and the kind of upkeep these styles will likely require.
Ariana Grande’s Breakup With the Ponytail
2017 may have been a particularly tough year in terms of celebrity breakups — however, not all of them were bad!
Ariana Grande has long been known for her stick-straight, long ponytail that somehow seems to last perfectly through every performance and red carpet appearance.
However, one of the most stunning hair transformations of 2017 took place in October, when Ari ditched the pony for some seriously sexy vintage-style bangs and a platinum long mane completely free from hair elastics.
No doubt inspired by reigning celebrity queen Kim Kardashian’s platinum plunge last year, Ariana’s fans loved the shocking transformation (even if a few didn’t recognize her at first!)
Looking to make micro-bangs your own?
If so, make sure you’re aware of the upkeep required. Think frequent trims, a daily style using a flat iron with steam, and more hairspray than you thought was humanly possible. Bangs look cute, but they are a serious commitment. Case in point: Ari went back to her signature look a few red carpers later.
Frank Ocean Thinks Pink
Who says celebrity hair transformations are for women only?
Though his album might be titled “Blond,” Frank went for pink in 2017 — and we love it. Ocean has long been all about breaking industry stereotypes (he’s one of the few out bisexuals in hip-hop) so it’s no surprise that he fully embraced the gender-bending hairstyle.
The rapper’s new ‘do wasn’t just stylish, it was also functional. Looking for a fast way to beat the heat of the summer, Ocean knew just what to do to cool down quickly.
Want to embrace the millennial pink trend on your own head? Whether you’re a man or a woman, it’s important to manage your expectations. Depending on how frequently you’ve dyed your hair in the past, and its natural color, you may not be able to get the pastel shade in a single session.
You’re likely going to have to book several appointments at your salon in order to get the look you want.
The most important thing to remember when it comes to rocking pink hair? To bring your confidence.
Kathy Griffin’s Shaved Head
2017 has certainly been a controversial year for this famous funny lady.
However, one thing we an all agree on? That her decision to go bald was one of the most shocking — and most meaningful — hair transformations of 2017.
The star ditched her signature red locks (and longtime bestie Anderson Cooper) this year in favor of a ‘do that requires significantly less upkeep.
The reason?
She wanted to prove her support for her sister, who is currently undergoing chemo/radiation in the fight against cancer. We just hope that Kathy donated those bright red locks!
Think you want to shave your head? If so, you’re not alone, as the super-close crop has been popping up all over sidewalks and runways recently. Just make sure that, in case you don’t like the look, you invest in some high-quality wigs!
You’ll still need to wash your scalp when you shower, and have a friend make sure you get the back of your head when you’re doing at-home touchups.
Rihanna Being Rihanna
Rihanna is certainly no stranger to hair transformations. Over the course of her incredible career, she’s rocked wigs, crazy colors, daring ‘dos, and pretty much everything in between (including the iconic 2013 “doobie wrap.”)
So, it should come as no surprise that, in 2017, Princess RiRi showed no signs of slowing down.
In August of this year, she made sure that everyone was still paying attention (spoiler alert: we never looked away) by showing off a stunning aqua hair color that made Kylie Jenner look like an amateur. Rihanna’ mermaid locks were an instant hit, and had countless women rushing to the salon.
Want to try the look for yourself?
First of all, remember that bright hues are for everyone. There’s no such thing as “too old” to do something when it comes to your body and your look. If you want to rock turquoise hair, then you’ll be the most fly woman in the nursing home.
Just make sure that you leave these bold hues to the professionals. Box dye kits promising pastel colors never deliver, and they can seriously damage your hair.
Selena Gomez Makes the Chop
2017 has been a tough year for Selena Gomez. She’s undergone a kidney transplant, had to battle with her lupus, and has endured some serious scrutiny when it comes to her social life.
So, we applaud her for making a hair transformation, too. She ditched her signature longer locks for a lob (AKA a “long bob”) to debut a sexier, edgier look.
Sadly, she hasn’t yet chopped Bieber from her life — but hey, there’s always next year.
Which of These Celebrity Hair Transformations is Your Favorite?
2017 has been a wild ride — and the hair transformations featured here are certainly a part of that.
Which one is your favorite, and which one do you wish hadn’t happened at all?
When you’re ready to debut a new look, you need to make sure you have everything, from your beauty routine and skincare to your wardrobe, in order.
Check out our website and blog to score some killer styling tips so that you can rule the runway — or at least the sidewalk — in 2018.
