She’s back. Honestly, after three years of seeing Ariana Grande as a floating, shimmering cloud of buttery blonde, the sudden shift to a rich, chocolatey brunette feels like a collective exhale for the internet. It’s almost like she was on a very long vacation in Oz and finally decided to come home.
In late October 2025, she posted that mirror selfie. You know the one. The caption read, "it's good to see me, isn't it? 🫧"—a cheeky nod to her character Glinda’s opening line. But the hair was pure Ariana. Ariana Grande brown hair isn't just a color choice; for many fans, it’s the "true" version of her. It’s the color of the Dangerous Woman era, the thank u, next ponytail, and the Positions aesthetic that dominated our mood boards for years.
The Big Brunette Reveal of 2025
Why now? Basically, she’s done playing the part. For a long time, she was living and breathing Wicked. She famously told Vogue that she stayed blonde even when she wasn't filming because she needed to "find Glinda." But with Wicked: For Good (the massive sequel) hitting theaters in November 2025, she was ready to shed the persona.
She told Entertainment Tonight in November that the change was intentional. She wanted to show up to the press tour not as the character, but as the "actress who played her." It’s a subtle distinction, but a powerful one. By returning to Ariana Grande brown hair, she’s signaling a return to herself. Plus, she’s prepping for the Eternal Sunshine tour in June 2026. Can you imagine singing "we can't be friends" without that moody, dark-hair energy? It wouldn't hit the same.
A History of "The Ponytail" and the Damage Done
Let’s talk facts. Ariana’s natural hair is actually a very dark brown, almost black, and notoriously curly. She’s been open about how much she’s put her scalp through. Remember the Victorious days? She had to bleach and dye her hair bright red every twond week for four years.
"As one would assume, that completely destroyed my hair," she wrote in a now-famous Facebook post years ago.
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That damage is actually why the ponytail became a "thing" in the first place. It wasn't just a fashion statement; it was a way to hide the fact that her real hair was broken and "ratchet" (her words, not mine!) under extensions. When she transitioned into her pop star era with Yours Truly, she leaned into a soft, honey-brown. By the time Dangerous Woman arrived in 2016, she had mastered the "expensive brunette" look—deep, glossy, and usually paired with a side-swept bang or a waist-grazing length.
The Francesco De Chiara Touch
This latest transformation wasn't a DIY job. She worked with her go-to colorist, Francesco De Chiara, and hair stylist Alyx Liu. De Chiara described the new shade as a "rich coffee mocha." It’s a warm, dimensional brown that doesn't look flat in photos.
If you're looking for the technical side, the industry pros at Behind the Chair actually leaked a version of the formula used for her transition. They used Wella Professionals Color Touch (shades 7/71 and 7/97) to deposit pigment back into her bleached blonde strands. You can't just slap a dark box dye over platinum blonde. If you do, it turns a weird, swampy green. You have to "fill" the hair with red and gold tones first.
Why This Color Hits Differently in 2026
We’ve entered an era of "quiet luxury" and "natural beauty." The platinum blonde was iconic for the movie, but it was high-maintenance. It washed her out a little bit if the lighting wasn't perfect. Brown hair, on the other hand, brings out the warmth in her skin and makes her eyes pop.
It’s also about health. After years of bleach, your hair needs a break. Going brunette allows the cuticle to rest. Darker dyes reflect light better than blonde ones, which is why her hair looks so much shinier now than it did at the 2024 Oscars.
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The Evolution of the Shade
- 2008-2009: Natural, dark raven curls.
- 2010-2013: The bright red Nickelodeon era.
- 2014-2017: Classic "Ariana Brown" with honey highlights.
- 2018: A brief stint with silvery-platinum for Sweetener.
- 2019-2021: Deep espresso tones during the Positions era.
- 2022-2025: The Glinda Blonde era.
- Late 2025-2026: The Return of the Brunette.
How to Get the "Ariana Brown" Without the Salon Price Tag
If you’re sitting there thinking you want to copy this for the Eternal Sunshine tour, you’ve gotta be careful. Going from light to dark is a process. Honestly, don't try to go from bleach blonde to mocha at home.
First, you need a "filler." This is a demi-permanent color in a warm copper or gold. It replaces the pigments that bleach stripped away. Without it, your brown will look hollow and grey.
Second, maintenance is everything. Even though brown is lower maintenance than blonde, it still fades. Use a sulfate-free shampoo. Ariana has been seen using products from her own R.E.M. Beauty line, but fans on Reddit also swear by the "hair wash routine" she’s hinted at in the past:
- Double shampooing (only the roots!).
- A deep conditioner or mask for at least five minutes.
- Air drying whenever possible to avoid heat damage.
Misconceptions About Her Hair
One thing people always get wrong: they think the hair we see on stage is 100% hers. It’s not. Even with the return to brown, she still uses high-quality extensions to get that signature volume. Her natural hair is much shorter and has a tight curl pattern. She’s been showing it off more lately on Instagram Stories, and honestly? It’s gorgeous. But for the "Ariana Grande" brand, the long, sleek look is the gold standard.
Another myth is that she "hates" being blonde. She actually seemed to love it for the role! But like any actress finishing a long-term project, she was just ready for a change. It’s a palette cleanser.
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What This Means for Her Next Era
The return to Ariana Grande brown hair usually signals a shift in her music, too. Think about it. Dark hair Ari is usually her most soulful, R&B-leaning self. With the tour starting in June 2026, we’re likely going to see a mix of the theatricality she learned in London and the "Boca Girl" roots we fell in love with a decade ago.
She’s even changing her makeup to match. During the blonde era, her brows were lightened and her eyeliner was softer. Now, the sharp cat-eye is back in full force. The contrast between the dark hair and the sharp wing is her bread and butter.
Expert Tips for Recreating the Look
If you're heading to your stylist, don't just say "brown." That’s too vague. Ask for:
- A "neutral-to-warm" medium brown base.
- "Ribbon" highlights in a toffee or caramel shade for dimension.
- A "gloss" or "toner" finish to give it that glass-hair shine.
Next Steps for Your Own Transformation
If you've been inspired by the return of the brunette, your first step is a strand test. This is especially true if you’ve been dyeing your hair at home. Take a small section from the back of your head and see how it takes the color.
If you're already brunette and just want the Ariana shine, grab a clear hair gloss. It won't change your color, but it’ll give you that "celebrity" finish that makes your hair look healthy and expensive. Start using a silk pillowcase to prevent the breakage that Ariana famously struggled with during her early career. Consistency is the only way to get that waist-length look without it becoming a frizzy mess.
Stock up on a high-quality heat protectant. Even though you aren't bleaching anymore, the high ponytail requires a lot of tension and heat-styling to get it perfectly sleek. Protecting the ends of your hair today means you won't have to cut them off tomorrow.