The blonde is dead. Long live the brunette. Honestly, it felt like we were waiting a lifetime for Ariana Grande to put the bleach down, and it finally happened just in time for the 2026 award season.
If you've been following the Wicked press cycle—which, let's face it, felt like it lasted about eighty-four years—you know the platinum "Glinda" hair was more than just a look. It was a lifestyle. But as of January 2026, Ari has officially entered her "De-Glinda" era. She showed up to the Critics Choice Awards and the Golden Globes looking... well, like herself again. Sorta.
It’s not just a simple box-dye job. There’s a lot of technical nuance to how she transitioned back to her roots without her hair literally falling out.
The Great Brunette Return of 2026
When Ariana walked the red carpet at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards, the internet basically had a collective meltdown. We’re talking about a rich, warm, almost reddish-brown hue. It’s a massive departure from the cool-toned, icy blonde she sported since 2021.
Her colorist, Brandon Pietsch, called it a "rich brunette," but if you look closely at the high-res photos, there’s a distinct auburn undertone. It’s giving technicolor. It’s giving Dorothy Gale meets high-fashion Audrey Hepburn.
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Why she changed it now
Ariana explained it best herself. During the first Wicked press tour, she wanted to be Glinda. She was method dressing, method hair-dying, basically method living. But now that Wicked: For Good has been out and the awards are rolling in, she’s ready to be Ariana Grande, the actress, not just the character.
She told Entertainment Tonight that she wanted to play into the "darker tones" of the film's sequel. Plus, let's be real: maintaining that level of blonde is a full-time job.
The Science of the "Ariana Grande New Hair" Transition
You can’t just slap dark paint over platinum hair. It doesn't work that way. If you try it at home, you’ll likely end up with swamp-water green hair because blonde hair lacks the warm "filler" pigments (reds and oranges) that make brown look natural.
Her team, including the legendary Francesco De Chiara and Alyx Liu, had a massive task. According to industry insiders at Behind the Chair, the process involves "filling" the hair first.
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- Step 1: Reintroducing red and copper tones into the porous blonde strands.
- Step 2: Layering a customized chocolate brown gloss over the top.
- Step 3: Fighting the "rejection."
Ariana actually joked in a recent interview with a French journalist that her hair is "refusing" to stay dark. She said she wakes up with accidental highlights after one wash because her hair is so used to being blonde it’s spitting out the toner.
"I'm not method," she said, "but my hair is method."
The 2026 Power Ponytail is Different
It’s not just the color. The silhouette has shifted. At the 2026 Golden Globes, we saw the return of the Power Ponytail. But this isn't the 2014 "Problem" era pony.
This version is sleek, positioned slightly lower than the literal top of her head, and paired with a deep side part. The most "2026" element? The micro-fringe. Or at least, the "baby bangs" look she’s been playing with.
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The Bangs Debate
She’s been rocking these wispy, French-style bangs that frame her face. It’s a softer look. Less severe than the scraped-back styles of her Sweetener era.
Some fans on Reddit’s r/ariheads are obsessed, saying the darker hair makes her eyes pop. Others miss the "Glinda" ethereal vibe. But the general consensus is that this "Positions" meets "Audrey Hepburn" aesthetic is the most mature she’s ever looked.
How to Get the "Ari 2026" Look (Without Ruining Your Hair)
If you're inspired by the Ariana Grande new hair transition, don't just run to the store for a "Dark Brown" box.
- Ask for a "Gold-Based" Brunette: Tell your stylist you want a chocolate brown with warm undertones. If it’s too ash-toned, it will look flat and dull, especially if you’re starting from a lighter base.
- The High-Gloss Finish: Ari’s hair looks like glass. That’s not just luck; it’s a demi-permanent gloss. Brands like Redken Shades EQ are usually the go-to for this level of shine.
- The "Single Bouncy Curl" Technique: Her hairstylist, Alyx Liu, has been leaving one single, perfect curl out of her updos. It’s a very specific 2026 trend that adds movement to a rigid ponytail.
The Verdict on the Transition
Honestly, this change was necessary. Three years of platinum bleach is a lot for any scalp to handle. By moving back to this rich, mahogany-tinted brunette, she’s giving her hair a much-needed break while simultaneously rebranding herself for a more serious "prestige actress" era.
It’s a masterclass in how to evolve a signature look without losing your identity. She’s still the girl with the ponytail, but the ponytail has grown up.
If you’re planning on going dark this year, start with a professional gloss rather than a permanent dye. This allows you to test the "depth" of the brown without the commitment, and it helps fill the hair if you’re transitioning from highlights. Also, invest in a color-depositing conditioner—like Overtone or Celeb Luxury—to prevent that "fading to green" issue Ariana mentioned.