When Billie Eilish stepped onto the Lollapalooza stage in August 2023, the crowd didn't just scream for the music. They screamed for the hair. It was a visual gut punch. After a long stint of "normal" jet-black hair following her blonde Happier Than Ever era, the neon was back. But it wasn't the 2019 slime green. It was a blood-red, high-voltage crimson that looked like it was bleeding into her black lengths.
Billie Eilish red roots didn't just trend; they shifted the entire beauty landscape for the second time in five years.
Honestly, we should have seen it coming. Billie has always used her hair as a literal billboard for her mental state and musical chapters. If the green roots were the "bad guy" era of teenage rebellion, the red roots felt more sophisticated. Darker. A bit more dangerous. It’s the kind of look that makes you want to reach for a box of Manic Panic immediately, even if your boss might hate it.
The Secret History of the Red Roots
Most people think 2023 was the first time Billie went red. That's actually wrong.
In 2021, she secretly had red hair for exactly one week. One week! She was in the middle of that massive, multi-step transition from black/green to platinum blonde—a process that destroys your hair if you rush it—and she paused at red. She hid it under a wig. She eventually shared a video of a hairstylist blow-drying the hidden crimson, but it was a blink-and-you-miss-it moment.
The real era—the one everyone tries to copy now—was the 2023 revival.
She worked with her long-time colorist, Jess Gonzalez, to nail that specific shade. It wasn't a natural auburn. It was "Vampire Red." It was "I just committed a crime" red. The contrast against the Raven-black ends created a "halo" effect that photographers literally couldn't stop snapping.
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Why does she do the root thing?
It’s not just a gimmick. Billie has admitted in interviews, specifically with British Vogue in early 2025, that she romanticizes the "root era" of her life.
She felt that the green and red roots were the periods where she felt most like herself. "I felt so exactly who I was at that time," she told Colman Domingo. There's something psychological about it. Most people dye their hair to hide their roots. Billie dyes her roots to highlight them. It’s a total flip of traditional beauty standards. It says, "The growth is the most interesting part."
Getting the Look: It’s Harder Than It Looks
You can't just slap some red dye on your head and hope for the best. If you have dark hair, that red is going to look like nothing. It’ll be a muddy brown mess.
To get the Billie Eilish red roots effect, you have to follow a very specific, somewhat terrifying process. You have to bleach the "crown" of your head while keeping the rest dark. If you mess up the sectioning, you’ll end up with splotches that look like a DIY disaster.
- Step 1: The Sectioning. You need to isolate a circle at the top of your head. Not too big, or you'll look like a strawberry. Not too small, or it won't show.
- Step 2: The Lift. You have to bleach those roots to a "pale yellow" stage. If there’s too much orange left in the hair, the red will look dull.
- Step 3: The Color. Use a high-pigment semi-permanent dye. Brands like Manic Panic (specifically the shade Vampire Red) or Arctic Fox (Ritual mixed with Poison) are the go-to choices for this.
- Step 4: The Black. The rest of the hair needs to be a cool-toned, "inky" black. Warm blacks will clash with the red.
Maintenance is a nightmare
Let's be real: red hair is the hardest color to keep. It fades if you even look at it wrong.
Every time you wash your hair, that red pigment is going to run down into the black. If you aren't careful, you'll end up with "muddy" purple-ish ends. You have to wash your hair in ice-cold water. Cold. Like, "I can't feel my scalp" cold. It keeps the hair cuticle closed so the red stays put.
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The Cultural Impact: More Than a Trend
In 2026, we're still seeing the "shadow root" and "reverse ombré" trends dominating TikTok and Instagram. Why? Because Billie proved that "unnatural" hair could be high fashion.
Before her, the "skunk stripe" or neon roots were seen as "e-girl" or "alt" aesthetics that didn't quite make it to the Oscars. Billie wore her red roots to major events, pairing them with oversized jerseys and designer suits, bridging the gap between street style and the red carpet.
It also changed how we think about hair damage. By only dyeing the roots, you’re technically leaving the rest of the hair alone. It’s a "healthier" way to be radical.
What most people get wrong
People often think she uses permanent dye. She doesn't.
Vivid colors like that don't really exist in "permanent" form because the molecules are too big to get deep into the hair shaft without constant touch-ups. She likely uses color-depositing masks or semi-permanent stains that she refreshes every two weeks. If you try to do this with "box dye" from the drugstore, you will never get that neon glow. You'll just get a dark burgundy that looks like a 90s throwback.
What’s Next for Your Hair?
If you're thinking about trying the Billie Eilish red roots look, don't do it yourself the first time. Seriously. Bleaching your own crown is a recipe for "chemical haircut" (when your hair breaks off at the root).
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Go to a professional. Ask for a "vivid root melt." Show them the Lollapalooza 2023 photos.
Pro-tip for the brave: If you already have dark hair, use a "high-lift" red dye meant for dark hair (like L'Oreal HiColor), but be warned—this is much more permanent and harder to change later if you decide you want to go back to blue or green.
The red roots era might be a "chapter" for Billie, but for the rest of us, it’s a masterclass in how to be bold without losing your mind. It’s about taking something that usually signifies "I forgot to go to the salon" and turning it into "I am the main character."
To keep the look fresh at home, grab a bottle of red color-depositing conditioner and apply it only to the top of your head once a week. Use a wide-tooth comb to blend it slightly into the black so there isn't a harsh line. It’s low-effort, high-impact, and honestly, it’s the coolest you’ll ever look.
Next Steps for Your Transformation:
- Check your hair's health: If your hair is already brittle or over-processed, wait at least four weeks before bleaching your roots.
- Order the right products: Pick up a "color-safe" sulfate-free shampoo to prevent the red from bleeding into the black.
- Consult a pro: Find a stylist who specializes in "vivids"—not just standard highlights—to ensure the red is as vibrant as Billie's.