Honestly, if you close your eyes and think of Drew Barrymore, what do you see? For most of us, it isn't the jet-black "Scream" hair (which was a wig, by the way) or the deep auburn she rocks when she's feeling experimental. It’s that sunny, lived-in, Californian glow. Drew Barrymore with blonde hair is more than just a style choice; it’s a whole mood that has defined her career since she was seven years old.
She’s a hair chameleon. We know this. But there is a specific gravitational pull that always brings her back to blonde. Whether it’s the bleach-damaged "Poison Ivy" days or the polished, buttery tones she wears on her talk show today, that golden hue just seems to fit her spirit. It’s bubbly. It’s a little messy. It feels like home.
The bleach, the bobs, and the '90s rebellion
The early nineties were a wild time for Drew. She was transitioning from child star to "it girl," and her hair was the primary canvas for that transformation. In 1992, for the premiere of Poison Ivy, she debuted a look that became a blueprint for a generation: the bleach-blonde bob with dark, unapologetic roots.
It wasn't supposed to look "perfect."
That was the point. It was rockstar hair. She paired it with thin eyebrows and dark lipstick, basically inventing the grunge-glamour aesthetic before it had a name. Most people don't realize that her natural hair color is actually a dark blonde or light brown—what stylists sometimes call "dishwater blonde"—which is why she can pull off those heavy, dark roots so effectively. They aren't a mistake; they're the foundation.
When a wig becomes iconic
The most famous blonde hair in her filmography? It wasn't even her hair.
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In the opening scene of Scream (1996), she wears a pale blonde bob with bangs that has become one of the most recognizable looks in horror history. In real life at the time, her hair was dyed jet black. The producers wanted something softer, something that made her look vulnerable. So, they put her in a wig inspired by Michelle Pfeiffer in Scarface.
That "Sandra Dee" flip became a cultural phenomenon. Even today, thirty years later, you can't walk through a Halloween party without seeing someone in a blonde bob holding a vintage cordless phone.
Moving into the "Sun-Kissed" era
By the time Never Been Kissed and Charlie's Angels rolled around, the harsh bleach was gone. She moved into what I like to call the "Bronde" years. This was the era of the $28 Olaplex No. 3 miracle.
Drew has been very open about how much she fried her hair in her younger days. She famously posted on Instagram about how her hair felt like "mush" after too many chemical treatments. She credits Tracey Cunningham, her long-time colorist, and Olaplex for literally saving her strands.
If you're looking to replicate her mid-2000s blonde, you aren't looking for a single color. You're looking for dimension. It’s a mix of:
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- Honey highlights
- Sandy base tones
- Warm gold face-framing pieces (the "money piece")
It’s the kind of hair that looks like she just spent a week in Malibu, even if she’s been in a windowless studio in Manhattan all month.
The talk show transformation and Chris Appleton
Lately, on The Drew Barrymore Show, we’ve seen her lean back into that "Charlie's Angels" volume. She’s been working with celebrity stylist Chris Appleton (the guy behind J.Lo’s iconic hair) to bring back the big, bouncy, 1970s-inspired blonde.
In June 2024, she actually recreated her 2003 Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle premiere look, proving that she can still rock those beachy waves and a graphic tee like she hasn't aged a day. It’s a softer, more sophisticated version of her youth. It’s less "bleach and grit" and more "hydration and shine."
She also recently became the face of Garnier Nutrisse Shade 70, which is a dark natural blonde. It’s a full-circle moment. The girl who used to dye her hair in sinks is now the face of the box you buy at the drugstore.
How to get the "Drew Glow" without the damage
If you’re sitting in a stylist’s chair wanting to go blonde like Drew, don’t just ask for "blonde." That’s a trap. You’ll end up with a flat, one-note color that looks like a helmet.
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- Ask for a "lived-in" blonde. This means leaving your natural roots or doing a "root smudge" so it grows out gracefully. Drew has always embraced the root.
- Prioritize bond builders. If you’re going lighter, you need something like Olaplex No. 3 or the Garnier bonding treatments. Drew’s hair is naturally curly/wavy, and bleach kills curl patterns if you aren't careful.
- Warmth is your friend. Unlike the "icy platinum" trend that was everywhere a few years ago, Drew’s blonde is almost always warm. Think butter, honey, and gold. It’s much more flattering on most skin tones and looks way healthier.
Why it still works in 2026
Even now, as we move through 2026, Drew Barrymore's blonde remains relevant because it’s authentic. She recently got emotional on her show talking about the beauty standards she faced as a kid—being told she was "too heavy" or "not blonde enough" at age ten.
Choosing to be blonde now feels like she’s reclaimed it. It isn't about fitting a Hollywood mold anymore; it’s about what makes her feel bright.
Whether she's rocking a messy bun while interviewing a guest or a high-gloss blowout for the red carpet, that blonde hair is her signature. It’s a bit chaotic, very warm, and totally unapologetic. Just like Drew.
Next Steps for Your Own Hair Journey
If you're inspired by Drew's latest golden era, start by focusing on hair health rather than just the shade. Before booking a double-process bleach appointment, try a professional-grade bond-building treatment at home for two weeks to strengthen your hair's internal structure. When you do head to the salon, bring photos of her "lived-in" styles from 2024–2025—specifically look for shots where her highlights start an inch or two away from the scalp. This creates that iconic effortless look while saving your hair from the constant cycle of root touch-ups.