Honestly, we all thought Gigi Hadid was a lifelong blonde. It was her thing. For over a decade, that sun-kissed, California-girl honey hue was as much a part of her brand as her walk. But then 2026 hit, and Gigi basically broke the internet by going dark. Not just a "little bit of lowlights" dark—we’re talking a full-on, edgy transformation that has everyone rethinking their salon appointments.
If you’ve been scrolling through Instagram lately, you’ve probably seen the photos. It’s a sharp, jaw-grazing matte black mini bob that looks like something straight off a Paris runway. It’s a massive departure from the "Expensive Brunette" or "Mushroom Blonde" trends she toyed with a few years back. This new Gigi Hadid brown hair era (well, technically inky espresso-black) is about mystery, structure, and a total vibe shift.
The 2026 Transformation: It’s More Than Just a Color
For the longest time, Gigi was the queen of "bronde." You know the look—that perfect middle ground where you can't tell if someone is a dark blonde or a light brunette. It worked for her. But her longtime hairstylist, Dimitris Giannetos, recently pulled back the curtain on why they decided to kill the blonde for good this time.
Apparently, it started with a Maybelline campaign. They wanted something "fearless" to launch a new mascara, and instead of reaching for a wig, they went for the real deal. Giannetos calls the shade a "Gen Z black." It’s cool-toned, has zero red undertones, and has this velvety, matte finish that doesn't reflect light like a typical gloss would.
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It’s kind of a power move. While everyone else is trying to get that "quiet luxury" honey blonde, Gigi went the opposite direction. It’s moody. It’s editorial. And frankly, it makes her blue eyes pop in a way the blonde never did.
What Most People Get Wrong About Going Dark
A lot of people think you can just slap a box of dark brown dye over blonde hair and call it a day. Big mistake. If you try that, your hair will likely turn a weird, swampy green or a flat, hollow gray.
When Gigi transitioned to her current matte black mini bob, Giannetos actually had to "fill" the hair first. Because her base was so light, he had to add red pigments back into the strands before applying the dark topcoat. This is the secret to why her brunette looks so rich and intentional rather than like a DIY disaster.
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- The Cut: It’s a "mini bob," which sits just below the chin.
- The Texture: Unlike the beachy waves we’re used to, this look is often styled "wet" or piecey.
- The Maintenance: Dark hair actually requires a lot of upkeep to keep it from looking "chalky" or faded.
Why the "Espresso Martini Brunette" is the New Standard
Before she went for the near-black look, Gigi paved the way with what stylists were calling Espresso Martini Brunette. This was a multi-dimensional dark brown with ribbons of cooler tones blended throughout. It was the perfect "gateway" color for people who weren't ready to commit to the full darkness of 2026.
What makes this specific version of Gigi Hadid brown hair so successful is the lack of warmth. Most brunettes struggle with their hair turning "brassy" or orange-y after a few weeks. By using an ash-heavy formula, Gigi’s hair stays looking expensive and modern. It’s a total shift away from the "warm chocolate" tones that dominated the 2010s.
Evolution of a Hair Icon
Gigi hasn't always been strictly blonde, though that's the common narrative. Let's look at the timeline, because it's actually pretty wild:
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- The Classic Era: 2015–2020 was dominated by sandy, honey-blonde waves.
- The Red Phase: Remember the 2021 Met Gala? She went "Cherry Cola" red, and for a minute, we thought she was staying there.
- The Platinum Pivot: Briefly in 2022, she went almost white-blonde.
- The Dark Side: Starting late 2025 and peaking now in 2026, she’s fully embraced the brunette/black spectrum.
How to Pull Off the Look Yourself
If you’re staring at Gigi’s new look and thinking, "I need that," you’ve gotta be realistic. This isn't a low-maintenance style. Dark hair shows everything—split ends, dry patches, and scalp flakes are way more visible on dark strands than on blonde.
Go for a "Color Melt"
If you aren't ready for a solid matte black, ask your stylist for a color melt. This is a technique where they blend multiple shades of brown so seamlessly that you can't see where one ends and the other begins. It gives that "Gigi" depth without the harshness of a single-process color.
The "Flippy" Styling Trick
One of the most iconic ways she’s been wearing her brown hair lately is with "flippy" ends. Instead of curling the ends of her bob under, Giannetos styles them outward. It’s very 90s-meets-2026. To do this at home, use a medium-sized round brush and a bit of light-hold gel to give it that "wet" look shine without it feeling crunchy.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Salon Visit
Don't just show up and say "I want Gigi Hadid's hair." That’s too vague.
- Bring Reference Photos: Show the specific "matte black" shots if you want the 2026 look, or the "espresso martini" shots if you want something softer.
- Discuss Your Undertones: If you have very warm skin, a matte black might wash you out. Ask for a "Charcoal Brunette" instead—it has that cool edge but won't look as harsh.
- Invest in a Gloss: Dark hair lives and dies by its shine (even the "matte" look needs health). Get a clear gloss treatment every six weeks.
- Check Your Makeup: When you go dark, your old "blonde-friendly" makeup might look weird. You'll probably need to go a bit bolder with your brows and maybe a more neutral, bronzy lip to balance the intensity of the hair.
Basically, Gigi has proven that you don't have to be a "blonde" or a "brunette" forever. You can change your entire identity with a bottle of dye and a pair of shears. Just make sure you have a pro handling the transition, or you'll end up with a mess that's way harder to fix than it was to create.