It was 2007. If you were a teenager with an internet connection and a penchant for skinny jeans, you probably remember the exact moment you saw the "Misery Business" video. There was Hayley Williams, headbanging with a shock of neon orange hair that looked like it could glow in the dark. It wasn't just a style; it was a cultural reset for the alt-scene.
Honestly, we’ve been chasing that specific shade of "Riot!" orange for nearly two decades.
But hayley williams hair colors aren't just about one shade. Her hair is basically a mood ring for her career. Over the years, we've seen everything from turquoise undercuts to platinum blonde waves that would make Elsa jealous. She doesn't just change her hair because she's bored; she uses it to process what she's going through. It's her way of saying something without actually having to say it.
The Orange Era: Where the Legend Started
The bright orange is the blueprint. Period.
Back in the day, before she had her own brand, Hayley and her long-time stylist Brian O'Connor used to cocktail three or four different dyes together to get that specific fiery hue. They were mixing stuff like Manic Panic just to find a shade that felt "loud" enough.
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- The Classic Riot! Orange: This was the neon, two-toned look with yellow highlights underneath. It was messy, it was punk, and it launched a thousand box-dye disasters in suburban bathrooms.
- The "Decode" Burgundy: By 2008, things got a bit darker. For the Twilight soundtrack, she shifted to a deep, moody red that felt a little more "vampire-adjacent."
- The Split Dye: This one from 2013 is a fan favorite. Half bright pink, half neon orange. It was chaotic in the best way possible.
Moving Beyond the "Signature" Look
People used to get mad when she changed it. Isn't that wild?
Hayley has actually talked about how she felt like her orange hair "belonged" to the public and not her. So, she did what any self-respecting rock star does: she dyed it white.
When the After Laughter era hit in 2017, she went platinum. It was a massive departure. No more neon. It was a clean slate during a time when she was dealing with a lot of personal heavy lifting. Fans were shocked, but it served as a visual representation of her vulnerability on that record. It turns out, she's a natural blonde anyway, so this was actually the closest she’d been to her real self in years.
The Blue "Dead Horse" Moment
Then there was the blue.
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If you listen to her solo track "Dead Horse," she literally says, "held my breath for a decade, dyed my hair blue to match my lips." It’s such a gut-punch of a lyric. That short, teal-blue bob from the Monumentour days wasn't just a cool aesthetic choice—it was a reflection of a really dark time. It’s kinda crazy how much weight a bottle of hair dye can carry, right?
How Good Dye Young Changed the Game
Around 2016, Hayley and Brian decided they were tired of mixing other people's products. They launched Good Dye Young (GDY).
They wanted to make something vegan and cruelty-free that actually stayed vibrant. They started with that famous orange, which they named "Riot" (obviously).
What’s cool is that they focus on hair health. If you’ve ever tried to go from dark hair to neon orange, you know the struggle. It usually involves frying your hair until it feels like straw. Brian and Hayley developed a lightening kit that uses 25-volume developer instead of the harsh 40-volume stuff most people use at home. It takes longer, but your hair doesn't fall out. That's a win.
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Want the Hayley Williams Look? Read This First
If you’re sitting there thinking about finally taking the plunge into the world of hayley williams hair colors, you need a plan. You can’t just slap some orange over brown hair and hope for the best.
- The Base Matters: You have to bleach your hair to a "pale yellow" stage. If your hair is still orange-ish after bleaching, the dye will look muddy.
- The Cold Water Rule: This is Brian O’Connor’s #1 tip. If you want that neon to stay neon, you have to wash your hair with freezing cold water. It sucks. It’s uncomfortable. But it keeps the hair cuticle closed so the pigment doesn't wash down the drain.
- Refresh Your Color: Hayley uses a product called "DYEposit." It’s basically a mask that puts color back in while you condition. It’s how she keeps her hair looking fresh even when she’s on a grueling world tour.
- Mix Your Shades: Don't be afraid to be a scientist. Most of her iconic looks come from mixing colors. Try "Ex-Girl" (pink) with "Riot" (orange) to get that sunset vibe.
Reclaiming the Orange in 2026
It’s been a long journey, but Hayley eventually found her way back to the orange.
She mentioned in interviews that she had to "reclaim" it for herself. It wasn't about the Riot! era anymore; it was about who she is now. During the This Is Why cycle, we saw her rocking a more "lived-in" copper and sometimes the orange with black tips. It felt more mature but still had that same spark.
Honestly, the most important lesson from her hair history isn't about the specific brand of dye or the exact shade of red. It's about the freedom to change. She showed a whole generation that you don't have to stay in the box people built for you. If you feel like being blonde today and neon green tomorrow, just do it.
Your Next Steps for a Color Reset
Ready to DIY your own transformation? Start by grabbing a high-quality lightening kit—skip the cheap stuff that smells like straight ammonia. If you're nervous about the commitment, try a semi-permanent "hair makeup" or a color-depositing mask first. It gives you the vibe without the six-month attachment. Most importantly, find a stylist who understands "alternative" colors; a regular salon might try to talk you out of the neon, but a pro will know exactly how to make it pop.