For years, we all knew exactly what to expect when Jesse Williams stepped onto a red carpet or appeared on our TV screens. That sharp, signature fade was as much a part of his brand as his activism or those piercing eyes. It was clean. It was consistent. It was the Jackson Avery look. But lately, things have shifted in a big way. Seeing Jesse Williams with hair—and we’re talking significant length, texture, and volume—has sent fans into a bit of a tailspin.
Honestly, it's more than just a style choice. It feels like a statement.
If you’ve been following his journey since he left Grey’s Anatomy, you’ve probably noticed the gradual transition. It didn't happen overnight. He didn't just wake up with a full Afro or long, flowing curls. Instead, it’s been this slow, deliberate process of letting his natural texture breathe. For a lot of people, seeing a celebrity pivot so drastically from a "groomed" aesthetic to something more organic is fascinating. It challenges how we perceive them.
The Fade is Gone: Breaking Down the Transformation
For over a decade, the buzzcut was Jesse's "safety" look. It’s what Hollywood wanted. It’s what a "leading man" usually sticks to because it’s predictable. But seeing Jesse Williams with hair in 2024 and 2025 has been a total departure.
The first real signs of the "new Jesse" started popping up during his stint on Broadway in Take Me Out. Then, as he transitioned into roles like Tobert in Only Murders in the Building, the length stayed. We started seeing curls. We started seeing a bit of a "salt and pepper" vibe that he’s clearly not trying to hide.
Why the shift matters
When a high-profile Black or biracial actor decides to grow out their hair, it often sparks a conversation about identity and the pressures of the industry. For Jesse, the short fade was professional and sleek. The longer hair? It feels more personal. It’s a bit more rugged, a bit more lived-in.
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You’ve likely seen the photos from the Tribeca Festival or his recent charity appearances. He isn't just "not getting a haircut"; he’s actively styling a fuller head of hair. It changes the shape of his face. It softens his features. It’s kinda cool to see an actor embrace aging and natural growth so publicly without trying to keep that "25-year-old intern" look forever.
How He’s Styling the "Grown Out" Look
The transition hasn't always been smooth—hair growth rarely is. There’s that awkward middle stage where nothing quite fits. But Jesse has managed it by leaning into different textures.
- The Soft Afro: At several events in late 2024, he sported a rounded, soft Afro that showed off his natural curl pattern.
- The Textured Quiff: When he wants to look more "red carpet ready," he seems to use a bit of product to give the top some height while keeping the sides slightly tapered, though nowhere near as short as they used to be.
- The Rugged Beard Combo: The hair is almost always paired with a well-maintained, slightly thicker beard now. It balances the look.
Basically, he’s moved from "meticulously groomed" to "effortlessly styled."
Why Fans Are Obsessed with the Change
Social media has been, well, vocal. If you search for Jesse Williams with hair on TikTok or X (formerly Twitter), you’ll find two very distinct camps. One group is mourning the loss of the sharp fade, claiming it was his "peak" look. The other group—and this seems to be the majority—is obsessed with the more "distinguished" version of Jesse.
There is something about the gray hairs peaking through that people find incredibly attractive. It feels honest. In an industry where everyone is getting hair transplants or dyeing their hair jet black well into their 60s, Jesse’s willingness to let his hair grow and gray naturally is refreshing.
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He's even joked about it in interviews, mentioning that he's just "letting things happen." It’s a low-maintenance approach that actually requires a lot of confidence when you’re constantly being photographed.
Behind the Scenes: Maintenance and Health
Growing out hair like Jesse’s isn't just about throwing away the clippers. It requires a different kind of care. While Jesse hasn't released a "hair routine" video (yet), experts in curly and coily hair textures know that this kind of length needs moisture.
If you're trying to replicate the Jesse Williams with hair look, you can't just use a 2-in-1 shampoo. You’re looking at:
- Leave-in conditioners to keep the curls defined.
- Scalp oils to ensure the hair grows in healthy.
- Regular trims to avoid the "triangle" shape that happens when hair grows out without a plan.
It’s also about health. Jesse has spoken before about self-care and how his perspective on it has changed as he’s gotten older. He’s more conscious of what he puts into his body, and that shows in the quality of his hair and skin. It’s all connected.
The Cultural Impact of the "New" Jesse Williams
We can't talk about Jesse Williams without talking about his impact as an activist and a voice for the community. Sometimes, a change in appearance reflects a change in internal philosophy.
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By stepping away from the "Jackson Avery" aesthetic, he’s distancing himself from the character that defined him for so long. He’s showing he’s more than just the "pretty boy" doctor. He’s an artist, a producer, a father, and a man who is comfortable in his own skin—and hair.
It’s also a win for representation. Seeing a biracial man embrace his natural, curly, graying hair on major platforms tells other men they don't have to stay stuck in one "look" forever. You can evolve. You can grow. You can change your mind.
What to Expect Next
Is he going to go for long braids? Probably not. Is the fade coming back? Maybe for a specific role. But for now, the "long hair, don't care" era of Jesse Williams seems to be here to stay.
He’s proving that style isn't about following a trend; it's about what feels right in the current season of your life. And right now, Jesse seems very comfortable with a little more volume.
Actionable Takeaways for Your Own Hair Journey
If you’re inspired by the Jesse Williams with hair transformation, here’s how to handle your own growth phase:
- Embrace the Gray: If you're seeing silver, don't rush to the dye. Jesse proves that gray hair can look incredibly high-end if the cut is right.
- Find a Stylist, Not Just a Barber: When you're growing your hair out, you need someone who understands "shape" rather than just "fading."
- Patience is Mandatory: Jesse's look took over a year to really settle. Don't give up during the "shaggy" months.
- Invest in Moisture: Curly hair is naturally drier. Use a dedicated conditioner every time you wash.
The biggest lesson from Jesse’s new look isn't about the hair itself—it's about the confidence to change. Whether you love the curls or miss the buzzcut, you have to admit that he’s wearing the look, the look isn't wearing him.
To keep your hair looking as healthy as Jesse's during a growth phase, focus on scalp health first. Use a clarifying shampoo once a month to remove product buildup and switch to a wide-tooth comb to prevent breakage when your hair is wet. Consistency is what turns an "accidental" growth look into a deliberate style statement.