15 Photos Of Celebrities That Show How They Looked Before They Made A Mark With Their Now Iconic Hairstyles
Have you ever seen a photo of Jamie Lee Curtis with her natural long hair?
Some celebrity looks are so tied to their names that it is hard to picture them any other way. A haircut, a color, or a signature style can become part of the image that fans remember most.
This roundup looks at celebrities before they became known for the hairstyles that helped define their public personas. From long waves to cropped cuts and iconic bangs, these early photos show how much a signature look can shape recognition.
Scroll through and see which transformations stand out the most.
1. Reese Witherspoon
Our favorite Elle Woods, way before she sported her golden locks.
? reesewitherspoon / Instagram, © face to face / Reporter / East News2. Angelina Jolie
While this Jolie look may be a classic, she looked even more heavenly before then with that blonde 'do!
? RCF / MEGA / EAST NEWS, © AF Archive / Graham Whitby Boot / Mary Evans Picture Library / East News3. Blake Lively
The ever-iconic side-swept Blake Lively hairstyle.
? Laurent VU / SIPA / Sipa Press Russia / East News, © AP / East News
Some of these early looks are surprisingly different.
4. Jason Momoa
All sleek before the mane became in.
? Admedia, Inc / Sipa USA / East News, © Evan Agostini / Invision / AP / East News
5. Ariana Grande
Her ponytail is iconic, but we can't ever forget her red hair as Cat Valentine!
? Invision / Invision / East News, © Gregorio T. Binuya / Everett Collection/ East News
6. Dolly Parton
Look at her blooming with those full blonde locks.
? Jordan Strauss / Invision / AP / East News, © ASSOCIATED PRESS / East News
7. Patrick Dempsey
Still so dreamy either way!
? Xavier Collin / Image Press Agency / BWP Media / East News, © Frank Trapper / Corbis Entertainment / Getty Images
A few of these stars became instantly recognizable only after one signature style took over.
For more red-carpet drama, check out the best-dressed stars at Oscars 2026, stealing attention before the awards even started.
8. George Clooney
Handsome as ever.
? John Shearer / Invision / AP / East News, © Terry McGinnis / WireImage / Getty Images
9. Halle Berry
This is what she looked like before she sported this iconic pixie cut.
? Richard Shotwell / Invision / AP / East News, © EVERETT COLLECTION / EAST NEWS
10. Keanu Reeves
The ever-loved Keanu Reeves before he grew out his iconic long hair.
? VALERIE MACON / AFP / East News, © EAST NEWS
11. Hilary Duff
One of our favorite Cinderellas when she was just a brunette!
? Fernando Allende / Broadimage / EAST NEWS, © Tinseltown / shutterstock.com
The contrast gets even more noticeable in the later photos.
12. Billy Ray Cyrus
Black or blond?
? OConnor-Arroyo / AFF-USA.com / MEGA / Mega Agency / East News, © billyraycyrus / Instagram
13. Matthew McConaughey
He sported a bald look back then.
? Invision / Invision / East News, © Steve Granitz / WireImage / Getty Images
14. Christina Aguilera
Most people forget that before Christina had the platinum premium look, she first rocked short black hair.
? xtina / Instagram, © face to face / Reporter / East News
15. Jamie Lee Curtis
It's strange seeing her with long hair...and as a brunette!
? Photoshot / REPORTER / East News, © 20thCentFox / Courtesy Everett Collection / East News
Which one of these was your favorite? Which celebrities do you think gained even more popularity because of their specific looks and hairstyles?
Comment down your thoughts, or share this article with all your family and friends to see! Let's see if some of them remember what these celebrities used to look like!
Some celebrity looks are unforgettable for a reason.
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