Heidi Klum has long been known for her bold style choices, and a throwback photo from 2009 shows just how effortlessly she can switch up her look.
At a Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week event in New York City more than 16 years ago, the supermodel debuted a short, ear-length hairstyle. The chic cut stood out from her usual long locks, offering a fresh take that still feels timeless.
Today, Klum is best recognized for her signature long hair, often styled either pin-straight or in loose waves—especially during her appearances as a judge on America’s Got Talent. While it’s been years since she’s gone for a major chop, the 2009 photo is a reminder that she could pull it off again with ease.
That doesn’t mean Klum hasn’t experimented in recent years. In 2024, she rocked a ’70s-inspired rocker cut for a runway show—a look that likely impressed her husband, musician Tom Kaulitz.
Even as one of the world’s most famous models, Klum has faced hair mishaps. In a 2012 interview with Refinery29, she recalled a damaging bleaching incident. “The person bleaching my hair used too much peroxide and left it on too long,” she said. “My hair broke, and I had two inches of hair in some spots. I had to pat it down and spray it constantly—it was hard to manage.”
Still, Klum’s fearless approach to fashion keeps her in the spotlight. At the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, she defied the event’s new dress code by wearing an Elie Saab gown with a dramatic, sweeping train. Though technically against the rules, the look turned heads and sparked praise.
Whether on the red carpet or a runway, Heidi Klum continues to prove that great style—and great hair—never go out of fashion.
