Angelina Jolie has returned to blonde for the first time in decades. The actress was recently spotted in New York City with sleek, dirty blonde hair—marking a major change from her usual dark brunette look.
On February 21, the 48-year-old was seen leaving her Atelier Jolie store in Manhattan, her freshly dyed hair styled straight and glossy. The color, which falls just past her shoulders, is a soft, natural blonde with warm undertones. Despite the windy weather, Jolie looked effortlessly glamorous.
This transformation has been months in the making. Back in December, she was photographed with an ombré hairstyle that featured dark roots fading into a light blonde toward the ends. That gradual shift signaled her careful approach to going blonde again—a stark contrast to the quick, dramatic change she once made for her role in Girl, Interrupted in 1999.
Experts say Jolie’s slow transition is not just a style choice but a smart one. “Don’t be impulsive when it comes to being blonde,” celebrity hairstylist Barb Thompson told Marie Claire. “It’s a marathon, not a sprint.” Bleaching can damage hair if done too quickly, and stylists often recommend multiple sessions to protect hair health and achieve a natural look.
Tatum Neill, Creative Director at Aveda Arts & Sciences Institutes, explains that lightening hair takes time and care. “The process involves lifting the hair until you reach the desired shade, and then adding a toner to balance any remaining warmth,” he says.
With her new blonde style, Jolie joins a growing list of celebrities opting for lighter hair in 2024. But as always, she brings her signature sophistication to the trend—this time, with a little patience and a lot of shine.
