Goodbye Glinda Blonde: Ariana Grande Debuts Dramatic New Hair Colour at Critics Choice 2026

At the 2026 Critics Choice Awards, Ariana Grande surprised both fans and fashion observers by wearing her darkest hair color to date. This was a radical change from the classic platinum blonde she wore while filming 'Wicked.' As she continues to move away from her Glinda persona while paying tribute to the enchantment that made her performance unforgettable, the moment signaled the beginning of a new chapter for the singer-actress. Her red carpet ensemble, which included a gorgeous baby pink gown and Swarovski jewelry, perfectly balanced reinvention and respect to her cherished character.

A New Era: From Glinda Blonde to Deep Brunette

For years, Ariana Grande has been known for her platinum blonde, Glinda-inspired appearance, which she adopted while filming the popular 'Wicked' franchise. That era saw her not just transform her appearance but also lean into "method dressing," often reflecting her character's sweetness and optimistic energy through pastel gowns and bright hair. During promotional tours and red carpet appearances, her blonde hair became legendary with fans, signifying both her role as Glinda and her wider effect on fashion.

Image Courtesy: Harper's Bazaar

However, in late 2025, as Grande wrapped up the press cycle for 'Wicked: For Good,' she began returning to darker tones, hinting at a shift both personally and professionally. For the first time in years, she showed off her natural brunette hair on Instagram in October 2025. In interviews, she joked that her hair was "rejecting" the brunette toner and that it continued to display highlights, a lighthearted reference to her strong relationship with blonde.

Although this change was difficult, it signaled the end of a phase characterized by her transition into Glinda and the start of a new, more genuine period of beauty.

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Image Courtesy: Billboard

A Red Carpet Reinvention at the Critics Choice Awards

Grande furthered her makeover at the 31st Annual Critics Choice Awards on 4th January, when she wore her darkest hair to date in a romantic updo that flawlessly matched her sophisticated red carpet appearance. Her baby pink Alberta Ferretti gown, which combined classic glamour with a subtle tribute to the feminine, whimsical aesthetic that defined her Glinda appearances, was designed by fashion heavyweight Law Roach and included cape sleeves and sparkling Swarovski jewels.

Despite the striking new hair colour, Grande still embraced elements of her 'Wicked' persona through her outfit, demonstrating the careful balance between evolution and tribute.

Image Courtesy: ANI News

Despite not winning, she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Glinda. Overall, her appearance on the Critics Choice red carpet, which combined classic Hollywood romanticism with contemporary flair, was widely regarded as one of the evening's most notable fashion moments.

Looking Ahead: Beyond Glinda and Into a New Chapter

As Grande continues to step into new creative chapters—from music to acting to professional evolution—this hair transformation feels like a fitting milestone. Her darkest hair to date at the Critics Choice Awards represents a step toward recovering her personal aesthetic after years of character-defined looks, even though the Glinda blonde will always be a part of her tale.

Image Courtesy: ELLE

With projects like her upcoming 'Eternal Sunshine' tour on the horizon and her continued success on screen, this major hair moment marks not just a change in colour but a confident stride into the next exciting phase of Ariana Grande's multifaceted career.

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