An 80s blowout for the Sunset Blvd music video (2025).
This diva has switched it up more than you think. From bob and lob moments to platinum blonde, signature Old Hollywood glamour to having "some blue going on" for the Teen Vogue party - Selena Gomez’s hair journey is full of surprises.
Selena Gomez’s hair journey has been just as dynamic as her ever evolving career across TV, music and film.
Back in the Wizards of Waverly Place days she gave us signature Disney star hair: long, dark, glossy waves, often with extensions and splashes of red or blue (it was 2007/2008). It was the kind of hair that made every tween want a curling wand.
Then came her role in Harmony Korine's film Spring Breakers (2012), and suddenly, she was experimenting - using her hair and beauty to mark her move away from her Disney roots. In 2017, post treatment for depression and anxiety related to lupus, and following a kidney transplant, she really went for it with a blonde transformation and much-copied lob.
In 2020 she launched her hugely successful brand Rare Beauty, and her hair took on a softer, more natural feel: lived-in waves, effortless texture and an ease that reflected the brand’s message of self-acceptance. In 2021 she appeared in the series Only Murders in the Building but still kept up her experimental approach to hair, embracing another stint as a blonde, sleep bobs, deep side-parts and natural curls.
Her latest era, from red carpet stints to promote the film Emilia Pérez to the visuals for her just-released album I Said I Love You First, offers plenty of lessons in how to style a bob, from fluffy waves to polished and sharp and 90s-inspired flicked out ends.
Throughout all that experimentation, she's remained committed to three signature looks: the bob, a rich brunette and a deep-side part.
Take a look back at Selena's hair journey, for some inspiration next time you hit the salon.
Side-part, waves, extensions, a splash of red: if 2008 was a hairstyle...
The side fringe, a defining look of 2009.
Doing business casual in the club in 2010, with shorter hair and signature volume and waves.
2012 was her 'I'm no longer with Disney' era, reflected in her new honey blonde hair, dark eyeliner and pink lip gloss.
Embracing the dark side - and blue contacts - for the 2015 Victoria's Secret show, with long glossy locks and a centre-part.
Classic pop star hair in 2016.
Trying out blonde in 2017.
She contains multitudes: also in 2017, a straightened longer bob with dead centre-part and brown highlights, a look that influenced millions.
Her intense self-tan for the 2018 Met Gala went viral, but the rest of the look - slightly fluffy curly bun, sparkling makeup and dress - were absolutely in keeping with the 'Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination' theme.
2019: The girl loves a bob!
Enhancing her natural curls in 2010, including a curly fringe.
A throwback shot of Selena's natural curls and baby hairs.
In April 2021 she went blonde, again. Her stylists said it took more than eight hours and over 200 foils to transform her from dark brown to bright blonde with natural roots.
A playful take on the bob in 2022.
Blonde highlights on her signature brunette hair in 2023.
Embracing old Hollywood glam in May 2024, as part of the press tour for the film Emilia Pérez, with set waves and a deep side-part.
A youthful updo in October 2024, with high ponytail and thick strands with a slight wave.
Vogue described this look, in February 2025 for the Santa Fe Film Festival, as the "puffy bob". Styled by her longtime collaborator Renato Campora, it features undone texture that's easily achieved at home.
When the reference is 'bob'.
Selena with Gracie Abrams, on the set of their video for the song Call Me When You Break Up (2025).
Lately Selena has been styling her bob with flicked out ends and a side-part.
