The Evolution of Taylor Swift's Hair Showcased by 15 of Her Best Looks

Taylor Swift's blonde spans trends and eras—even her own. What began as a cascade of beachy ringlets has become an evolving calling card for the pop star, with each new style making a major statement on stage. In terms of makeup, Swift has her signatures: a wing of liner, an occasional touch of shimmering shadow, and that perfectly painted bright red lip. But regarding her hair, her general color (blonde, as if we needed to say it) is the most reliable factor.

Swifts full bangs offer a grounding point for updos and loose lengths alike, offering an element of doe-eyed softness to each of Swift's hair eras. However, it's her 2012 full-tilt embrace of her now trademark fringe that forever changed her aesthetic. Her shades of blonde have ranged from sunny and golden, to blanched and icy, cool to warm to tawny. And each hue was thoughtfully teamed with a style that lets it sing, from milkmaid braids and '60s bouffants to layered lengths and mussed bobs.

Read on to revisit Swift's length evolution, as demonstrated by 15 of her most iconic mane moments.

Classic Curls

Swift kicked off her career with a mane of golden curls primed for constant onstage hair flips and general tossing. The bright and buoyant curls were all aughts and played well with the era’s shimmer and shine. The pop star's ringlets were stars all their own.

Sophisticated Sweep-Up

A subtle depth of color, smooth texture, and a timeless chignon updo signaled Swift’s journey toward her signature look. A pair of curled, face-framing tendrils easing the transition.

Raked Back

Swift arrived to the 2012 Grammy’s with a fringe-free style, and left (post-performance and two awards later) sporting the full fringe that would become her trademark. This finger-raked updo is soft and sophisticated.

Subtle Milkmaid

Swift knows how to carry off a thematic updo. An ashen shade of baby blonde and effortless polish define this tie-back, the choice made playful via strategic flyaways and a braid crown detail positioned above Swift’s lash-skimming bangs.

Long Layers

Swift’s blonde blowout is afforded a bit of bombshell courtesy of blended bangs and a cut of long layers. The look is equal parts aughts and ‘60s, and feels as relevant today as it did in 2013.

Old Hollywood Chop

A polished wavy bob is a favorite of Swift’s, and this one comes with an Old Hollywood twist. Tousled curls and a wavy bang team with a red statement lip for a look that’s retro and entirely Taylor.

Blunt Bob

A cleaner take on the above-shoulder chop, Swift’s ever-so-slightly angled bob is a match to both her bangs and clean-lined Versace ensemble.

Bleached Bob

A brush with bleach ushered in an edgy era for Swift, her peroxide chop worn mussed—and with moody makeup to match. Consider this departure the pop star’s Jenny Humphrey period.

Mod Bouffant

Another '60s-inspired mod moment, this updo pairs full bangs with a gently lifted bouffant. Geometric accessories and a mirrored mini lend to the style's retro-futurism.

Layered Chop

Swift’s second stint with peroxide skewed a bit warmer, the popsicle blonde shade styled in choppy medium-length layers and an ever-present blunt bang.

One-Sided Waves

Sometimes, a partial pin makes all the difference. Swift’s one-sided waves offered a quick and clever change-up on her usual style. The shift is a one-look study in easy glamour.

Cottagecore Cues

The Folklore and Evermore eras saw Swift embracing a cottagecore aesthetic that extended to her beauty practices. Rumpled bangs and pinned-back braids abounded—the looks bucolic, romantic, and fairly raw.

Disco Mane

An ode to disco is a sure way to pull focus. Perhaps inspired by her gilded jumpsuit from The Blonds, Swift’s tumble of brushed-up waves (and texturized side-swept bangs) seem destined for a late-’70s dance floor.

Faux Bob

The pop star may be embracing length for the time-being, but she'll always have a soft spot for the coifed chop. The premiere of Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour saw her trading her long blonde for a faux bob, mussed bangs, and purposeful flyaways.

Old Money Blonde

High-gloss, neutral blonde reads rich in more ways than one. Swift’s flawless blowout, worn tucked behind her ears, is elegant, lovely, and luxurious, offering a full-circle counter to her debut curls.

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