A new year can rewrite even the most recognizable faces in fashion. At 30, Gigi Hadid has decided to start 2026 by breaking with the look that defined her for years. The blonde is gone. In its place is a sharp, unapologetic brunette moment that instantly split the internet.
For most of her career, Hadid stayed loyal to light hair, letting subtle shifts do the talking. This time, she didn’t tiptoe. She went dark — dramatically so — and paired the color change with a brand-new cut. The transformation landed without warning, and reactions followed just as fast.
The first images appeared on Instagram, shared by celebrity hairstylist Dimitris Giannetos, who also revealed the reason behind the switch. Hadid’s new look was created specifically for an upcoming campaign with Maybelline, making the change both strategic and fashion-forward.
Giannetos described the style simply and boldly: a matte black mini bob. The photos show Gigi posing in a semi-sheer blouse, her short dark hair sitting cleanly at jaw level. The effect is striking — minimalist, edgy, and worlds away from her sun-kissed model image.
The response was immediate and loud. Some fans praised the look as high-fashion perfection, calling it daring and modern. Others admitted they missed the softness of her blonde era and felt the new style made her almost unrecognizable. The debate quickly turned into a hot-or-not showdown across social media.
Adding to the intrigue is the timing. Hadid enters 2026 not only with a new face to the public, but also at a moment when her personal life continues to draw attention, including her relationship with Bradley Cooper. Whether intentional or not, the darker look signals a shift — less familiar, more controlled, and harder to read.
One thing is clear: Gigi didn’t go brunette quietly. She flipped the switch, took the risk, and let the world argue about it. And in fashion, that kind of reaction is often the real goal.
