Reese Witherspoon’s hair transformation has garnered plenty of attention on Instagram. For instance, the Legally Blonde alum, 48, has rocked bangs with her golden blonde locks, pulled her tresses back into sleek 'dos and even opted for voluminous waves. But these weren't the only times we’ve seen the Louisiana native switch up her ‘do. From brunette curls to pixie cuts, keep scrolling to see the star’s most memorable hairstyles over the years.
Reese Witherspoon Hairstyles: From Brunette Curls to Pixie Haircuts
Reese can pull off several styles
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Published Jun 19, 2023
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1. Dirty Blonde Blowout (1994)
Young Reese kept things sweet and simple with a full blow-out, and it’s giving major Topanga Lawrence vibes. To get these bouncy, sleek locks, try using a blowdryer or, pro tip, a top-notch blow dryer brush that effectively dries and straightens while eliminating frizz.
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2. Copper Blonde Long Bob (1996)
While attending The Frighteners world premiere, the star turned heads in a simple blue dress and copper blonde locks. The stunning layered bob includes side-swept bangs, adding a sophisticated twist to her silky-blue ensemble. If you want to emulate this style, try a layered cut with your longest strands falling at about shoulder length.
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3. The Bantu Knots (1997)
Witherspoon posted this ’90s throwback on IG and wrote, "Going through some old photos and pretty sure @gwenstefani is responsible for this hair trend, @drewbarrymore inspired these eyebrows and @jaredleto is responsible for my leather choker.” The pic she shared is from the premiere of Nowhere in 1997, and with those spaghetti straps and chokers, her entire look just screams the '90s. The half-up, half-down 'do, featuring mini buns/Bantu knots, is just the icing on the cake.
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4. Chic Blonde Curls (1998)
I'm guessing I'm not the only one who did a double-take and, for a split second, mistook Witherspoon for Kristen Stewart. But even with the bold makeup, those fabulous curls are still making a statement. The style calls for some volumizing spray, edge control and a curling iron (or, if you prefer a heatless method, soft sponge rollers).
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5. The Cruel Intentions Cut (1999)
I can’t forget Annette Hargrove’s iconic blonde hairstyle from Cruel Intentions. The fresh cut is soft and bouncy, featuring shorter layers that frame the actress's face. Recreate the shoulder-grazing lob with a fresh, layered cut and blowout.
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6. Sleek Side Bun (2000)
Witherspoon kept it classy with a sleek low bun while attending the Hollywood premiere of Little Nicky, complete with a deep side part to balance out the side bun. Grab your best bristle brush, styling foam and some hair ties to achieve this style, which can be done in less than 15 minutes. After creating a side part, simply brush all your hair into a low side ponytail and wrap the hair around.
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7. Voluminous Blonde Curls (2002)
Now this is what I call an iconic style. Witherspoon’s voluminous, shiny curls, which she wore at an afterparty for the 58th annual Golden Globe Awards, are worthy of a beauty ad. The trick to achieving this look? Use a rotating curling iron to keep those uniform curls in place. Finish with a bit of hairspray to ensure the curls stay intact.
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8. The Messy Updo (2003)
It’s not easy to pull off a messy updo that still looks classy, but Witherspoon certainly nailed it at the German premiere of Legally Blonde 2. Mastering the perfect messy updo may feel like a near impossible task, but you can totally have fun with it and make it your own. For instance, you can opt for variation—like styling a few pieces of hair to frame the face or leaving a little tail at the end.
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9. Dark Brunette Curls (2004)
Witherspoon may be known for her signature blonde locks, but did you know that her natural hair color is brown? At the Vanity Fair New York premiere, she returned to her roots and stepped out with tousled brunette curls. Try heatless curls or your favorite curling iron to recreate this full, bouncy 'do.
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10. Highlights (2005)
The actress returned to her golden blonde hair while attending the Just Like Heaven premiere in Los Angeles, and she added a bit of flair to her black-and-white ensemble by donning a sparkly, skinny headband. The hair accessory places a bit more emphasis on the volume and texture of her hair, and you can do the same with a dry texture spray.
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11. Half-Up, Half-Down (2006)
The Home Again star proved that she can rock any ‘do—including this sophisticated half-up, half-down style at the 12th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards. With slick edges and a slight pompadour, Witherspoon has the upper half of her hair pulled back with an elaborate pin while the bottom half is kept straight in a bouncy blowout.
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12. Long Curls with Bangs (2009)
After rocking bangs for her holiday film, Four Christmases, Witherspoon upgraded her look by adding some curls to her honey-blonde tresses. To get this look, style your hair with a medium rotating curling iron and some hairspray. If you want to go heatless, try silk rods or the Kitsch Heatless Hair Curler.
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13. The Ballerina Bun (2011)
I confess, I'm kind of obsessed with Witherspoon’s sleek high bun at LACMA's Art and Film Gala. This classic, polished updo pulls her whole look together and, best of all, it's simple to recreate. Apply a styling foam or mouse before you blow-dry. Then, pull your hair up into a sleek ponytail using a brush and, with a bun maker set, achieve the perfect ballerina bun.
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14. Bleach Blonde Waves with Dark Roots (2012)
While attending the Golden Globes, Witherspoon joined a long list of celebs who’ve rocked this hair trend, from Drew Barrymore to Courtney Love. She went bleach blonde for these glossy, voluminous waves—and you can get the same effect with a medium blow dryer brush and volumizing spray.
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15. The Asymmetrical Bob with Bangs (2014)
The uneven bob has made a comeback, so I wouldn't be too surprised if Witherspoon decided to revisit this classic style. Hana Chong, a senior hairstylist at NYC The Team, says this style is a "chic yet modern take on a plain haircut," adding that it complements all face shapes because it doesn’t draw attention to any focal point. She added, "These bobs can be styled straight and sleek or messy with tousled waves." For Witherspoon's sleek look, Chong recommends applying a hair cream before drying.
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16. Sleek Half-Up Pompadour (2015)
Allow me to introduce Snooki’s signature pompadour style, but with an elegant twist. This low-maintenance 'do features some volume at the top, with a portion of her hair pinned back and straight hair framing her face at the sides. If you prefer a bit more dimension and height, you can achieve a more voluminous pompadour with the right hair spray.
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17. Pin Straight Butter Blonde Hair (2017)
As much as I love seeing Witherspoon’s hair curled, this pin-straight look is also a winner. For the 69th annual Primetime Emmy Awards, the star dyed her tresses a vibrant butter-blonde and added a few extensions for more length and volume. To emulate this 'do, you will definitely need a flat iron and some heat protectant. (Psst, if you have finer hair, check out our editor-tested roundup of the best heat protectants.)
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18. The Bouncy Bob (2019)
Leave it to Witherspoon to elevate the classic long bob. She looked dazzling in short, full curls at the Big Little Lies press conference in 2019, and her blonde 'do includes side-swept bangs. FYI, if you have thinner hair, you can still pull off this style by cutting it at an angle to create the illusion of fuller hair. Another pro tip? Add some dimension with highlights.
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19. Beachy Blonde Waves (2021)
Witherspoon could never go wrong with long, tousled waves. Styled with a middle part, the Legally Blonde alum pulled off this fun, effortless look at the Sing 2 premiere. To get the look, use a dry texture spray to add volume and definition to the waves. If your hair is prone to frizz, then consider these award-winning products to keep the frizz at bay.
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20. The Elegant Bun (2022)
One of the best ways to showcase your facial features? Pull your hair back into an elegant bun. (Bonus points if you use the jawline rule.) The star looked radiant at Apple TV+'s Surface premiere in New York, and this wasn't the only time she opted for the famous 'do. At the 2024 Emmys, her hairstylist, Lona Vigi, channeled Grace Kelly with a similar, sophisticated bun. Per Byrdie, Vigi used Fekkai products, including the Volume Dry Texturizing Spray and Brilliant Glossing Styling Créme.
21. Signature Bangs (2023)
On Instagram, the proud mom debuted fresh, wispy bangs while posing with her son Tennessee, and of course, fans loved it. One follower wrote, "Loving the bangs!" The signature hairstyle usually features a middle part with chin-length layers around her face. But here, she's rocking a side part with a casual blowout.
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22. The Ribbon Wrapped Low Ponytail
Rather than opting for a simple low pony, Witherspoon took her hairstyle to the next level with curtain bangs and a black ribbon, creating a more playful, yet elegant look. Pull your hair back into a low pony and grab a fun ribbon to channel this hairstyle. You can even experiment with a sleek side part for a more tousled look.
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23. The Sleek Blowout
Earlier this year, Witherspoon arrived at the AFI Awards Luncheon with a fabulous floral dress and a sleek 'do, featuring a side part with subtle volume at the roots and blown-out ends. For this chic style, apply your favorite texturizing spray to your roots, then add a bit of gel for additional hold.
