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A Visual Timeline of Zac Efron’s Hair

Zac Efron has come a long way since his days as a Wildcat in High School Musical—and so has his hair. From his signature Troy Bolton style to his platinum blonde ’do, keep reading for a detailed look at Zac Efron’s hair evolution.

zac efron hair
Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images

2004: The Teenage Cut

Efron first gained popularity when he played Cameron Bale on Summerland. The actor donned a shaggy style that perfectly framed his face and baby blue eyes. His brown locks featured sun-kissed highlights that scream early 2000s.

zac efron troy bolton
Michael Bezjian/Getty Images

2005: Troy Bolton, At Your Service

This was the year Zac landed the role of Troy Bolton in The Disney Channel original movie High School Musical. He coined his character’s signature style, which consisted of long bangs that covered his ears and forehead.

zac efron blonde highlights
Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

2007: Sun-kissed

While he maintained Troy’s signature look for quite some time, Efron occasionally added a few caramel highlights, which didn’t go unnoticed.

zac efron long hair
Carlos Alvarez/Getty Images

2009: Long Hair, Don't Care

At the premiere of 17 Again, the actor donned his longest length to date. Think Troy Bolton…but shaggier.

zac efron buzz cut
Michael Caulfield/Getty Images

2011: The Buzz Cut

Just like that, Efron chopped off his long locks and debuted an almost-buzz cut at the People’s Choice Awards. Is it just us, or does he finally look his age here (24)?

zac efron shirtless
Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

2014: Edward Cullen, Is That You?

Efron had a slightly longer style when he won Best Shirtless Performance at the MTV Movie Awards. The actor kept it short on the sides while letting the top grow out, just like Robert Pattinson in Twilight.

zac efron bleached tips
Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

2016: Boy Band Member

Efron took a page out of the ’90s, bleaching the tips of his hair. We’d love to hear an explanation behind this one.

zac efron golden globes
Venturelli/Getty Images

2018: Business As Usual

Fast-forward to 2018, and Efron’s hair returned to its normal cut and color. The actor attended the 75th annual Golden Globe Awards sporting a dark brown hairstyle that made his eyes pop.

zac efron blonde hair
Vivien Killilea/Getty Images

2019: Blondes Have More Fun

The actor was nearly unrecognizable while promoting Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile. He flaunted an icy blonde ’do, which offered an interesting contrast with his brown scruffy beard.



greta

Senior Editor, News and Entertainment

  • Writes and edits news and entertainment content
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