Gigi Hadid’s Dark Hair Transformation: What It Takes to Go Bronde to Brunette

Few beauty switches land with quite the same impact as a dramatic hair change—especially when it involves stepping away from a signature colour. This week, Gigi Hadid appeared with what reads as a major transformation: a shorter cut paired with a deeper, darker shade than the blonde beach waves the model is best known for. The updated look was shared via a glamour shot credited to celebrity hairstylist Dimitris Giannetos, and it’s already reigniting the perennial question in salons across the UK: what does it actually take to move from bright blonde to brunette—without ending up flat, muddy, or oddly green?

Hair colour transformations often look effortless on camera, but in real life they’re a balancing act of tone, porosity, and maintenance. If you’ve been considering going darker for winter, refreshing over-processed ends, or simply craving a sharper, more fashion-forward silhouette, there are practical ways to approach it. The key is understanding what “dark” really means on previously lightened hair, and how to keep it glossy, dimensional and believable.

Why a brunette switch looks so striking on a lifelong blonde

When someone is widely associated with a particular colour—Hadid’s sunlit blonde waves have been part of her visual identity for years—a change to a darker tone reads as instantly transformative. But the effect isn’t only psychological; it’s also technical.

Blonde hair (especially salon blonde) tends to reflect light more diffusely across the mid-lengths and ends. Darker hair, by contrast, creates stronger contrast around the face, making brows, eyes and bone structure appear more pronounced. It can also make a cut look more “designed”, because the shape is easier to read when the colour is more solid and the shine is concentrated.

In UK salons, stylists often describe this as visual density: darker pigment gives the illusion of thicker hair, particularly if the ends have been lightened over time and feel fragile. This is one reason many clients decide to go deeper after a long period of highlights or full blonde—less visual transparency through the lengths, more polish at the perimeter.

What’s important to note is that modern brunette isn’t one note. The brunette that photographs as expensive and “new” typically has a mix of underlying warmth and surface-level shine, rather than a flat, inky overlay.

Going from blonde to brunette: the colour science most people miss

If you’ve spent months (or years) lifting your hair to blonde, your hair doesn’t behave like untreated hair when you go darker. Lightened hair is more porous—meaning it grabs colour quickly but can also let it fade quickly. This is why some people love their fresh brunette for two weeks, then describe it as “washing out” or “turning weird”.

Many colourists recommend a two-step approach for significant blonde-to-brunette changes:

• Re-pigmentation (filling): adding back warm tones that blonde hair is missing—often golds, coppers, or soft reds depending on the target brunette level.
• Target colour (gloss/toner/permanent): layering the desired brunette shade on top in a way that keeps dimension and avoids hollow-looking ends.

Why does “filling” matter? Because natural brunettes contain underlying warm pigments. When hair has been stripped to pale blonde, those pigments are gone; applying a cool brown directly can read as khaki or slightly green, particularly in certain lighting. A professional fill helps your brunette look believable, not like a wig-like overlay.

There’s also the question of depth. Many people say “I want dark hair,” but actually want a mid-brunette with shine and shadow—something that frames the face but still feels soft. A good colourist will look at your base, your previous colour history, and your wardrobe/makeup preferences. In practical terms: if you rarely wear high-contrast makeup, a very deep shade can feel like it wears you, rather than the other way around.

The cut matters as much as the colour (and why it reads ‘new’)

Hadid’s update also appears to involve a cut—shorter and more controlled than her classic waves. In editorial hair, a darker colour often pairs particularly well with a crisp silhouette because it highlights the line of the hair. In salons, it’s common to do the cut after colour so the stylist can tailor the final shape to how the colour is sitting and reflecting.

If you’re copying the “big change” feeling rather than the exact shade, a strategic trim can deliver a similar impact. Even removing 2–5cm of lightened ends can make brunette look more expensive because the ends are healthier and therefore shinier.

Real-world practical next step: before you book, save two reference photos—one in bright daylight and one in indoor lighting. Ask your stylist to explain what level of warmth they’ll keep underneath so the brunette doesn’t fade oddly.

How to maintain a fresh brunette on previously blonde hair

Brunette isn’t “no maintenance”; it’s simply different maintenance. In particular, newly darkened hair over blonde can benefit from colour-friendly habits that protect tone and shine. Many stylists in the UK recommend treating your first month as the “settling period”, when pigment is most likely to shift.

• Wash cooler, wash less (if you can): Lukewarm water and fewer wash days can help reduce early fade.
• Add a weekly colour-gloss habit: A salon gloss every 4–8 weeks can keep depth and shine without repeatedly lifting and re-depositing permanent colour.
• Use a brunette-friendly toning product cautiously: Blue or green-toned formulas can counter brass, but overuse on porous hair may dull it. A stylist can advise what your hair needs.
• Prioritise bond and moisture care: Lightened hair that’s been darkened still carries its history; hydration and strengthening support a smoother cuticle so colour reflects better.
• Heat styling with protection: Heat can roughen the cuticle and make brunette look matte. A heat protectant and lower temps can help keep the “glamour-shot” finish.

If scalp sensitivity is part of your history, it’s worth flagging this at consultation. While most people tolerate hair colour well, dermatologists often suggest patch testing as a sensible precaution—particularly if you’re changing your routine or using a new colour line.

Finally, be honest about the commitment. If you love the freedom of grown-out highlights, you may prefer a softer “bronde-to-dark-blonde” transition rather than a full dark step. The best transformations are the ones you can live with on a Tuesday morning, not just in a photo.

Key Takeaways

• Going darker looks especially dramatic on long-term blondes because it increases facial contrast and makes the cut read sharper.
• Previously lightened hair often needs a warm “fill” before brunette colour goes on, helping prevent dull, muddy or green-leaning tones.
• A small cut can amplify a colour change—healthy ends make brunette look glossier and more expensive.
• Fresh brunette over blonde can fade quickly at first; glosses, cooler washing and gentle heat habits help it settle beautifully.
• Your most practical next step is a consultation: bring daylight and indoor references and ask what warmth will remain under the final tone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my hair go green if I dye it brown from blonde?
It can happen if a cool brown is placed straight onto very light or porous hair with no warm pigment replaced first. Many colourists avoid this by “filling” with warm tones before applying the final brunette shade.

Is it better to go brunette with permanent colour or a gloss?
It depends on your goal. A gloss can be a softer, lower-commitment route to depth and shine, while permanent colour gives stronger staying power. A stylist will usually base the choice on your blonde history, porosity and how long you want the change.

How long will brunette last if my hair was heavily highlighted?
On porous, highlighted hair, early fade can be quicker—often within a few weeks—until the pigment settles. Regular gloss appointments and colour-safe habits can significantly extend richness.

Can I go back to blonde after going brunette?
Often yes, but it may require careful lifting and multiple appointments to protect hair condition. If returning to blonde is likely, tell your colourist so they can choose a strategy that keeps future options open.

What should I ask for at the salon if I want “expensive brunette”?
Ask about dimension (subtle tonal variation), face-framing placement, and a shine/gloss finish. “Expensive brunette” typically looks glossy and softly multi-tonal rather than flat and overly cool.