The Best Celebrity Hair Transformations of 2016

When: December 29, 2016

What: Navy Hair

Why we love it: Even with rainbow extensions, Bella Thorne was still technically a redhead. But now the actress has chopped her signature hair to a shoulder-length cut and dyed it a dramatic navy blue color. The hue is not the easiest shade to wear, but she pulls it off beautifully because her hair looks so much healthier and shinier. With her edgier wardrobe and roster of more adult roles, this could be the start of a new, darker direction for Bella Thorne in 2017.

When: December 21, 2016

What: Model-Off-Duty Braids

Why we love it: As the year comes to close, it's fun to see how models and celebrities alike are spending their holiday break. French model Cindy Bruna looks to be off to a good start with a new hairdo and beachy vacation. On Instagram, she wished her followers happy holidays by showing off her new braided hairstyle; long gone are her Victoria's Secret show waves or bouncy curls. The green palm trees, mirrored sunglasses, and beautifully braided bun all allude to the fact that Bruna is officially on vacation. 

When: December 20, 2016

What: Highlighted Lob

Why we love it: There is no wavy, rumpled lob out there that we don't love. But Olivia Wilde's is more than just a cut—it's a statement. On her Instagram, the star captioned a photo of her new chop by hairstylist Harry Josh with the hashtag #NoMoreMelaniaHair. 

When: December 19, 2016

What: Blonde Waves

Why we love it: Rihanna has been changing up her hair frequently these last few months in between fashion week and filming Ocean's Eight. So while nothing about the star's look really shocks us anymore, we were not expecting to see her debut a new bleach blonde, wavy style on Instagram over the weekend. The beanie makes us suspicious about the authenticity of the style—but real or faux–we love the lighter shade just in time for the holidays.

When: December 17, 2016

What: Hot Pink Hair

Why we love it: Ruby Rose is known for her edgy style, so her new hot, hot pink hair is perfect. She stepped out with bright pink locks and a fabulous coat to match, proving that her style is perfect, as always. 

When: December 17, 2016

What: Dark Brown Hair

Why we love it: Jessica Chastain's copper-colored mane has been her signature since she hit the Hollywood scene, which made it all the more shocking when the actress appeared on Instagram with chocolate brown locks. The dark hue renders the actress virtually unrecognizable, but sometimes that's exactly the kind of change you need—especially with a new year approaching. Plus, who doesn't love a rich brunette shade for winter?

When: December 16, 2016

What: Braided extensions

Why we love it: Bella Hadid looked absolutely flawless with her long, wavy brunette locks at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, but her latest hairstyle—long extensions worn in two tight braids—is an edgier look that suits the model's sporty personal style. 

When: December 16, 2016

What: Sleek Lob

Why we love it: Selena Gomez just debuted a short new chop on Instagram just in time for the new year. And while we've always loved Gomez's long, bouncy extensions—there's something so refreshing about seeing her go all-natural. A new hairstyle for the new year could mean that Gomez has a big 2017 planned ahead of her—hopefully one full of even more positive changes (and if the picture above is any indication, some killer eyeliner looks). 

When: December 16, 2016

What: Brown Bangs

Why we love it: Another model goes from blonde to brunette. Taking a cue from Gigi Hadid, Hailey Baldwin just debuted a new chocolate brown hair color and cut on Instagram. The darker color is perfect for the cooler months, and we love that her face-framing bangs are back, too. The long fringe gives her a retro, '70s vibe that she just wears so well.

When: December 12, 2016

What: Chocolate Brown Hair

Why we love it: Gigi Hadid has been slowly letting her blonde highlights fade, but her most recent outing has us guessing if we can even label her blonde anymore. At the Victoria's Secret show last month (left), there were still blonde highlights strewn throughout her ends. But the model was just seen on the streets of NYC sporting a chocolate brown hue—looking not unlike when she wore a dark wig for the Balmain show last year. Whether this is a permanent change or not, a new hair color for a new year is never a bad idea.

When: December 9, 2016

What: Birthday Braids

Why we love it: We've seen Nicki Minaj with short hair, long hair, orange hair, and pink hair. But her new braided style, piled into a twisted knot, might just be our favorite yet. The singer debuted her new hairstyle on Instagram while in the Turks and Caicos for a birthday vacation. We hope the braids come back to the States with her once the beachy vacation is over.

When: December 8, 2016

What: Wavy Lob

Why we love it: Long hair or short hair, Olivia Munn looks gorgeous either way. But her new chop proves that rumpled, textured lobs aren't going anywhere. Her hairstylist Christian Wood cut off a whopping 12 inches, adding extra layers and choppiness to increase the wave of her naturally straight hair. He then used Matrix's Texture Builder Messy Finish Spray to get all that volume and grit.

When: December 7, 2016

What: Birkin Bangs

Why we love it: Katie Holmes is no stranger to signature haircuts. And her new Jane Birkin-esque bangs prove that a good chop is truly timeless. Plus, a set of full fringe is a quick anti-aging tip that can make you look years younger, let alone wildly chicer.

When: November 30, 2016

What: Blonde Extensions

Why we love it: JLaw has traded in her signature blunt lob and is embracing length for her Passengers press tour. Although she's rocked the shorter look for quite some time, the actress is already pulling off her new long locks with a subtle wave.

When: November 30, 2016

What: Layered Lob

Why we love it: Heard is known for her long golden tresses, but she traded them in for a shaggy, layered crop that falls right at her shoulders and exposes her brunette low lights.

When: November 28, 2016

What: Curly Chop

Why we love it: Model Winnie Harlow traded in her long locks for a short, curly chop that looks every bit as cute and fun. She debuted the natural cut on Instagram and added: "To all the women of the world: Embrace your beauty, love yourself."

When: November 16, 2016

What: Deep Auburn

Why we love it: Fresh off the heels of the trailer release for her new film Beauty And The Beast, Emma Watson has decided to dye her hair into a very Belle-like shade of deep auburn. Ditching her light blonde hair with bleached ends, the subtle hair transformation is exactly the kind we're expecting to see more of heading into winter and the holiday season. Her new shade not only warms up her fair skin, but it makes her hair look ultra-glossy—proving that not all color changes have to be dramatic to make an impact.

When: November 10, 2016

What: Deep Brunette

Why we love it: After taking her short locks platinum for a daring transformation back in May, and then going even whiter earlier this fall, Kristen Stewart has returned to a deep chocolate brown hue. A rich, dark shade is always chic for autumn, and the actress's hair will definitely appreciate the reprieve from the bleach.

When: November 5, 2016

What: Pink hair

Why we love it: The blonde beauty has traded in her ash blonde locks for a bubblegum shade of pink, as seems to be the trend among 20-something It girl models lately. Baldwin's dark, shadowy roots help offset the girlish hue and keep things looking edgy and cool.

When: October 29, 2016

What: Blonde hair

Why we love it: Lucy Hale looks great with any hair color, but the blonde is such a refreshing change and the timing is perfect. She just wrapped production on Pretty Little Liars and closed a big chapter in her life, so why not celebrate with a new look?