It’s hard to pick one word to describe Julia Roberts’ decades-long acting career, but from Steel Magnolias to Notting Hill and Pretty Woman to Ocean’s Eleven, we’d argue that “range” is a pretty good choice. Throughout her time in the industry, the now 57-year-old actress has become known for her versatility beyond the silver screen, too. Whether you picture her first with teased hair and thigh-high leather boots à la Vivian Ward or with a dirty blond blowout circa Eat, Pray, Love, Roberts has served us up endless amounts of style inspiration, specifically when it comes to hair. If you’re debating a new cut, color or style for fall but aren’t sure what direction to go, we’ve rounded up some of Julia Roberts’ most iconic hair looks from the ’90s to now, and you’re certain to find your new ‘do soulmate within the archives of her hair transformations.
Copper Curls
One of Roberts’ most iconic looks to date, this 1990s hairstyle was pivotal in solidifying what would long be known as Roberts’ signature look. With a deep side part and her natural, loose curls flowing, this mid-length copper style will always be a fan favorite.
Blunt and Blond
Did this early 1995 look make you do a double take? You’re not alone. Making it clear from the get-go that she isn’t afraid to play with her style, this transition to a platinum blond layered bob was one of Roberts’ most shocking to date, but the soft blowout and deep side part manage to make the look effortless and modern.
The Rachel Green
We typically associate the timeless shag haircut, “the Rachel,” with the Rachel Green actress herself, Jennifer Aniston, but in the late ’90s Roberts tried her hand at the flippy, layered style in an equally exciting way. Pairing the shoulder-length, dimensional lob with a side bang and a honey gold hue, the Y2K staple style suits her perfectly.
The Darker Side
To ring in the 2000s, Roberts took things to the darker side, experimenting with a sleek yet still layered lob look in a deep, walnut brown shade. We love how the moodier shade brings out her hazel eyes and natural coloring.
Mahogany Moment
Roberts brought back lighter hues in 2005 with collarbone-sweeping mahogany strands adding a bit more warmth and dimension to her hair, emphasizing the auburn shades in her eyes and highlighting her natural rosy flush.
Butter Blond
Roberts’ honey blond hair circa 2010 is another historic one. With soft layers that extend her strands, adding volume and the illusion of extra length, the blend of light, medium and dark blond shades meld together perfectly and create a luxurious, soft style.
Modern Brond
Roberts has been leaning into the dimensional blonds rather consistently in recent years, and this style from 2018 is a perfect example of her transition into the modern “brond” spectrum, leaving a dark root and warm, chocolatey and caramel tones spliced throughout her butter blond.
Auburn Again
Today, Roberts has gone back to her roots in a sense, transitioning her strands back to the warm, copper hue we first came to know and love her for. Today though, she opts for a slightly piecey, collarbone-length cut and a sleek blowout, adding a mature yet timeless air to her signature style.
