Some stars make bold fashion choices. Others? They change their hair color—and it’s like they become a whole new person. The age-old question of blonde vs. brunette still sparks debates in beauty circles, and these 17 women have fully embraced both shades.

From icy platinum to rich chestnut tones, these celebrities have switched it up over the years, leaving fans divided—and amazed. One thing’s for sure: they prove that hair color can completely transform a look, a vibe, and even our perception of who they are.

So, let’s dive into this glamorous debate and see which version of each star you prefer.

Cameron Diaz: California Blonde or Earthy Brunette?

Cameron is practically the poster child for the sun-kissed, beachy blonde look. But when she’s gone brunette? The transformation is surprisingly dramatic. Her features sharpen, her eyes pop, and the entire aesthetic shifts. She’s radiant in both, but which feels more her?

Video: The power of hair color

Selena Gomez: Golden Glow or Dark Mystery?

Selena’s naturally a brunette—and fans love her for her glossy, rich locks. But every time she dabbles in blonde (remember her platinum moment?), it’s like we’re looking at a totally different pop queen. Glamorous? Absolutely. Familiar? Not always.

Cate Blanchett: Snow Queen or Sultry Maven?

Cate’s ethereal beauty seems made for soft blondes and platinum tones. But she’s also rocked deeper hues that bring a whole new edge to her elegance. Either way, she looks like royalty.

Lucy Liu: Timeless Brunette or Daring Blonde?

Lucy Liu’s raven-black hair has been iconic for years. But when she experimented with blonde, it raised eyebrows. Was it too light? Too much contrast? For many fans, her brunette shade will always feel more like home.

Rihanna: Blonde Bombshell or Bold Brunette?

If there’s one star who can pull off literally any look, it’s Rihanna. She’s gone from jet black to fiery red to platinum blonde and made each one feel intentional. But when comparing brunette and blonde side-by-side, her darker tones often feel more powerful and grounded.

Video: Rihanna’s Hairstylist Breaks Down Her Most Iconic Looks

Zendaya: Rich Brunette or Blonde Chic?

Zendaya has mastered the art of transformation. She can flip from natural curls to sleek blonde waves in a heartbeat. And every version of her radiates confidence. Still, many fans gravitate toward her deeper shades—they match her grounded aura.

Jessica Biel: Balanced Beauty in Both Shades

Some celebs make you choose a favorite. Jessica isn’t one of them. Whether she’s rocking soft blonde highlights or deep espresso locks, she always looks naturally elegant. She’s proof that some people really can have it all.

Dakota Johnson: Brunette Seduction or Blonde Rebellion?

Dakota’s dark brown locks have become her signature. But when she briefly flirted with lighter tones, it was like a whole new character came to life. Blonde Dakota was bolder, a little more unpredictable—but her sultry brunette remains iconic.

Jessica Alba: Warm Brunette or Golden Glow?

Jessica’s natural brunette tone perfectly complements her skin tone and eye color. But when she lightens up, she radiates that breezy California energy. Both are stunning—but brunettes might have a slight edge here.

Keira Knightley: Edgy Blonde or Classic Brunette?

Keira’s sophisticated bone structure pairs beautifully with brunette shades, giving her that timeless elegance. But when she steps into lighter territory, it softens her features and adds a touch of modern flair. It’s a tough call.

Dakota Fanning: Icy Blonde or Soft Brown?

We’ve seen Dakota grow up as a blonde, and it’s easy to associate that look with her youthful film roles. But her ventures into darker hues have brought a maturity to her look that’s equally captivating.

Charlize Theron: Bold Either Way

Charlize switches effortlessly between short platinum crops and sultry brown waves—and she nails every single look. She might just be one of the few people on the planet who looks like a supermodel in every shade.

Drew Barrymore: Boho Brunette or Beachy Blonde?

Drew’s personality shines no matter the color of her hair. But let’s be honest: her carefree spirit pairs so well with her natural blonde waves. Still, her brunette moments give off a calm, earthy vibe that’s hard not to love.

Dua Lipa: Dark Power or Light Edge?

Dua has built her style on bold contrasts—and that includes her hair. Her brunette base is sleek, strong, and mysterious. When she experiments with blonde, it adds an edgy, fashion-forward twist that keeps fans guessing.

Jennifer Lawrence: Blonde Girl Next Door or Brunette Rebel?

Most people picture Jennifer as a blonde thanks to The Hunger Games red carpets and Dior campaigns. But when she goes brunette, something shifts. She feels more grounded, more intense—like she’s about to drop a truth bomb at any moment.

Zooey Deschanel: Trademark Brunette or Retro Blonde?

Zooey’s dark hair, bangs, and blue eyes are part of her signature charm. But her few forays into blonde give off strong 1960s vibes. It’s a fun change, but nothing beats that quirky brunette we all know and love.

Scarlett Johansson: Blonde Icon or Brunette Mystery?

Scarlett has danced between blonde and brunette so often that it’s easy to forget which one she started with. Her platinum moments are classic Hollywood, but her brunette phases bring out a mysterious, seductive energy that fans can’t resist.

Conclusion: Hair Color Is Just the Beginning

So… blonde or brunette? Honestly, there’s no right answer. What these 17 stars prove is that hair color is less about rules and more about mood. One day you’re a radiant blonde, glowing like the sun. The next, you’re a deep brunette, mysterious and magnetic.

Beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s personal, ever-evolving, and sometimes—unrecognizable in the best way. Whether you’re thinking of switching it up yourself or just admiring the glow-ups of your favorite celebs, remember: hair grows, styles change, but confidence is what truly makes any shade stunning.