10 Celebrity Breakup Hairstyles That Will Inspire Your Own Makeover

Raven Ishak
Jun 28, 2016

For many of us, summer is basically synonymous with romance. But between Taylor and Calvin calling it quits, Demi and Wilmer’s breakup announcement — and don’t even get us started on the Brexit — it doesn’t seem like summer lovin’ is on anyone’s radar. In the midst of this breakup armageddon, there’s one thing we can count on in the aftermath: breakup makeovers, AKA “breakovers.” From Brittany Spears’s infamous brunette locks to Miranda Lambert’s post breakup mane, celebrities — just like us — are known to embrace a beauty transformation after a relationship ends. So whether you’re currently going through a breakup of your own or you just need a change (we feel you), here are 10 celebrity hair breakovers you need to check out for your own makeover.

1. Olivia Culpo: Miss USA was already perfect as can be, but we were swooning big time over her newly chopped tresses after her breakup with Nick Jonas, where she upgraded her lob to an out-of-this-world bob. Who knew you could completely change your look with just a few snips?

2. Reese Witherspoon: While we were mourning the end of Reese + Ryan, Reese was busy focusing on herself (#yougogirl). Sometime after the breakup, she transformed from America’s sweetheart to a DDG southern belle, with OMG-worthy wispy bangs and chic layered locks. While Witherspoon’s OG look was great, her updated ‘do became infamous — hello, we’re still talking about it now. (Photo via Kevin Winter/Getty)

3. Halle Berry: Back in 2010, Halle Berry was rockin’ long, luscious locks with her then-boo Gabriel Aubry. Then, two months after their split, she debuted her soon-to-be signature hairstyle: the edgy pixie cut. These days, Halle’s wearing her hair long again, but we can’t help but miss her stylish pixie shag. (Photo via Jason Merritt/Getty)

4. Katy Perry: The reason we love Katy Perry so much is because she isn’t afraid to try something new. After her heartbreaking divorce from Russell Brand, she decided to take things into her own hands — err, hair — and dye it a unicorn-approved aquamarine blue. While she may have tried plenty of dyes after this look, we have to say, this might be one of our fave Katy Perry hairstyles to date. (Photo via Frederick M. Brown/Getty)

5. Naya Rivera: Soon after Naya Rivera’s breakup with hip-hop artist Big Sean, the Glee star changed her beach-blonde locks back to their original dark hue. Sometimes after a breakup, it makes sense to go back to the basics, amirite? (Photo via Jason Merritt/Getty)

6. Sarah Hyland: After saying goodbye to her relationship with Matthew Prokop, Sarah entered the single life with a freshly cut bob. This style basically proves that Hyland can rock any hairstyle and always look DDG. (Photo via Jason Merritt/Getty)

7. Gwen Stefani: While it was hard to witness Gwen Stefani end her 13-year marriage with Gavin Rossdale, we were happy to see her get back to her punk-rock roots with a new color-block ‘do. The No Doubt singer is officially the coolest mom in town. (Photo via Larry Busacca/Getty)

8. Khloe Kardashian: Even though Khloe’s marriage to Lamar ended on a rocky note, her beauty game earned her extra brownie points when she dyed her hair a beach babe-approved blonde. Best breakup transformation? Yes, yes, triple yes. (Photo via Frederick M. Brown/Getty)

9. Joe Jonas: Ladies aren’t the only ones who get post-breakup makeovers. Joe Jonas dipped his hair into the breakover pool by dyeing his locks with ocean-inspired hues. (Photo via Jason Merritt/Getty)

10. Gigi Hadid: It’s hard to talk about Joe and not bring up Gigi, right? While Hadid claims this ‘do was a wig, her newly short locks — debuted after her breakup with the singer — are clearly worth mentioning. Sorry, Joe, but we think Gigi won this makeover war. (Photo via Jason Merritt/Getty)

What do you think about these breakover ‘dos? Follow us on Pinterest for more fab hairstyle ideas!

Hailey Bieber's New "Chocolate Syrup" Hair Is All The Internet Can Talk About RN

Say goodbye to the iconic bob, because Hailey Bieber just flaunted a new hairdo. Of course, the internet just had to equate her returning brunette locks to a type of food — because apparently that’s a thing that needs to happen for every hair and beauty trend now. Bieber debuted “chocolate syrup hair” after posting a mirror selfie on her Instagram story and a video to TikTok. The model opted for a classic blowout, darker brown hue, and mid-length extensions for a fuller and fresher look.

Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images

Fans were ecstatic about the switch, with one commenting that this is the “best hair [Hailey’s] had” and another chiming in that “the iconic long hair is finally coming back.” It’s giving us flashbacks to Bieber’s 2022 era, when her deep brown long hair was all over red carpets.

Fans who missed the social media posts took notice of her hair change at yesterday’s Super Bowl, when the Biebers were pictured getting cozy in their VIP Box. Hailey matched the new color shade with a fluffy cheetah print jacket, white top, and mid-wash jeans. Her superstar hubby, Justin Bieber, followed the brown aesthetic with a loose caramel long sleeve adorned with crescent-moons, dark pants, and a black backwards cap.

This is the first time Hailey's sported long hair since she chopped it off back in 2023, making it at least a year since she displayed the chin-length bob heard around the world (we all thought about copying this hairstyle a time or two, let’s be real). The shoulder-grazing cut was actually nicknamed after food too — cinnamon cookie butter hair — due to the range of golden brown and copper undertones.

And now, chocolate syrup hair is just the latest in a slew of beauty trends that the Rhode skincare founder has started. Remember glazed doughnut skin? Strawberry girl and latte make-up? Blueberry milk nails? Okay, so that last one was inspired by Sofia Richie, but it still fits into the ongoing theme here…

Peep Some Hailey Bieber's Best Hair Moments Over The Years

Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images

The 2018 Met Gala

Hailey was pretty in pink with this 2018 hairdo at the "Heavenly Bodies" Met Gala. The pastel color is really hair to pull off, but leave it to Mrs. Bieber to absolutely slay. While I love her brunette do right now, definitely would love to see her try something more playful like this again!

Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue

The 2019 Met Gala

Clearly, Hailey does NOT disappoint when she shows up on the First Monday in May. This super blonde high ponytail is giving Bond girl in all the best ways! Plus, can we talk about the slicked-back hair and bow combo?! 2024 would eat this look up if she wanted to try it again!

Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

2020 Vanity Fair Oscar Party

We know miss thing rocks a shorter cut, and this blunt bob is no exception. The slick side part pairs so well with her naturally high cheekbones, and her earrings really compliment the length of the cut. 10s across the board!

Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images

The 2021 Met Gala

A soft, beachy wave is honestly everything. I love how she pairs this more lax hairstyle with a luxe event like the Met Gala, giving her overall look so much texture and intrigue. Plus, that honey-colored hair was made for an effortless look like this.

Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

2022 Vanity Fair Oscar Party

Mirroring her 2021 Met Gala look, Hailey rocked tousled waves again, but with a deeper honey color. The overall styling looks chic, but attainable, subtly inviting everyone to request "The Hailey" at their next appointment.

Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for WSJ. Magazine Innovators Awards

WSJ. Magazine 2022 Innovator Awards

Hailey took beachy to new heights with this long hairdo. Her waves are slightly more subdued, giving that "I just woke up like this" look we're all still trying to get. I'm so excited to see her back to a darker brown now because this color is absolutely serving!

Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images for Vanity Fair

2023 Vanity Fair Oscar Party

The bob is bobbing — no, but really this iconic bob is next level. It takes her iconic waves and makes them elevated, elegant, and everything I've ever needed. While I'm more than here for her longer hair right now, I hope we get a brunette bob moment again.

For more hair inspo and celeb news, be sure to sign up for our weekly email newsletter, so you don't miss a thing!

Header image by Theo Wargo/Getty Images

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Hold Up, Did Rebecca Yarros' First 'Onxy Storm' Excerpt Just Tease Violet Sorrengail's True Identity?

Fans of Fourth Wing are on pins and needles because Rebecca Yarros just announced she's finished writing the third book in the Empyrean series! It's us, we're fans — along with over half of BookTok.

We can't believe we're getting closer to reading more about Violet Sorrengail's journey, but we know you have a ton of burning questions about the release date for Book No. 3.

We may not have all the answers, but we've done a little digging to share as much as we can because who doesn't want to know what Rebecca Yarros has been up to?

I'm new to the Empyrean series. Are "Fourth Wing" and "Iron Flame" really worth reading?

Amazon

I'm not going to lie to you. The editorial team, including myself, are extremely biased about Fourth Wingand Iron Flame. From my perspective, I think these are great books for anyone who had the pleasure of growing up during the great Harry Potter era and moved on to watchingGame of Thrones and House of Dragons.

Did she announce the name of book no. 3?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

YES! Book No. 3 is titled Oynx Storm.

Knowing what we do about the manifestation of Violet's powers, I think this could hint she's going to play an even larger role in the series. According to a fan theory shared on TikTok(via Empyrean Riders), it's believed that Violet and Xaden Riorson are actually gods. Stay with me here.

Empyrean Riders noted that Violet's last name means heavenly and that she's able to control time thanks to her connection to the young dragon Andarna (I love her so much!). That sounds pretty god-like to me.

And when asked which two Taylor Swift songs describe Onyx Storm, Rebecca Yarros chose "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" from The Tortured Poets Department and "So It Goes..." from Reputation. "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" is one of Taylor's most powerful songs and definitely translates the idea that Violet's powers are going to be stronger than ever, while "So It Goes..." is equal parts suspense and seduction, and is TOTALLY about "all the pieces fall right into place" to get together with the right person.

There's so much more to unpack so I suggest grabbing a yummy snack while you fall down the rabbit hole. All I'm sure of is that Onyx Storm is going to leave our emotions in shambles just like Fourth Wing and Iron Flame did.

When did Rebecca Yarros announce she's done writing book no. 3 in the series?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

On June 17, Rebecca Yarros shared this image of her laptop to indicate she'd finished the third book in the Empyrean series.

She wrote, "(Pic from one of the very many locations in which this book was written)," towards the end of the caption before adding a few relevant hashtags to it.

When will Onxy Storm be available for purchase?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

Rebecca Yarros exclusively told Good Morning America that fans can expect the book to hit shelves January 21, 2025! That gives us a little over six months to prepare our emotions for what's sure to be a storm of a book.

She said, "There will be politics, new adventures, old enemies and of course, dragons." There's no way she could forget the dragons because I'd willingly riot over them. They deserve to have their stories told forever.

As luck would have it, Cosmopolitan received an exciting first look at what's to come in Onyx Storm. The excerpt begins with Violet realizing the Venin have found their way into Basgiath War College and are wreaking havoc. Alongside Rhiannon, Sawyer, and Ridoc, she races to stop the Venin from releasing Jack Barlowe from his prison cell.

However, Violet's shocked when she discovered one of the "dark wielders" has a long silver braid that closely resembles her own. Before she can fully react, the woman disappears. According to Screen Rant, there are possible theories about why Violet saw her and what this means for her growing power.

Towards the end of the excerpt, Violet discovers the Venin want to capture her too. Also, Xaden makes his long-awaited appearance and it's clear their playful banter in the face of danger hasn't changed. That he hasn't fully changed into the Venin Violet's used to seeing.

I officially can't wait to read the rest of the book in January!

Has Rebecca Yarros revealed the cover for Onyx Storm?

Today/Bree Archer, Elizabeth Turner Stokes for Entangled Publishing

Onyx Storm

Yes!

TODAY received an exclusive look at the cover for Onyx Storm and it doesn't disappoint! Unlike its predecessors, it appears Rebecca Yarros is hinting that darker events will take place.

Fans of the Empyrean series aren't the only ones who are excited to see what fate has in store for our favorite characters though. In a statement to TODAY, Rebecca revealed how elated she is to be working on the series again. "It's amazing to be back with these characters again. She also said, ""I can't wait for readers to see what Violet, Xaden, and the rest of the quadrant have in store for them in Onyx Storm!"

Are you excited for the release of Onyx Storm? Follow us on Facebook for more entertainment news!

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This post has been updated.

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How To Master The Perfect Messy Braid Like Dakota Johnson

Dakota Johnson has become the queen of rocking backless gowns, and there's one accessory that helps her dresses stand out: her hair! We're pretty sure this lazy girl hair hack will never go out of style (thank goodness), which is why we caught up with Dakota's stylist on how to achieve an epically beautiful messy braid.

“We really wanted the focus to be on Dakota’s gorgeous dress,” Dove celebrity hairstylist Mark Townsend tells Brit + Co. “We decided to keep her hair out of her face by doing a long, textured braid in the back.”

He started with TRESemmé 24 Hour Body Root Boosting Spray on her damp roots (alternative option: Matrix Total Results High Amplify Wonder Boost Root Lifter) and then blew her hair out with a mixed bristle round brush. He set the top mohawk section with duck bill clips to create volume and sprayed a paddle brush with Dove Volume & Fullness Dry Shampoo before running it through the rest of her strands.

To create the plait, he twisted uneven sections of her locks into braids and twists, using dark bobby pins along the way to keep the loose bits secured. With the pony in place, he took out the duck bills and applied a bit of Dove Absolute Curls Crème Serum (alternative option: Dove Hair Therapy Breakage Remedy Leave-On Treatment) on the front pieces before pinning them back.

And voilà! A messy, put-together look that’s perfect for a red carpet, dinner, or a night in.

Tag us in your Dakota Johnson-approved braids on Instagram and subscribe to our email newsletter for more beauty ideas!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

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WHICH Movie Had Kate Winslet "Sh—ing" Herself?!

Kate Winslet is THE Hollywood actress to me. Not only has she starred in box office smashes like Titanic and Avatar: Way of Water, but she's proven her acting chops in breakout indie flicks and provided mothers and daughters everywhere with eternal Christmas movie nights thanks to The Holiday. But the actress' consistently viral kindness, her dedication to embracing her natural beauty, and her sophistication don't mean she always feels confident. Kate Winslet just spilled on the one movie from her career that had her "sh—ing" herself, and I just had to dive in.

Here's what Kate Winslet had to say about her scariest movie experience ever.

  • Kate Winslet made a name for herself with Titanic, Sense & Sensibility, and The Holiday.
  • However those movies aren't the film she wants fans to ask about!
  • The actress spills on the movies she's proud of, and the one job that had her "sh—ing myself."

Talking to Vanity Fair for her newest film Lee, Kate Winslet revealed one project she wishes fans asked about more is Iris. The 2001 film stars Kate as a young Iris Murdoch against Judi Dench's older counterpart. And for Kate, nothing was more terrifying than working with such a wonderful actress.

"People don’t really ask me about Iris. It’s such a delicate film," she says. "It was the first thing I had done after having my daughter. Going to work with a baby, I’m playing Iris Murdoch, looking to Judi Dench’s older Iris Murdoch — I was sh—ting myself."

Considering how nervous I get when I meet my heroes, I can only imagine what it was like to meet Dame Judi Dench. Talk about a dream! Another film Kate loves is Revolutionary Road, and not just because she got to reunite with Leonardo DiCaprio.

"The thing that people say is, 'You got to work with Leo again.' Then they go off on the whole Leo tangent, which I totally understand," she says of the film, which follows an ambitious couple who find themselves trapped in the reality of 1950s suburbia. "But Revolutionary Road — f—king hell, it just knocked us all sideways. Unbelievably difficult material. I was very proud of that film and what Leo and I were able to create as Frank and April. It was so brutal."

The process for getting Lee into the world sounds equally brutal, considering Kate started working on it over a decade ago. As producer, Kate tells Vanity Fair she doesn't mind the fact she's done more for the film than if she only had an acting credit. "That has felt very necessary for this film. But it’s also just really important to me," she says. "It’s important to me that people know that it’s out there and might feel compelled to go and see it."

Because it turns out, commercial success or stardom on its own doesn't actually help your movie get made! "It doesn’t matter who you are," she says. "No one’s going to go, 'Oh, I’ll just back that pony because she was in Titanic.' It doesn’t happen that way, and I never expected that. That’s really important to say."

"I've gotten older and I’ve learned more and felt more confident in myself about whether or not I could actually do it," she adds. "It’s not something I would’ve done had I not felt so passionately about the subject, and Lee was just—she wouldn’t let me go."

Let us know your favorite Kate Winslet movies in the comments, and since we've officially entered cozy season, check out Why The Holiday Movie Ending Is The Most Important Scene while you're at it!

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Here's A New Look At Florence Pugh's Return As Yelena Belova

Marvel movies are known for their heroes and their hopeful outlook on the world. But in 2025, we're getting a brand new team: the Thunderbolts. This team is made up of antiheroes and former villains, and it's sure to be the wackiest and strangest, as well as one of the most memorable, superhero movies we've seen in recent years.

Keep reading for the latest news on Thunderbolts* before it hits theaters in 2025.

Marvel Studios/YouTube

Thunderbolts* comes out this May, and the cast just showed off some brand new footage at the D23 convention — and thanks to the new 'Celebrating 85 Years' spot, we have the first look too!

We get a look at Bucky Barnes, The Red Guardian, John Walker, and Ghost. Plus, Yelena Belova, of course. This heartbreaking detail about Yelena's new look connects Florence Pugh's Yelena to Scarlett Johansson's Natashaand I'm WEEPING.

Marvel Studios/Walt Disney Studios

And at D23 Brazil, we got a brand new look at my new favorite team. "There’s something in this film, in terms of superpowers and superheroes, that shows that our superpowers lie in how ‘broken’ we are," David Harbour said at the event. "As if our superpowers came from our relationships.”

What is the plot of Thunderbolts?

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

Thunderbolts* Plot

Consider Thunderbolts* to be The Avengers' edgy younger sibling. The movie follows Yelena Belova (who we know off the bat is a "depressed assassin" thanks to a Marvel Studios press release). She's joined by Bucky Barnes, The Red Guardian, and John Walker. Based on a leak, it looks like we'll see this group of misfits team up against Valentina Allegra de Fontaine after she sends them on a deadly mission.

Thunderbolts* Release Date

Jesse Grant/Disney

Thunderbolts* Release Date

Thunderbolts* hits theaters May 2, 2025.

Who's on the Thunderbolts team?

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

Thunderbolts* Cast

Thunderbolts* stars Florence Pugh, Geraldine Viswanathan, Lewis Pullman, Hannah John-Kamen, Wyatt Russell, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Sebastian Stan, and David Harbour.

This is a huge cast, and Viswanathan just revealed how crazy the first day of filming was. “My first day didn’t feel real," she tells Vanity Fair. "I felt this extra pressure of, ‘Know your lines, babe. You can’t really play around like you usually do.’"

Historically, sci-fi fans haven't been kind to actresses in their favorite projects (remember when Star Wars fans bullied Kelly Marie Tran off social media?). But Viswanathan is already thinking ahead. “If it’s overwhelming, I’ll log off. But I like discourse around pop culture,” she says. “[Thunderbolts*] felt a little bit edgier and fresher, more existential and dark.”

Jesse Grant/Disney

The rest of the cast also enjoyed working together. “Everyone is going to f—kin’ love me! It’s really, really, really fun to be with a group of actors that you have a good time with," Wyatt Russell says at Comic Con (via Variety), while David Harbour adds, “Florence Pugh [is] just electric to work with. There’s warmth and humor, but there’s also a lot of pathos.”

“This is why we can't stop laughing together, because we genuinely just had such a wonderful time with each other and we've loved working with one another," Pugh tells People. “I feel like this is something that we've never seen before from Marvel...it's a very open and honest and truthful idea. And I'm just really excited for people to watch it.”

Are you excited for this brand new chapter in the MCU? I really feel like Thunderbolts* will usher in a whole new generation of fans and I, for one, CANNOT WAIT! Let us know your thoughts on Facebook.

Lead images via Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

This post has been updated.

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