You’ll Never Guess What Kim Zolciak-Biermann’s Real Hair Color Is

Since the first season of Real Housewives of Atlanta back in 2008, Kim Zolciak-Biermann has been known for her voluminous, blonde tresses. Her signature hairstyle was later revealed to be a wig (RHOA fans might recall the fight when Nene snatched it off her head), and Zolciak-Biermann has just dished her natural hair color with a rather cheeky post on Insta, and guys? It ain’t blonde.

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My snapchat:KimZBiermann Fun Facts: I run 3-4 miles 5x a week I have ALWAYS loved to run. I don't eat red meat or pork NEVER have. I'm 5'8. From the time I get up to the time I go to bed I rarely sit down. I hate breakfast but drink @310nutrition shakes in place of it. I love skincare I have almost every product ever made, when we were building our house We built a special cabinet just for all my products. Hence why I started @kashmerekollections I naturally have black hair but now 95% gray 😩 I have a device in my heart. I breastfed all 6 of my kiddos. I love my teeth (Braces twice) 😬 and my feet ❤️ I have always been able to manifest long before I ever knew what it meant. 📒I wrote in my journal when I was 12 "I wanted my own show by the time I was 30" I started on RHOA at 29. 🎥😬 I have one brother he is 20 months older than me. I love the beach. 🌊 I quit smoking 🚬 years ago after reading "The Easy Way To Quit Smoking" never smoked again. At 18 I went through the windshield of my car (glass came out of my forehead for over 10 yrs) my mom picked piece by piece out of head in the hospital with tweezers. I would squeeze on my forehead (like a pimple) but out would come glass instead for over 10 years. The Only plastic surgery I have EVER had was a tummy tuck/ boob job by the best @dr.hochstein 🔪💉 I eat chocolate everyday 🍪🍩 I love my family more than ANYTHING in this world. I thank God and my angels a million times a day for my incredible blessed life. I don't do elevators, I'd rather walk 30 flights. I'm claustrophobic to an extreme level. I have never had a c section. I have only a couple friends, I married my best friend. I'm almost 8 years older than Kroy 💃🏼 I went to nursing school and graduated. Practiced for a few years🏥 and loved it. I get car sick every time I'm a passenger. I love to gamble. I ASK for what I want, I BELIEVE I already have it, and I RECEIVE it. Im anemic and get iron IV for it often. I worry about my kids 24/7. Im loyal to a fault. I posted this pic because it took 3x to get my ass to look this juicy.

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“I naturally have black hair but now 95 percent gray. :( ” she wrote. Wait, WHAT!? We don’t’ know what’s more shocking — the fact that not only is the reality starlet, 39, not the blonde she’s come to be synonymous with, or the fact that she’s now nearly 100 percent gray to boot! Jaws, dropped.

The Instagram caption also shed light on some pretty crazy things about the mom of six, such as her favorite body parts — her teeth (the product of two stints in braces) and her feet — and a rather scary side effect of a car accident at 18 in which she was thrown through the window (Zolciak says glass remnants remained in her forehead for 10 years).

Kim, it’s like we hardly knew you! Check out pics from her pre-fame, jet black hair days here.

Are you surprised to hear Kim’s real color? Tell us over @BritandCo.

(h/t People; Photos via Frederick M. Brown + John W. Ferguson/Getty)

Drew Barrymore recently chatted up actress (and mom to Kinds of Kindness actress Margaret Qualley) Andie Macdowell on her talk show, and I couldn't help but swoon over her gorgeous gray locks. I spotted my first gray hair at age 25 in a GAP dressing room, and it felt like an attack on my youth at the time. But there's been a growing cultural shift toward accepting and celebrating gray hair. If men can salt-and-pepper it, why can't we? Embracing gray hair can be such a positive and empowering choice. Here are 7 compelling reasons why.

1. You'll Save So Much Time And Money

Alexandra Tran

Coloring your grays can turn into a lifetime commitment of keeping up with the color. You’ll save time and so much money by not going to the salon every other month — and eventually every month — by letting your hair go gray. It’s freeing!

2. You'll Feel More Natural

Natasha Brazil

In an interview, Macdowell said she felt "more real and honest" going gray. Gray hair is just a natural part of aging and can look stunning when cared for with regular cuts and gentle styling, giving you a unique look that actually makes a positive statement.

3. You'll Look More Confident

Alexandra Tran

Embracing your gray hair can boost your confidence, showing the world that you're comfortable in your own skin.

4. You'll Reduce Your Exposure To Chemicals

cottonbro studio

According to the American Cancer Society and a study by Harvard Medical School, there is a possible link between hair dye use and cancer, especially skin and breast cancer. Avoiding hair dyes means less exposure to potentially harmful chemicals, which can be better for your overall health.

5. You'll Enjoy Healthier Hair

Alexandra Tran

Frequent dyeing can cause damage to your hair. Embracing gray hair allows your tresses to stay healthy and strong.

6. You'll Be A Positive Role Model

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By embracing your gray hair, you can be a positive role model for other women and girls, encouraging them to normalize the aging process and be grateful for it.

7. You'll Embrace Change

Khaki Bedford

New chapter in your life? Going gray can signify a new milestone and embracing change. Here's B+C editor Haley Sprankle (right) with her mom, whom she convinced to go fully silver. "She looks so cool with silver hair," says Haley. I couldn't agree more!

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Lead image by Natasha Brazil on Unsplash

Angelina Jolie has always been mother — but she's also a literal mother to six kids whom she clearly cares about fiercely. Since she first adopted Zahara, Maddox, and Pax to giving birth to Vivienne and Knox, it's always been evident that her children are her entire world. While she rarely talks about her children (especially given her highly contested divorce at the moment), Angelina shared a little slice of her feelings on motherhood, insights on her children, and more with Good Morning America.

Here's what Angelina Jolie had to say about her kids — including which one of them is the most private!

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Angelina opened up about her feelings for her family while chatting about her new movie Maria with Good Morning Americaon November 21, 2024. Host Michael Strahan asked Angie about if there's anything she loves as much as her character loves singing, and she replied that it's her "motherhood."

"It’s my happiness. You can take everything else away from me," she said. "I could — nothing else matters."

When asked about her sons' involvement in Maria, Angelina explained that despite their involvement behind the scenes, they're very uninterested in a life in the spotlight. She said, "None of my children want to be in front of the camera. They're quite private."

Angelina elaborated, "Shiloh's extremely private. They weren't born with privacy, so I hope they can have that."

This interview comes after Angelina and Knox attended the Governor's Awards with her on November 18, 2024. His rare appearance shocked so many — including Brad. Daily Mail reported that Pitt found the timing "suspicious."

The source said, "'She is trying to get under his skin after his recent win and using Knox to do so is odd. Knox wants nothing to do with Hollywood and has no communication with Brad."

Despite the weirdness, the source also said, "He [Brad] believes that, in time, his children will come back into his life."

How many kids does Angelina Jolie have?

Angelina Jolie has six children. She adopted Zahara, Maddox, and Pax, and later gave birth to Vivienne and Shiloh. She shares her children with Brad Pitt, most of whom aren't on good terms with him at the moment.

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Keeping up with your hair color or concealing grays can get expensive at the salon, and who really has the time to book a salon visit every 4-6-8 weeks anyway? Thankfully, there are at-home root touch-up products that can save you time and money while still giving you a salon-like look. From root dye kits to concealers, here are the best products to freshen up your roots right at home.

Root Dye Kits

Photo via Shutterstock

Want to skip the salon for up to three weeks? Try these root touch-up kits for a hair refresh.

dP hue Root Touch-Up Kit

To permanently cover grays, this Leaping Bunny-certified at-home root touch-up kit will cover up to 1 inch of root growth and comes in six shades. It's paraben- and sulfate-free too. Get two-applications in one box for those in-between times.

Madison Reed Root Perfection Permanent Root Touch Up

Another Leaping Bunny-certified dye kit that gets results is Madison Reed's ammonia-free permanent root touch up. It takes just 10 minutes to cover gray with no harsh ingredients like pthalates or parabens, and should hold for three weeks until your next appt.

Clairol Root Touch-Up by Natural Instincts Permanent Hair Dye

This drugstore option is affordable and ammonia-free, with a large palette of hair colors. Permanently cover grey roots in just 20 minutes!

Root Concealers

Photo by Element5 Digital

For when you have a salon visit coming up, these one-day concealers are perfect for a quick touch-up.

Color Wow Root Cover Up

This root cover up works great at covering grey and dark roots, adding highlights in between salon visits, and filling in thinning hairlines. Perfect for those last-minute touch ups, Color Wow is water-resistant and sweat-resistant and will last until your next wash.

Tarte Big Ego Dab & Go Hair Concealer

Look totally natural with this waterproof cream-to-powder hair concealer in a mess-free container. This vegan product is perfect for touching up roots and filling in thin spots on the go. Just toss in your bag!

Bumble & Bumble Color Stick Root Coverup

Refresh your roots with these hair color sticks from a cruelty-free brand. Apply like lipstick, and blend! It will wash out with your next shampoo.

R+Co BRIGHT SHADOWS Root Touch-Up Spray

This touch-up spray covers your roots until your next shampoo sesh and between salon visits. Paraben, sulfate-free, and vegan, the product also moisturizes and helps thicken hair with pearl extract and biotin.

Rita Hazan Root Concealer Spray

This award-winning concealer spray is water-proof, ammonia-free, and covers grays exactly where you need it.

Clairol Root Touch-Up Temporary Concealing Powder

Great for touching up roots and brows, this affordable concealer powder is perfect for keeping in your tote or car.

L'Oreal Paris Magic Root Hair Color Concealer Brush

Twist and brush on your root color with this brush applicator that dries quickly. It's great for hair that is less than 25 percent gray, and it's also ammonia-free, peroxide free with no harsh or synthetic dyes.

Preventive Serums

Photo via Shutterstock

Want to prevent more gray hair growth? Try these daily serums.

Vegamour Gro Ageless Anti-Grey Hair Serum

For those with 30 percent or fewer grays, this serum helps reduce the appearance of grays on new hair growth. Made with clean, vegan ingredients, Vegamour Gro was a 2023 NewBeauty Award Winner.

Arey To The Root Serum

Made with clean ingredients and cruelty-free, To The Root also helps slow and re-pigment grey hair while making your hair look thicker and more voluminous.

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

Main Photo by Thaís Sarmento

Just how expensive is it to have a baby in 2024? One woman sharing her experience on social media has sparked a much-needed conversation about financial transparency when it comes to starting (or growing) a family.

Josephine Anderson, who posted a video on her Instagram @fosterthevalley, outlined the costs of her uncomplicated vaginal birth, and TBH, it was shocking.

The financial breakdown of her experience (with Cigna for insurance):

  • Routine office visits (including 2 ultrasounds): $1,266
  • Labs: $3,440.81
  • NIPT genetic testing: $15,319.36
  • Anatomy scan: $1,270
  • RhoGam: $360
  • Hospital for mom: $23,722.10
  • Hospital for baby: $7,402.80
  • OBGYN for delivery: $5,000
  • Epidural: $5,720
  • Breastfeeding support: $2,589.78
  • Pediatrician: $209
That all racks up to a whopping total of $66,299.85. After insurance was factored in (her deductible was $3,000 while her max out-of-pocket for in-network expenses was $11,000), the total cost for her uncomplicated vaginal birth was $4,788.98. Forbes Advisor reports the average cost of having a baby in 2024 is $2,854.

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Josephine’s video warranted thousands of comments, most of which were appalled by the costs of her experience:

“This needs to be shared in SexEd classes,” one commenter wrote.

“The US medical system is BROKEN,” another said.

“And people are still confused why more women are choosing to remain child free… we literally can’t afford it,” another user commented.

Mart Production / PEXELS

Brit + Co spoke with Wendy Colson RN, IBCLC and CEO/Founder of BOOBIE Superfoods to gauge if Josephine’s costs were typical for the care she received. Colson has significant insight into how insurance works not only from an employer’s perspective, but from personal experience as a patient with breast cancer.

“The $4,788.98 net amount she mentions is realistic given that her deductible was $3,000. If she had chosen a plan with a $1,000 deductible – which is a common ceiling for good coverage – the same scenario would have cost her around $2,789,” Colson said. “The video highlights the importance of understanding what you're getting with an insurance plan, especially when you anticipate major life events like childbirth.”

Sarah Chai / PEXELS

Colson primarily attributes unanticipated costs for medical care (like in Josephine’s case) to patients that choose their insurance plans with, well, no real plan.

“Many [people] opt for the [plan] with the lowest paycheck deductions without fully evaluating the benefits,” Colson said.

There’s often a tradeoff between paying less per paycheck and receiving your desired benefits: for example, if you elect to contribute less money towards your insurance per paycheck, you may end up paying more out of pocket for things like doctor’s office visits and prescriptions.

“Making an informed choice is key to saving money in the long run,” Colson continued. “In short, it's crucial to consider both the immediate costs (like paycheck deductions) and the potential future costs (like deductibles and copays) when choosing an insurance plan.”

Anna Shvets / PEXELS

Another major cost Josephine mentions in her video was 12 weeks of unpaid maternity leave, which cost her a total of $18,000 (in lost income).

Per the passing of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) in 1993, moms have a legal right to up to 12 weeks of unpaid maternity leave. The U.S. Department of Labor notes that the act was designed to help employees balance their work and family responsibilities, accommodate the legitimate interests of employers, and promote equal employment opportunity for men and women.

Matilda Wormwood / PEXELS

It all sounds great until you realize the time off is indeed unpaid, which doesn't really aid in the amount of money parents end up owing after all is said and done in the pregnancy and childbirth processes.

Only 13 states plus the District of Columbia offer paid maternity leave. When you compare the United States’ laws to that of other industrialized nations, they don’t exactly measure up.

Colson says Sweden’s maternity leave policy is “one of the most generous,” offering 390 days of paid parental leave (shared between parents) and 80% of wages covered for a significant portion of the leave. In Germany, mothers are entitled to 14 weeks of maternity leave plus a tax-free, income-based allowance straight from their insurance provider.

Jonathan Borba / PEXELS

Though it’s likely that US laws will never be that generous in terms of paid maternity leave, there are a few things you can do to make the blow of medical costs hurt a little less, says Colson.

“My advice is to be your own advocate,” she says. “If you’re planning to have a baby, start by understanding what your state provides in terms of paid leave to avoid surprises after delivery.”

To keep the cost of having your baby (if you’re planning to have one) transparent and free of surprises, Colson recommends:

  • Asking your physician’s office for a detailed breakdown of insurance billing codes, including:
    • Office visits
    • Lab work
    • Epidural (and the anesthesiologist’s separate fee)
    • Hospital admissions
    • Specialist consultations during admission
    • Optional procedures like circumcision, if desired
  • Email the insurance billing codes to your insurance provider, who can help calculate your out-of-pocket costs and deductible

“Having a baby is priceless,” Colson says. “By planning ahead – understanding your insurance options, healthcare costs, and available benefits – you can ensure peace of mind and focus on what truly matters: your growing family.”

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Don’t tell the fam, but Friendsgiving may have topped Thanksgiving as your favorite holiday. There’s no feeling like you have to one-up your cousin, you can have that extra glass of affordable fall wine without judgment, and you get to eat food that you *actually* like (sorry, stuffing). Easy Friendsgiving recipes are easy to come by, so when you’re assigned the appetizer, there’s no excuse not to rock it.

Get the table set and throw your apron on, because these easy and elegant appetizers will be the talk of your squad until Friendsgiving 2025.

Brit + Co

Cantaloupe, Prosciutto and Rosemary on Triscuits

The combo of smooth fruit, salty prosciutto, and fresh herbs (plus the crunch of your favorite cracker) is literally mouth-watering. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Crescent Roll Cornucopia

This isn't your average cheese-board. The DIY cornucopia is easier than it looks and it's both delicious and Instagram-able. (via Brit + Co)

Ron Lach / PEXELS

The Easiest Baked Brie

Brie is a great app because it goes so well with so many other things: veggies, meat, fruit, crackers. You name it, this melty cheese will pair perfectly. (via Brit + Co)

Half Baked Harvest

Baked Gruyère in Pastry with Rosemary and Garlic

Store-bought puff pastry makes this recipe a cinch, and there's nothing better than when it's wrapped around melted gruyere with honey, rosemary, and garlic and baked. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Feed Me Phoebe

Warm Butternut Squash Dip with Gruyère and Pistachios

Does anything sound more autumnal than butternut squash dip? Negative. Make it cheesy with gruyère and add a salty crunch with pistachios. (via Feed Me Phoebe)

Creme de la Crumb

Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad

Salad is a necessity for your Friendsgiving meal, and this one makes a great first course. Good luck trying to keep everyone from filling up before dinner. (via Creme de la Crumb)

Reluctant Entertainer

Apricot Ricotta Honey Basil Bites

If you have other dishes to prepare, no-cook appetizers are a great way to keep your guests satisfied without having to make more room in the oven. These ripe apricots are stuffed with honey-sweetened ricotta and topped with basil and tangy balsamic. (via Reluctant Entertainer)

Fit Foodie Finds

Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are definitely a love-it-or-hate-it veggie. Pro tip: if you wrap it in bacon, people will be a lot more likely to love them. (via Fit Foodie Finds)

The Mediterranean Dish

French Baked Brie Recipe with Figs, Walnuts and Pistachios

When you’re planning out your perfect Friendsgiving menu, remember that you can’t go wrong with warmed brie. Serve with your favorite multigrain crackers and watch it disappear before your eyes. (via The Mediterranean Dish)

Happy Kitchen Rocks

Baked Figs with Goat Cheese

In just 15 minutes you could be serving your friends this luxurious hors d’oeuvre. Switch things up and stuff with your choice of blue cheese, goat cheese or ricotta. (via Happy Kitchen Rocks)

Macheesmo

Bite-Sized Blooming Onions

Cipollini onions make the perfect miniature alternative to a big ol’ blooming onion. This way, everyone can have as many as they want without having to share. (via Macheesmo)

Snixy Kitchen

Butternut Squash Deviled Eggs with Bacon

Give your traditional deviled eggs a fall twist by adding butternut squash to your filling. Top with crispy bacon to balance the sweetness and add a smokey quality. (via Snixy Kitchen)

Chef in Training

Cranberry Orange Cheese Ball

This is *not* your grandma’s cheese ball. Cranberry and orange give it a seasonal flavor and sweetness that’ll rival the meal’s desserts. (via Chef in Training)

Reluctant Entertainer

Honey Crisp and Goat Cheese Ladyfinger Crostini Appetizer

Did you think ladyfingers were only for tiramisu? Think again! Switch from your usual baguette crostini and top the cookies with apples and goat cheese. (via Reluctant Entertainer)

The Pioneer Woman

Perfect Fall Cheese Board

Fruit, olives and gouda — oh my! Building the perfect cheese board is an art you can master. Hint: layering different textures and heights is key. (via The Pioneer Woman)

Parsnips and Pastries

Roasted Grape Crostini With Lemon Ricotta and Honey

Don’t underestimate the power of a honeyed crostini. When that warm grape pops in your mouth… pure bliss. (via Parsnips and Pastries)

Real Simple Good

Mashed Sweet Potato Bacon Cups

If you can boil potatoes, you can make these cups. They require only six ingredients, and your squad is sure to fall in love with them. Winning! (via Real Simple Good)

Neighbor Food

Parmesan Asparagus Tart

You *finally* have a reason to use that puff pastry in the freezer. Between the flaky crust and creamy Parmesan-ricotta topping, this may just be your new favorite starter. (via Neighbor Food)

Gimme Some Oven

Baked Samosas

Traditionally, samosas are made with sheet phyllo dough and folded into triangles. Opt for that if you have more time, or try a quick version using pre-made phyllo cups. (via Gimme Some Oven)

Nutmeg Nanny

Sausage, Spinach and Mushroom Phyllo Cups

These bite-size treats are as easy as sautéing the filling ingredients together and popping the filled cups in the oven to melt the cheese. They’re quick, foolproof and, most importantly, delicious. (via Nutmeg Nanny)

As Easy As Apple Pie

Savory Pumpkin Hummus

Okay, you’re most likely going to have pumpkin pie for dessert, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have pumpkin in your appetizer too. This hummus is ultra savory, so even if you don’t like pie, you’ll love this. (via As Easy As Apple Pie)

Mom on Timeout

Easy Slow Cooker Apple Cider Maple Meatballs

Using frozen meatballs and a slow cooker saves you a ton of time come party day. Don’t be afraid of them turning out bland, though. Apples, apple cider and maple syrup make that impossible. (via Mom on Timeout)

The View from Great Island

Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Bread

You can’t go wrong with a classic flavor combination like spinach and artichoke. Stuff in a hollowed loaf of Italian bread and slice to serve. (via The View from Great Island)

Follow us on Pinterest for more easy Friendsgiving appetizer recipe ideas.

This post has been updated.