Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, also known as Lady Gaga, is one of the most talented women in music, yet she is very much known as a fashion icon for daring, creative hairstyles. Her looks that seem to change every other minute keeps her fans and fashion lovers on tenterhooks, guessing what statement is going to come next. From brunette to platinum blonde and beyond, the hair of Lady Gaga is just as varied and vibrant as her musical career.
1. Natural Brunette
Before she became the global sensation Lady Gaga, Stefani Germanotta sported naturally brunette hair. Her dark, wavy locks exuded elegance and simplicity, showcasing a more understated version of the artist we now know for her bold and colorful styles. This look, though rare, highlighted her natural beauty and served as a reminder of her roots before her music career skyrocketed.
Styling Tip: To achieve a similar look, start with a volumizing mousse on damp hair, then blow-dry with a round brush to create soft waves. Finish with a shine serum to keep your natural brunette locks glossy and smooth.
2. Platinum Blonde Waves
Lady Gaga’s platinum blonde waves are one of her most memorable looks. The light, wavy locks added a touch of Hollywood glamour to her already eccentric style, perfectly complementing her bold fashion choices. This hairstyle quickly became synonymous with her image, combining elegance with her signature edge.
Styling Tip: Use a large-barrel curling iron to create loose waves, then gently brush them out for a soft finish. A platinum blonde color will require regular toning treatments to keep the blonde from turning brassy.
3. Bow Hairdo
In 2008, Lady Gaga introduced the world to the bow hairdo—a playful style where the bow is made entirely of hair. This cute and fun hairstyle became one of the most recognizable looks of her early career, symbolizing her creativity and her knack for breaking fashion boundaries.
Styling Tip: For a DIY hair bow, start by sectioning off the hair you want to use for the bow, then pull it into a loop, securing the middle with bobby pins. Fan out the loops and spray with a strong-hold hairspray to keep the shape intact.
4. Yellow and Blonde Two-Tone Hair
In the “Telephone” music video, Gaga sported a bold two-tone hairstyle, blending platinum blonde with vibrant yellow streaks. This edgy look matched the high energy of the song and the visual intensity of the video, making it one of her most striking hairstyles.
Styling Tip: To replicate this two-tone look, ask your stylist to bleach your hair to a platinum blonde and add vibrant yellow highlights. Maintain the color with color-safe shampoo and conditioner, and avoid excessive heat styling to keep the colors vibrant.
5. Straight Platinum Blonde with Bangs
For her “Bad Romance” video, Lady Gaga rocked a sleek, straight platinum blonde hairstyle with blunt bangs. This fierce and chic look matched the avant-garde aesthetic of the video, solidifying her status as a trendsetter in both music and fashion.
Styling Tip: Use a flat iron to achieve a super-sleek finish, and pair it with a heat protectant spray to prevent damage. Blunt bangs require regular trims to maintain their sharp appearance, so schedule touch-ups every few weeks.
6. Lavender Bob
Never one to shy away from color, Lady Gaga’s lavender bob was a refreshing departure from her usual platinum blonde. This soft, pastel shade added a whimsical and romantic vibe, highlighting her versatility and willingness to experiment with different looks.
Styling Tip: To achieve a pastel lavender bob, lighten your hair to a pale blonde before applying the lavender dye. Use a color-depositing shampoo to maintain the pastel hue, and keep your bob looking sharp with regular trims.
7. Turquoise Bob
At the 2011 CFDA Fashion Awards, Lady Gaga made a bold statement with her turquoise bob. This striking color choice demonstrated her confidence and ability to pull off any look, no matter how unconventional.
Styling Tip: A vibrant turquoise color requires pre-lightening your hair to a very light blonde before applying the dye. Maintain the color with a sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo, and consider adding a gloss treatment to keep the hair shiny and vibrant.
8. Blonde Bows
Lady Gaga styled her short blonde hair with miniature hair bows scattered throughout her tresses, adding a fun and flirty touch to her look. This eclectic style, finished off with a big pink bow, further cemented her reputation as the queen of inventive hairstyles.
Styling Tip: Create small hair bows by looping sections of hair and securing them with bobby pins. Add a larger, colorful bow for extra flair, and finish with a medium-hold hairspray to keep everything in place.
9. Black and White Half-and-Half Hair
During her “Born This Way” era, Lady Gaga sported a dramatic black-and-white half-and-half hairdo. The stark contrast between the two colors was both bold and fitting for the album’s theme of self-expression and individuality.
Styling Tip: To achieve a half-and-half look, divide your hair down the middle and dye each side a different color. Ensure that the lines are sharp and even, and use color-safe products to maintain the integrity of both shades.
10. Marilyn-Inspired Curls
Channeling old Hollywood glam, Lady Gaga often donned Marilyn Monroe-inspired curls. This classic, full-bodied hairstyle exuded sophistication, showing her ability to merge timeless beauty with her unique style.
Styling Tip: Use hot rollers or a medium-barrel curling iron to create tight curls, then gently brush them out for soft, voluminous waves. Finish with a light mist of hairspray to hold the curls in place without making them stiff.
11. Green Wig
At the 2013 American Music Awards, Lady Gaga turned heads with a vibrant green wig. This bold color choice added a pop of color to her ensemble, showcasing her fearlessness in trying unconventional styles.
Styling Tip: A wig is the easiest way to experiment with bold colors without damaging your hair. Invest in a high-quality wig and use a wig cap to keep your natural hair smooth underneath. Style the wig with a wide-tooth comb to avoid tangling.
12. Futuristic Silver Hair
Lady Gaga’s futuristic silver hair, with its metallic sheen and sleek design, gave her an otherworldly appearance. This look perfectly suited her roles in sci-fi-inspired visuals and films, highlighting her ability to transform her style to fit any occasion.
Styling Tip: Achieving a silver hue requires bleaching your hair to a very light blonde before applying a silver toner. Regular toning treatments will be necessary to maintain the color, and a deep conditioning treatment will help keep your hair healthy.
13. Platinum Blonde with Dark Roots
One of Lady Gaga’s most iconic looks is her platinum blonde hair with dark roots. This rocker-chic style has been a trademark throughout many phases of her career, adding an edgy twist to her otherwise glamorous appearance.
Styling Tip: To maintain the contrast between platinum blonde and dark roots, touch up the roots every few weeks while preserving the blonde with purple shampoo to prevent brassiness. Finish with a shine spray to keep your hair looking glossy and healthy.