Quick Read
- Gigi Hadid debuted a dramatic hair transformation, switching from her signature blonde to a ‘matte black mini bob’ for a Maybelline photoshoot.
- The chin-length, raven black hair was styled with a slicked-back, wet-look finish by celebrity hairstylist Dimitris Giannetos.
- Her new edgy aesthetic was complemented by a sultry makeup look and an all-black, sheer, corset-style outfit.
- The transformation has garnered widespread fan praise and comes amidst reports of a potential marriage proposal from boyfriend Bradley Cooper.
- This bold change contrasts with her sister Bella Hadid’s recent return to blonde hair, highlighting Gigi’s unique style evolution.
In a dramatic style moment that has sent ripples across the fashion world, supermodel Gigi Hadid has unveiled a breathtaking transformation, trading her signature blonde tresses for a striking new look: a ‘matte black mini bob.’ The reveal, shared by her acclaimed hairstylist Dimitris Giannetos on Instagram on January 8, 2026, instantly commanded attention, showcasing a decidedly edgier aesthetic for the 30-year-old fashion icon. This bold change not only marks a significant shift in her public image but also arrives amidst persistent whispers of a potential marriage proposal from her boyfriend, actor Bradley Cooper.
Hadid, long celebrated for her sun-kissed blonde beach waves and girl-next-door charm, looked almost unrecognizable in the glamour shots. Her new raven black hair, cropped to a chin-length bob, was styled with a slicked-back, wet-look finish, lending an air of sophisticated rebellion. Giannetos himself coined the term ‘matte black mini bob’ in his caption, highlighting the deliberate intensity of the color and the precision of the cut. The transformation was specifically for a Maybelline photoshoot, where Hadid has served as a longtime ambassador, suggesting a strategic move to refresh her brand image for the new year and potentially a new campaign.
A Radical Departure: The Matte Black Mini Bob
The visual impact of Hadid’s new hairstyle is undeniable. Her light blue eyes, often softened by her blonde hair, now pop with an almost ethereal intensity against the dark backdrop. Complementing the dramatic hair, Hadid sported a sultry, smoky eye makeup look, paired with warm bronzer for a subtle glow and completed with a matte, nude pink lip. This darker, more defined makeup palette perfectly accentuated her overall edginess. Her outfit for the shoot further amplified this new persona: a plunging, lingerie-inspired camisole layered over a sheer mesh top, cinched with a corset-style base, creating a sculpted, monochromatic all-black silhouette. A metallic cuff statement necklace added a final touch of high-fashion allure, as reported by Reality Tea.
Fans and fashion critics alike were quick to praise the daring transformation. Social media platforms buzzed with excitement, with many commenting on how ‘hot’ and ‘stunning’ Hadid looked. One fan, quoted by Yahoo Entertainment, exclaimed, ‘Brunette looks good on Gigi!’ while another simply stated, ‘THIS COLOR IS EVERYTHING.’ The sheer volume of likes, shares, and comments on Giannetos’s post underscored the widespread fascination with Hadid’s ability to reinvent herself, proving once again that she knows exactly how to command attention with a single style switch.
Beyond Blonde: Hadid’s History of Hair Metamorphosis
While this ‘matte black mini bob’ is perhaps her most dramatic departure yet, Gigi Hadid is no stranger to hair experimentation. Throughout her career, she has consistently used her hair as a canvas for self-expression, challenging expectations and redefining her aesthetic. In early 2025, she surprised many with a silver-sheened bob at the Le Grand Dîner du Louvre event, a look that later turned out to be a wig, as she revealed on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Even further back, in 2021, she embraced fiery red locks for the Met Gala, a color her hairstylist at the time described to Allure as a ‘light ginger with a hint of cinnamon,’ inspired by ‘The Queen’s Gambit.’
These past transformations highlight a pattern of bold choices, suggesting that Hadid views her hair as an extension of her artistic and personal evolution. Her latest move is particularly striking given the established ‘juxtaposing hair colors’ narrative she shared with her younger sister, Bella Hadid, when they first debuted on the modeling scene. Bella, known for her dark brunette hair, recently made headlines herself by returning to her natural blonde. This seemingly coincidental timing further emphasizes Gigi’s individualistic approach to her image, signaling a distinct chapter in her career and personal life.
A New Chapter: Love and Transformation
The timing of Gigi Hadid’s dramatic hair transformation is especially poignant, coming amidst widespread reports that her boyfriend of two years, actor Bradley Cooper, is preparing to propose. The couple was first romantically linked in early October 2023, when they were spotted on a romantic dinner date in New York City. Since then, they have maintained a relatively low-key relationship, opting to keep their personal lives largely out of the intense public glare. However, sources close to the couple indicate that their bond has deepened considerably over the past two years, with both Gigi and Bradley integrating seamlessly into each other’s lives and, importantly, forming close relationships with each other’s children.
Gigi shares her five-year-old daughter, Khai, with her ex-boyfriend, former One Direction member Zayn Malik. Cooper, for his part, shares his nearly nine-year-old daughter, Lea De Seine, with supermodel Irina Shayk, whom he dated from 2015 to 2019. The blending of their families has been a significant aspect of their evolving relationship, suggesting a serious commitment that extends beyond typical celebrity romance. Recent sightings, such as Hadid and Cooper enjoying a matinee showing of Broadway’s ‘Waiting for Godot’ before Christmas, or Hadid and best pal Taylor Swift in coordinating autumnal looks in November, underscore her current contentedness and the stable foundation she appears to have built in her personal life, as noted by People.
The shift to a ‘matte black mini bob’ could be interpreted as more than just a fashion statement; it might symbolize a profound personal renewal. As Hadid steps into her thirties, potentially on the cusp of a significant life milestone with Cooper, this radical change reflects a confident, mature, and perhaps even more grounded version of the supermodel. It’s a powerful visual declaration of a woman embracing her multifaceted identity, ready for whatever new challenges and joys 2026 may bring.
Gigi Hadid’s latest transformation is a masterclass in strategic reinvention, showcasing not only her innate ability to command attention but also her willingness to shed established aesthetics in favor of bold personal expression, aligning seamlessly with a period of significant personal growth and potential life-altering decisions.