Katy Perry’s entire hair transformation timeline (2024)

September 2002

Look how teeny she is! Fresh-faced and bright-eyed, the old Katy wore her jet-black hair in a shaggy, undone style, ‘cause that’s how you roll in 2002 (along with flared jeans and Converse sneakers, of course). While her natural hair colour is actually a light blonde/brown, this darker hue became her signature look.

November 2004

In 2004, Katy was rocking a longer, choppier hairstyle along with a trendy side fringe (which stuck around for years to come). Man, the noughties was a weird time for hair.

September 2007

Attending a NYFW party, Katy showed up with her signature Katy Perry haircut – long black locks styled in textured waves, and a VERY extra flower accessory. Too much? Never.

May 2008

This was around the time her hit single I Kissed A Girl turned her into an overnight pop star. Here, she started going for a pin-up girl kinda look, wearing her hair in vintage curls and accessorising with fun bows, clips and ribbons.

January 2009

At the 2009 Critics’ Choice Awards, Katy showed off some newly chopped locks, styled in gorgeous old Hollywood waves (we’re getting major Marilyn Monroe vibes over here!). The style looked every bit elegant and chic.

March 2010

New hair who dis? At the MTV Video Movie Awards, Katy started shaking it up a little, wearing a cobalt blue wig with blunt bangs and voluminous curls. This style became a classic Katy ‘do, and she wore it numerous times, most notably in her California Girls music video.

September 2010

This would have to be one of the first times Katy experimented with her dark hair colour. At the MTV Music Awards, she spiced up her usual black curls with some blue, purple and pink streaks for a fun, edgy look.

June 2011

We were *shook* when Katy showed up to the launch of her Purr fragrance line with vibrant red hair! Sporting her usual curls, she styled her new ‘do in a deep part, complete with a pair of kitten ears (so Katy).

July 2011

Attending the premiere of The Smurfs, Katy took some inspo from Smurfette herself and debuted fresh blonde locks on the red (or blue?) carpet. While she’s no stranger to blonde locks now, this was the first time she rocked lighter hair.

August 2011

But the blonde didn’t last very long! The singer took the plunge into colourful hair dye and rocked this bubblegum pink lob. Is it just us, or does Katy totally have a thing for dyeing her hair for the MTV Video Music Awards?!

December 2011

As the pink hair colour faded, Katy opted for a trendy pretty pastel hue with chunky pink highlights. She also chopped her hair into a sleek, chin-grazing bob for a fresh, modern look.

March 2012

Ponytail. Goals. At Nickelodeon’s 25^th Annual Kids’ Choice Awards, Katy made all of our unicorn dreams come true with a lengthy purple and blue-coloured high ponytail. While this may be the work of hair extensions (because who can grow their bob into a Rapunzel-esque mane so quickly?!) this hairstyle is totally *made* for her.

July 2012

Katy arrived at the premiere of her Katy Perry: Part of Me documentary wearing dark purple hair styled in big, voluminous curls, giving a fresh twist to classic old Hollywood glamour.

February 2013

The singer dished out some serious Priscilla Presley vibes when she returned to her iconic black hue, wearing her hair loose (it’s the longest we’ve seen Katy’s hair in a while!) and parted in the centre.

March 2014

Saying goodbye to her lengthy locks, Katy decided on a blunt fringe and sleek shoulder-length short hair. Her fresh new cool-girl hairstyle looks cute and chic, and just check out that shine! (Side note: Anyone think she kind of looks like Cleopatra here?).

May 2014

When Katy performed in Ireland back in 2014, you’re going to bet she dyed her hair green for the occasion. The star took to the stage rocking emerald green strands while on her Prismatic Word Tour. And don’t be fooled – this was *not* a wig!

February 2015

This would have to be one of our all-time favourite looks on Katy. She served some serious hair goals at the 2015 Grammys with her striking lilac hue and effortlessly tousled waves.

May 2015

Say hello to the pixie cut! At the 2015 Met Gala, Katy wowed fans with a chocolate brown shaggy pixie cut, which perfectly accentuated her stunning facial features.

August 2015

In 2015, Katy managed to find a new hair colour we hadn’t seen her in yet – and if you’re an ombré fan, this one is for you. Attending a showing of Hamilton on Broadway, the star changed up her jet-black hue by lightening the ends to a honey brown shade. While it’s way more mainstream than her usual style, we think she really suits it.

September 2015

Katy, is that you? This stunning auburn shade is one of the most subtle and natural-looking hair colours the singer has debuted – and we love it! This colour complements her complexion beautifully, drawing attention to her stunning blue eyes.

January 2016

Channelling her inner sixties, Katy went back to her black hair but mixed things up with a sky-high bouffant and side-swept bangs for the 2016 Golden Globes. And we have to say, we’re totally feeling it!

August 2017

At the MTV Music Awards in 2017, Katy debuted one of her most dramatic looks yet - a white-blonde pixie cut. Almost immediately the Internet went nuts, with many claiming Katy was trying to copy Miley Cyrus’ look from 2014. So why did Katy Perry cut her hair? Well, on the Ellen DeGeneres Show the star said that it was a ‘chemical haircut’ – basically her hair started falling out because of all the damage from continuous bleaching. Fair call though – that hair has been through A LOT.

But that’s not the only reason behind her transformation. In an interview with Viceland’s The Therapist, Katy also revealed that her short hair in 2017 was a way to reconnect with herself after struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts.

September 2018

While the singer may have chopped her locks into a no-fuss short pixie hairstyle, she still wasn’t afraid to switch up the colour. When performing for Citi Sound Vault, she showed off another striking lime green hair look.

April 2019

Courtesy of hair wizard Chris Appleton, Katy looked almost unrecognisable in a recent Instagram snap, showing off beautiful long blonde hair. She temporarily said goodbye to her pixie cut in favour of these effortless beachy waves – and DAMN it looks good!