Heidi Klum's Unrecognizable '80s Throwback Pic Had Us Doing A Double Take

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Heidi Klum is the true definition of an ageless beauty. Throughout her decades-long modeling career, the "America's Got Talent" judge has retained her youthful appearance. However, she looked drastically different as a child growing up in the '80s. In 2021, the German beauty posted a series of throwback photos on Instagram in celebration of her mom Erna's birthday, and we barely recognized her as a teen.

One snap confirmed Klum, just like Gwen Stefani, isn't a natural blond. She had an impressive mop of brown, curly hair piled onto her head to form one of the most '80s 'dos we've ever seen. Her healthy locks have followed her through life, as Klum went on to become one of our favorite celebrities over 40 with salon inspo-worthy hair (just with a much lighter shade). In the throwback pic, the "Project Runway" host also wore a collared, pink-and-blue striped top with light blue, baggy shorts. She was clearly following fashion trends even back then, as she accessorized with bright yellow hoop earrings and stylish toe strap sandals.

It's clear where the star got her penchant for fashion, as Klum's mom's ensemble was just as on-point for the time. Erna wore a stylish black jumpsuit with a blue and pink floral print and a white jacket tied around her waist. Her hair was also almost as big as the future model's, as her short and shaggy 'do had plenty of volume. The photo was a fascinating peek into Heidi Klum's childhood — and not the only one.

Heidi Klum shared another shot of herself in the '80s on Instagram in 2015, and once again looked unrecognizable compared to her adult self. The adorable little girl had brown space buns much darker than the blond tresses she became famous for. "I am not defined by my hair but I definitely think people recognize me and associate me with blonde," she once told Harper's Bazaar. She was also dressed for the time in a yellow T-shirt under a pink, purple, and blue top with yellow bottoms. "The beginning of a superstar!" one fan commented, though her hair and casual ensemble were worlds away from outfits she'd model in the future.

While Klum may not look the same as she did in her youth, she certainly looks just as gorgeous. That's likely down to the TV personality knowing the importance of taking care of herself and her skin. The "Germany's Next Topmodel" host has learned how vital applying SPF is even in the winter and told Harper's Bazaar she uses La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50+. Klum also has another unique beauty trick, sharing she forgoes traditional face cleanser in favor of Johnson's Baby Shampoo. "I use baby shampoo as a face wash as it is the most gentle for your face and it removes everything," she explained. Hey, if it's good enough for a supermodel ...