Michelle Pfeiffer's Stunning Hair Transformation Over The Years

After becoming a household name thanks to her performance as Elvira Hancock in 1983's "Scarface," Michelle Pfeiffer quickly became one of the biggest movie stars of the '80s and early '90s. Unlike some celebrities who suddenly become over-the-top in their style and fashion when they find themselves fast-tracked to fame, Pfeiffer has always managed to keep her look relatively casual and down to earth, even during the biggest events (which has actually led to her wearing some outfits that have missed the mark).

While she may not have always nailed a public appearance, Pfeiffer has remained true to her idea of style by not falling into trendy traps, keeping things comfortable and timeless. "My personal style is old hippie meets classic design," Pfeiffer told Harper's Bazaar in 2019. "The designers I wear most combine the two in varying degrees ... I have quite a selection of Birkenstocks. I also wear boots all summer long, like Stevie Nicks."

It's probably this inner hippie that's kept Pfeiffer from getting too experimental with her hair, choosing to transform her naturally blonde hair with cuts and texture instead of dyes. That's also a good thing, because less is always better, especially when it comes to staying chic into your 60s and beyond, which 67-year-old Pfeiffer is a master in. Whether you're looking for a new way to style your hair or a cut that's serving up some retro '80s vibes, look no further than Pfeiffer's stunning hair transformation over the years.

In 1980, Michelle Pfeiffer was on a very short-lived series called "B.A.D. Cats" about race car drivers who join the LAPD. Although it only lasted one season, it did give Pfeiffer, who was born in California, a chance to show off that cool California vibe and her gorgeous blonde hair. It also got her some much-needed visibility to propel her into eventual stardom. Very much in tune with the decade, Pfeiffer rocked layers that gave a nod to the iconic Farrah Fawcett cut that everyone wanted back then.

Just two years after "Scarface," Michelle Pfeiffer chopped her long locks and starred in 1985's "Into the Night," opposite Jeff Goldblum. While it might not be the pixie to inspire your next short haircut, Pfeiffer's fringy cut fell somewhere between that and a bob. There were a lot of layers going on, as was the style of the time, and her hair was more golden blonde than the extra light, sun-kissed blonde from her "B.A.D. Cats" days. With the right products, this style is super versatile and, of course, one that Pfeiffer pulled off flawlessly.

By the time 1990 rolled around, Michelle Pfeiffer was back to her long blonde locks. But this time, she was wearing it with wispy bangs and loose curls. Compared to the edgy cut from 1985, this hairstyle was much softer and resembled the hair she'd have three years later in Martin Scorsese's "The Age of Innocence." As flattering as this look is, ultimately, it's a cut that speaks to a maturity that one reaches once they hit their 30s.

If ever there was a lob that nailed the energy of the mid-1990s, this is it: sleek, casual, and no fuss. Which is exactly how Michelle Pfeiffer likes things. "For me, beauty is more about a holistic approach to health and wellness than any specific products or trends. Beauty starts with a healthy mind and body, so I try to prioritize the basics like a healthy diet, sleep, exercise, and hydration," Pfeiffer told Mindbodygreen in 2023. "Beyond that, I've never been much of a beauty product junkie, whether it be skin care or makeup."

Although the closest Pfeiffer ever got to a bob was her haircut in 1985, this is your friendly reminder that lobs are perfect for dipping your toe into short hair. And, maybe that's exactly what your life needs right now: something new and daring.

For an appearance on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" in 2002, Michelle Pfeiffer went for big, bouncy waves with a middle part — a daring choice for many. "It can be the least forgiving if there are any uneven areas on the face, as it can call attention to them, and on long faces, it can exaggerate the shape," colorist Silvia Reis told InStyle in 2024 when discussing why middle parts can sometimes be problematic. But on Pfeiffer, because she's lucky enough to have a symmetrical heart-shaped face, the middle part works, drawing attention to her naturally beautiful features.

In May 2010, Michelle Pfeiffer attended the White House Correspondents' Dinner with a stunning onslaught of cascading curls. Because Pfeiffer always keeps her hair blonde, but bounces between warm and cool tones, she brought things to the warmer side, giving the overall cut and style a luxurious look. The color also complemented her outfit choice, which just happened to be the forever iconic LBD, on a late spring evening in Washington, DC.

For the world premiere of Disney's "Maleficent: Mistress of Evil" in Los Angeles in September 2019, Michelle Pfeiffer kept things simple with her hair. So simple in fact, it looked like she really didn't do much, opting instead to have the focus on her eye makeup and gown. But sometimes, it really is the least complicated hairstyles that are best. They exude confidence, and ultimately don't try to upstage the other components of the look — something that Pfeiffer has practiced a lot in her career.

While many celebrities go into their later years kicking and screaming, Michelle Pfeiffer isn't one of them. To prove that, in May 2025, she posted a stunning makeup-free selfie on her Instagram. With her hair completely undone, free, and even a bit wild, Pfeiffer wrote in the caption, "I like my hair long. And blonde," before getting into promoting a serum that helps take care of the ends. It's such a beautiful and real photo of a woman who's confronting aging with confidence in a society and culture that would really prefer that aging women disappear. Instead, Pfeiffer is comfortable in her skin — and her hair — and she isn't going anywhere.