At last night’s Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards, Miley Cyrus was honored with an award for her song on the Avatar: Fire and Ash soundtrack. While she is fully embracing her most confident and mature style era yet, her hair offered a fun, nostalgic nod to the past—hello, Hannah Montana.

The pop star walked the red carpet in a sleek, slim-fit black Tom Ford suit from the spring 2026 collection, featuring a deep plunging neckline and scarf detail—a very modern Miley look. Her blonde hair with soft dark roots was styled in chest-length waves with layered texture and curtain bangs parted down the middle—a clear callback to her Hannah Montana days. Is the recently engaged Cyrus feeling reflective? It certainly seems so.

Cyrus—who played the Disney character for five years on the series and in the film—has been hinting at big plans for Hannah Montana’s upcoming 20th anniversary. Speaking on Good Morning America in December, she shared that she’s been dedicating “a lot” of time to planning something special. “How can I honor Hannah in such a special celebration for us all?” she said. “I’m excited to celebrate her.” Stay tuned for more.

From Hannah Montana’s iconic blonde wig with heavy bangs to Miley Stewart’s brunette curls and beyond, Miley Cyrus has never shied away from a bold beauty transformation. Who could forget her first major pixie cut? She’s rocked bleached brows and a self-cut micro-fringe (trimmed between the Oscars ceremony and the Vanity Fair party!), a Dolly Parton-inspired bouffant, a feathery Stevie Nicks–style shag, and full rock-goddess blowouts. “Change your hair, change your life” could easily be her motto through every era.

The rest of her glam stayed true to her signature style—grungy smoky eyes, a glossy nude lip, and a nude manicure that let her engagement ring shine.

And so, Cyrus accepted the Outstanding Artistic Achievement Award for her new song “Dream As One” (featured in James Cameron’s blockbuster Avatar: Fire and Ash) in her unmistakable rock-star style—a look that’s no secret anymore.

Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs Miley Cyruss Contemporary Take on the Hannah Montana Hairstyle

Q1 What did Miley Cyrus actually do to her Hannah Montana hair
A1 She didnt just recreate the old look She took the signature long blonde sideswept hair with faceframing layers and gave it a modern edgier vibeoften with darker roots a messier texture or paired with bold makeup and fashion

Q2 Why is this new version getting so much attention
A2 Its a powerful blend of nostalgia and personal evolution It reminds fans of the beloved character while clearly showing how Miley as an adult artist has reclaimed and reinvented that part of her identity on her own terms

Q3 Is this a sign shes going back to being Hannah Montana
A3 No not at all This is best seen as a tribute or a style reference Its Miley honoring her past while firmly staying in her present showcasing her growth rather than a return to the character

Q4 How can I get a modern version of the Hannah Montana hairstyle
A4 Ask your stylist for long blended layers with a heavy sideswept bang or face frame The modern twist comes from styling add texture with sea salt spray for a livedin feel consider shadow roots for depth and avoid the overly sleek perfect look of the early 2000s

Q5 Whats the main difference between the original and this new style
A5 The original was very polished bright and consistenta TVready wig Mileys contemporary take is more livedin dimensional and intentionally imperfect reflecting current coolgirl hair trends

Q6 Did she use a wig for this look like in the show
A6 While wigs were used on the Hannah Montana set for recent appearances and photoshoots Miley has likely used a combination of her own hair extensions and possibly custom wigs to achieve the full dramatic effect while maintaining a natural hairline

Q7 What does this style choice say about her relationship with her past
A7 It suggests a sense of peace humor and ownership Instead of rejecting Hannah Montana shes playfully