Dakota Johnson has traded her dark brunette hair for a lighter look—and Vogue got the details straight from the colorist who made it happen.
“The color is what I call a ‘dirty blonde,’” says celebrity colorist Tracey Cunningham. “It’s a soft, low-contrast blonde that mixes cool, creamy tones with a subtle brunette base at the roots. It’s not too bright or high-maintenance. Instead, it has a soft, layered quality that feels natural and polished.”
Cunningham used a technique developed by fellow colorist Kari Hill, who created Sarah Pigeon’s perfect Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy blonde for the limited series Love Story. “Instead of traditional balayage or hand-painting, Johnson’s color was done with precise foiling and custom color work for a more refined, dimensional result,” Cunningham explains. The Schwarzkopf creative director of color used the brand’s BlondMe Premium Lightener to “selectively lighten specific strands of Dakota’s natural brunette base, focusing on controlled, strategic placement rather than lightening everything.” Then, she toned it with the medium-blonde shade of Igora Vibrance to add dimension while keeping it blended.
Overall, it’s a brighter summer look for the actress. “Dakota has always had incredibly recognizable hair—it’s part of her identity,” says Cunningham. “There’s a simplicity and polish to it that feels timeless but also very modern. What I love is that even when we update her color, like with this dirty blonde shade, it never feels like a big change—just the next version of her.”
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Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs about Dakota Johnsons reported switch from brunette to a dirty blonde look covering the basics the details and the practical takeaways
BeginnerLevel Questions
Q Did Dakota Johnson really dye her hair
A Yes she debuted a new dirty blonde hair color at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival Its a significant change from her signature dark brunette
Q What is a dirty blonde hair color
A Its a shade between blonde and brown Its not a bright platinum blonde but more of a dark muted or ashy blonde with visible brown undertones
Q Why is everyone calling this a big deal
A Dakota Johnson has been known for her dark brunette hair for over a decade A major color change like this is a big moment for her public image and often inspires fans to try similar looks
Q Did she do this for a movie role
A Its unclear She hasnt officially confirmed its for a role but its a common reason for actors to change their hair It could also just be a personal style choice
Intermediate Advanced Questions
Q What specific shade of dirty blonde did she go for
A It appears to be a cooltoned mushroom or ashy dirty blonde Its not warm or golden Its a soft neutral shade that blends darker roots with lighter ends
Q Will this damage her hair
A Yes any lightening process damages the hair cuticle However professional stylists use bondbuilding treatments to minimize breakage and keep the hair healthy
Q How do you maintain a dirty blonde like this
A You need purple shampoo to prevent brassiness a deep conditioning mask weekly and root touchups every 68 weeks Its more maintenance than a natural brunette
Q Could she have achieved this look without bleach
A Possibly but unlikely for such a dramatic shift from very dark brown A highlift color or balayage with bleach is the standard way to go this light while keeping dimension