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10 Must-See Photos of Carrie Underwood’s Hair Transformation Since ‘American Idol’

From long layers, to bouncy bobs and flirty fringe, the country superstar has done it all!

It might have been her voice that hooked us, but we’re just as enamored with country superstar Carrie Underwood’s hairstyles since she first won the fourth season of American Idol in 2005. After all, Carrie Underwood’s hair is unquestionably one of her best features — not only is it healthy, full, and shiny, but it’s also looks gorgeous with a variety of cuts, colors and styles.

Carrie Underwood’s hairstyles have ranged from super curly locks to sleek straight tresses to flowing waves and she’s sported a variety of lengths, bangs and layers. She’s also bravely opened up about opting for going for the big “chop” when she needs to keep things simple. “When my hair is shorter, it’s easier to fix, which was the whole point,” Underwood revealed to Elle magazine back in 2016. “Cutting my hair was a ‘mom’ move.”

No matter what style Underwood chooses, it’s clear she’s not afraid to step outside of her comfort zone when she needs a change of pace. And one thing’s for sure: Carrie Underwood’s hair is sure to keep fans and followers on their toes – we’re never sure what fabulous look she’ll debut next!

Here, we gathered a sampling of photos that showcase Carrie Underwood’s hair over the years — which look is your favorite?

1. Crimped waves (2005)

Carrie Underwoods Hair: Carrie Underwood performs after being named the next American Idol during the American Idol Finale (2005) Kevin Winter/Getty
Carrie Underwood performs after being named the next American Idol during the American Idol Finale (2005) Kevin Winter/Getty

In 2005, Underwood went on American Idol and won! During her time on the show, she sported long blonde hair that was either crimped (like the photo above) or slick straight.

2. Loose curls and loads of volume (2007)

Carrie Underwoods Hair: Carrie Underwood during 2007 Clive Davis Pre-Grammy Awards Party 
Carrie Underwood during the 2007 Clive Davis Pre-Grammy Awards Party  Jon Kopaloff / Contributor/Getty

Post American Idol, the singer tended to style her long blonde hair in much looser and volumized waves, proving just how much of a country girl she is!

3. Rocking layers and swing bangs (2008)

Carrie Underwoods Hair: Carrie Underwood arrives to the 50th Annual Grammy Awards at the Staples Center on February 10, 2008
Carrie Underwood arrives at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards, 2008 John Shearer / Staff/Getty

In 2008, Underwood stepped out into the world with some fun and flirty side bangs, and we are obsessed! She kept them for quite a while as well, meaning she loved them too.

4. A fresh and flirty chop (2010

Carrie Underwoods Hair: Carrie Underwood at the People's Choice Awards in 2010
Carrie Underwood at the People’s Choice Awards in 2010 Charley Gallay/Getty

After ditching the side bangs, the Grammy winner cut off a good 10 inches of her hair and went for more of a yellow blonde than before. Very country chic, in our opinion!

5. Full-on fringe (2011)

Carrie Underwoods Hair: Carrie Underwood attends the AARP's Drive To End Hunger Benefit Concert at The Staples Center on September 24, 2011
Carrie Underwood attends the AARP’s Drive To End Hunger Benefit Concert, 2011Frederick M. Brown / Stringer/Getty

While letting her hair grow out, Carrie decided to do a full set of bangs as well! And while she only kept them for a little bit, we love them on her!

6. Country curly (2012)

Underwood performs at Staples Center on October 16, 2012
Carrie Underwood performs at Staples Center on October 16, 2012Kevin Winter/Getty 

In 2012 the singer went back to her hair roots: big, blonde, and beautiful. This time, though, she went for much more of an icy blonde.

7. A bouncy bob (2016)

Accepts award onstage at the 50th annual CMA Awards at the Bridgestone Arena on November 2, 2016
Carrie Underwood accepts an award onstage at the 50th annual CMA Awards on November 2, 2016 Erika Goldring / Contributor/Getty

After four years of long hair, Underwood chopped it all off and debuted what she called “her mom haircut.” She only sported this look for a little while, preferring her long locks, but we still love this look!

8. Long and luscious (2018)

Performs onstage during the 53rd Academy of Country Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 15, 2018
Carrie Underwood performs onstage during the 53rd Academy of Country Music Awards on April 15, 2018John Shearer/ACMA2018/Getty Images for ACM

Post her self proclaimed “mom haircut,” the singer decided to go back to her long blonde hair. And while she might have used extensions, we certainly can’t tell!

9. Sassy and straight (2022)

Carrie Underwoods Hair
Carrie Underwood arrives for the 57th Academy of Country Music awards on March 7, 2022BRIDGET BENNETT / Contributor/Getty

As much as we love Carrie’s curly hair, we sure do have a soft spot for this look. The singer certainly shines here, with her long, icy blonde hair looking better than ever!

10. Buttery blonde layers (2023)

Carrie Underwoods Hair: Carrie Underwood arrives for the 38th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on November 3, 2023
Carrie Underwood arrives for the 38th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on November 3, 2023 ANGELA WEISS / Contributor/Getty

Recently, Underwood has kept her hair nice and long. But instead of the icy blonde we saw years prior, she decided to go back to more of a dirty blonde, and it was no surprise to anyone that she looked amazing! And we cannot wait to see what she does next!


For more celebrity hair inspiration, click through the links below!

8 Layered Haircuts for Women Over 50 That Make Thinning Hair Look Twice as Thick

8 Updos That Add Volume To Thin Hair: Celebrity Stylists Give the Easy How-Tos

Hairstylists Reveal The Best Foolproof Ways to Keep Hair Straight Overnight

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