Beauty
Mariah Carey’s Hair Evolution, From Honey Blonde To Cherub Curls
The diva of all divas has rocked plenty of different styles.
One thing about Mariah Carey: She stays booked and busy.
In 1990, she burst onto the music scene with a string of chart-topping hits from her self-titled first album. A year later, she earned a Grammy for Best New Artist and hasn’t taken her foot off the gas since. But Carey’s journey towards icon status has been more than just glitter and whistle tones. She’s weathered two public divorces, been open about her bipolar diagnosis, and even made her way to American Idol as a judge alongside Nicki Minaj, Randy Jackson, and Keith Urban. Through it all, she’s proven that a true diva never shies away from a comeback (or a spotlight, for that matter).
Now, with the 2025 release of her new album Here For It All, fans can celebrate her music and her evolution. From the bouncy, curly brown layers of her early '90s debut to the honey blonde Hollywood waves she rocks today, her ability to reinvent herself is exactly what keeps her relevant, decade after decade. Some people (cough cough, me) might even argue that her hairstyles are as timeless as her Christmas albums.
So here’s to Mariah Carey, the diva of all divas — a comeback queen and the woman who’s still hitting high notes, both literally and figuratively. Below, explore her hair looks throughout the years, from Rachel Green-esque strands to old Hollywood glam.
The Debutante Curls
Do you know why her hair is so big? It’s full of hits. This was the hairstyle that launched a thousand high notes. Mimi wasn’t playing about her career or her volume. These curls and short layers with the chocolate brown color have me feeling nostalgic already.
Her Rachel Green Era
Mariah was looking for a new sound and a new style during this era. As she entered her pop diva prime, she opted for a sleeker honey blonde blowout that hit perfectly at boob length. She’s giving Rachel Green from Friends Season 5, but in a private jet, honey!
