What does Ariana Grande look like now is a question millions of fans worldwide search for as the pop superstar continues her remarkable career evolution.
In 2026, Ariana Grande showcases a stunning return to her natural brunette roots after years of blonde hair for her iconic Wicked role.
Her current appearance reflects a mature, sophisticated aesthetic that embraces natural beauty while maintaining her signature style elements.
From her hair transformations to her refined makeup choices and elegant fashion sense, Ariana’s look has evolved significantly since her early Nickelodeon days.
Table of Contents
Quick Facts About Ariana Grande’s Current Look
| Aspect | Current Status (2026) |
|---|---|
| Age | 32 years old (born June 26, 1993) |
| Hair Color | Brunette (returned from blonde in late 2025) |
| Hair Style | High ponytail, natural waves, occasional updos |
| Height | 5’0″ (153 cm) |
| Signature Look | Natural makeup, defined brows, subtle glam |
| Fashion Style | Elegant, feminine, vintage-inspired pieces |
| Current Era | Post-Wicked, Eternal Sunshine tour preparation |
| Notable Features | Cat-eye makeup, petite frame, expressive eyes |
| Beauty Philosophy | Natural beauty, minimal procedures |
| Recent Projects | Wicked: For Good (2025), Eternal Sunshine Tour (2026) |
Ariana Grande’s Hair Transformation in 2026
The Return to Brunette
Ariana Grande shocked fans in October 2025 when she revealed her return to brunette hair after nearly three years as a blonde. The transformation marked the official end of her Glinda era from Wicked.
Her new hair color features rich chocolate brown tones with subtle reddish undertones. The shade sits closer to her natural hair color, which she hasn’t worn publicly since 2018.
The change signals Ariana’s readiness to embrace her pop persona again. Her hairstylist Francesco De Chiara celebrated the transformation on Instagram, calling it “a new chapter.”
The Blonde Era Legacy
From 2022 to 2025, Ariana maintained platinum blonde locks for her role as Glinda in Wicked. The transformation required bleaching her naturally dark hair and even dyeing her eyebrows to match every 10 days.
Ariana told Vogue in 2024 that going blonde was essential for embodying Glinda. “Even though I was wearing wigs, I needed to be blonde too,” she explained.
The blonde era included 12 custom wigs created specifically for the Wicked films. Each wig was meticulously designed to match Glinda’s character at different moments in the story.
Current Hair Styling Preferences
In 2026, Ariana’s signature high ponytail remains a staple, though she wears it less frequently than in previous years. She now embraces natural waves, loose curls, and elegant updos for red carpet events.
Her ponytail has evolved from the extremely tight, high placement of her early career to a softer, more natural position. This change reflects both fashion evolution and reduced hair stress.
Ariana occasionally wears her hair down in soft, romantic waves. This style appears frequently in her Eternal Sunshine album promotional materials and social media posts.
Ariana Grande’s Current Facial Features
Natural Beauty Philosophy
Ariana has been transparent about her approach to beauty procedures. In an October 2024 Vanity Fair lie detector interview, she addressed speculation about cosmetic enhancements.
“I’ve had fillers in various places and Botox, but I stopped like four years ago, and that is the extent,” she revealed. According to the lie detector, she was being truthful.
She emphasized support for anyone who chooses cosmetic procedures. “Whatever makes women, men, non-gender conforming people feel beautiful should be allowed,” she stated.
Facial Structure and Features
Ariana’s face appears more refined and angular compared to her teenage years. Her cheekbones look more defined, though this likely results from natural aging, makeup techniques, and weight fluctuations.
Her eyebrows sit noticeably higher than in her early career. While some speculate about procedures, changes in eyebrow grooming, makeup application, and natural aging all contribute to this transformation.
Her nose appears slightly more refined in recent photos. Ariana has never confirmed rhinoplasty, and subtle contouring techniques can create similar visual effects.
Eye Makeup Signature
Ariana’s iconic cat-eye makeup has evolved over the years. Currently, she favors softer, more natural eye looks with defined lashes and subtle winged liner.
Her eyes remain one of her most expressive features. She uses strategic makeup to enhance their natural shape, creating an doe-eyed appearance that’s become her trademark.
In 2026, Ariana frequently opts for neutral eyeshadow palettes with soft browns, peachy tones, and occasional pops of shimmer for evening events.
Ariana Grande’s Body and Fitness
Current Physique
Ariana Grande maintains a petite, slender frame that’s generated both admiration and concern from fans. At 5’0″ tall, she’s one of the shortest major pop stars in the industry.
Her weight has fluctuated throughout her career, particularly noticeable during her Wicked filming period. Fans expressed concern about her notably slimmer appearance in 2023 and 2024.
Ariana addressed body commentary in a December 2024 interview, explaining she felt like “a specimen in a Petri dish” with constant scrutiny of her appearance since age 16.
Fitness and Wellness Routine
Ariana follows a plant-based diet, which she’s maintained for years. She’s spoken publicly about how this dietary choice aligns with her values and makes her feel healthier.
Her fitness routine includes regular workouts, though she keeps specific details private. She’s been photographed leaving gyms and has mentioned enjoying varied physical activities.
Mental health remains a priority for Ariana. After experiencing PTSD following the 2017 Manchester Arena tragedy, she’s been open about seeking therapy and prioritizing emotional wellness.
Addressing Body Commentary
In April 2024, Ariana posted a TikTok video addressing comments about her body. “There are many different ways to look healthy and beautiful,” she stated firmly.
She reminded viewers that “you never know what someone is going through.” Even well-intentioned comments about someone’s appearance can be harmful if that person is dealing with health issues.
Ariana encouraged fans to be mindful about commenting on bodies generally. “That person probably is working on it or has a support system that they’re working on it with,” she explained.
Ariana Grande’s Fashion Evolution in 2026
The Glinda Influence
Ariana’s Wicked era profoundly influenced her fashion choices. Throughout 2024 and early 2025, she embraced Glinda’s pink aesthetic both on and off the red carpet.
Her 2024 Met Gala appearance featured an ethereal white Loewe gown with a mother-of-pearl bodice. The look perfectly balanced Ariana’s personal style with the “Garden of Time” theme.
For the Wicked premiere, she wore custom pink and white plaid Thom Browne gowns. These looks became instantly iconic, cementing her status as a fashion risk-taker.
Current Style Aesthetic
In 2026, Ariana’s style blends vintage elegance with modern sophistication. She favors feminine silhouettes, including fit-and-flare dresses, elegant gowns, and tailored separates.
Her color palette has expanded beyond her early career preferences. While she still loves neutrals and blacks, she now incorporates pastels, rich jewel tones, and occasional bold prints.
Ariana frequently wears vintage designer pieces. Her stylist sources rare finds from fashion houses like Givenchy, Valentino, and Chanel, creating unique red carpet moments.
Signature Fashion Elements
Despite style evolution, certain elements remain constant. Ariana still loves thigh-high boots, though she wears them more selectively now than in her My Everything era.
Oversized sweaters and sweatshirts remain wardrobe staples for casual appearances. She often pairs them with bike shorts or leggings for comfortable, chic off-duty looks.
Statement accessories have become more prominent. Ariana wears bold earrings, delicate necklaces, and elegant gloves, elevating even simple outfits into fashion moments.
Ariana Grande’s Makeup Style in 2026
Current Makeup Preferences
Ariana’s makeup has shifted toward more natural, luminous looks. Her 2026 aesthetic emphasizes glowing skin, defined features, and subtle enhancements rather than heavy glamour.
Her foundation routine focuses on achieving dewy, flawless skin. She uses strategic highlighting and contouring to enhance her bone structure without appearing overly made-up.
Ariana’s signature cat-eye liner remains, though executed with lighter hands. She often opts for soft brown or taupe liners instead of harsh black for daytime appearances.
Lip Looks
Ariana’s lip color choices have matured alongside her overall aesthetic. She frequently wears nude glosses, soft pinks, and peachy tones that complement her natural lip color.
For evening events, she sometimes chooses deeper roses or berry tones. These colors add sophistication without the drama of her earlier bright red lip experiments.
Her lips appear fuller than in her teenage years, though she’s confirmed stopping fillers around 2018. Current fullness likely results from overlining techniques and natural lip makeup.
Skin Care Focus
Ariana has discussed prioritizing skincare over heavy makeup. Her glowing complexion in 2026 reflects commitment to proper cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection.
She works with professional aestheticians for regular facials and treatments. These non-invasive procedures help maintain healthy skin without requiring surgical interventions.
Ariana’s makeup line, r.e.m. beauty, reflects her current beauty philosophy. Products emphasize enhancing natural features rather than dramatically transforming them.
Ariana Grande’s Personal Life Impact on Appearance
The Wicked Transformation
Preparing for and filming Wicked required Ariana to undergo significant appearance changes. Beyond hair color, she adopted mannerisms, speech patterns, and even physical presence aligned with Glinda.
The intensive process lasted nearly two years. Ariana explained to Variety that “certain inflections or mannerisms take time to melt away” after such deep character work.
She described how beauty transformations helped her “deconstruct that person and find Glinda.” The process went beyond surface changes to fundamental shifts in how she presented herself.
Post-Divorce Evolution
Ariana’s divorce from Dalton Gomez in 2023 coincided with noticeable appearance changes. Some observers speculated that personal challenges influenced her shifting aesthetic.
However, Ariana has attributed most changes to her Wicked role and natural evolution. She emphasizes that appearance changes don’t always reflect personal struggles.
Her current relationship with Wicked co-star Ethan Slater has brought renewed happiness. Friends report she seems more confident and comfortable in her own skin than in years.
Mental Health and Appearance
Ariana has been open about managing PTSD, anxiety, and depression. These challenges naturally influence how she cares for herself, including appearance-related choices.
She’s discussed how therapy helps her handle public scrutiny about her looks. Professional support enables her to maintain boundaries around body commentary.
Ariana’s advocacy for mental health awareness extends to encouraging fans to seek help when needed. She normalizes therapy and self-care without shame.
Ariana Grande’s Style Icons and Influences
Vintage Hollywood Glamour
Ariana has long cited 1950s and 1960s Hollywood as major style influences. Icons like Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, and Elizabeth Taylor inspire her aesthetic choices.
Her love for retro styling appears in her preference for cat-eye makeup, high ponytails, and feminine silhouettes. These elements create a timeless quality in her appearance.
Ariana often wears vintage designer pieces to major events. This choice connects her to fashion history while making unique statements on modern red carpets.
Contemporary Fashion Inspiration
Beyond vintage influences, Ariana draws inspiration from contemporary designers and fashion movements. She collaborates closely with stylists to create forward-thinking looks.
Her friendship with various designers gives her access to custom pieces. Many designers consider it an honor to dress her for significant events.
Ariana’s willingness to take fashion risks has earned respect from fashion critics. She balances commercial appeal with artistic expression in her clothing choices.
Comparing Ariana’s Look Then and Now
Nickelodeon Era (2010-2013)
During her Victorious days, Ariana wore her natural red hair (dyed for the Cat Valentine character). Her style was youthful, colorful, and playful, matching the show’s tone.
Her makeup was simpler, with less dramatic contouring. Her eyebrows appeared lower and less arched than in later years.
Fashion choices included floral dresses, cardigans, and age-appropriate styles. This period established her as a fresh-faced young star with girl-next-door appeal.
My Everything Era (2014-2015)
The My Everything era marked Ariana’s evolution into full pop star status. Her signature high ponytail became even more prominent and extensions longer.
She adopted her iconic cat ears and dramatic winged eyeliner. This period cemented visual elements that would define her for years.
Her body appeared more toned and athletic. She frequently wore leotards, crop tops, and thigh-high boots during performances.
Dangerous Woman to Sweetener (2016-2018)
This period saw Ariana experimenting with more mature styles. She wore slacks, oversized sweatshirts, and more covered-up looks compared to earlier eras.
Her face appeared more angular with prominent cheekbones. Makeup became more sophisticated with strategic contouring and highlighting.
Fans noticed subtle changes in her nose and lips during these years. Ariana would later confirm using some fillers during this period.
Thank U, Next Era (2019)
The Thank U, Next era represented Ariana at a personal and professional peak. Her appearance reflected both confidence and vulnerability.
She maintained her signature style elements while adding more personal touches. Her fashion became more expressive and varied.
This period showed Ariana looking healthier and happier despite personal challenges. Her appearance reflected inner strength and resilience.
Positions to Present (2020-2026)
From Positions through her current look, Ariana has embraced more natural, varied aesthetics. She’s moved away from rigid style rules toward expressive freedom.
The Wicked era brought dramatic changes including blonde hair and softer styling. These changes served her character while influencing her personal aesthetic.
Current Ariana in 2026 represents synthesis of all previous eras. She maintains signature elements while continuing to evolve and experiment.
Public Reaction to Ariana’s Appearance
Positive Fan Response
Many fans celebrate Ariana’s natural beauty evolution. Her transparency about procedures and self-care resonates with audiences seeking authenticity from celebrities.
Social media regularly floods with compliments when Ariana posts new photos. Fans appreciate her willingness to show both glammed-up and more casual appearances.
Her return to brunette hair in late 2025 received overwhelmingly positive responses. Fans expressed excitement about her embracing her natural coloring again.
Addressing Criticism and Concern
Not all commentary has been positive. Some fans expressed concern about Ariana’s weight, particularly during 2023-2024.
Ariana has firmly but graciously addressed these concerns. She reminds fans that commenting on bodies, even from caring places, can be harmful.
She’s called out the unfair standard that judges women’s appearances constantly. Her advocacy has helped shift conversations toward more respectful discourse.
Media Scrutiny
Tabloids and gossip sites frequently speculate about Ariana’s appearance changes. She’s been subject to countless “before and after” articles analyzing every feature.
Ariana describes feeling like “a specimen in a Petri dish” due to constant analysis. This scrutiny began when she was just a teenager entering public life.
She advocates for more compassionate media coverage of celebrities’ appearances. Her voice adds to growing movements against body-shaming in entertainment journalism.
Ariana Grande’s Beauty and Wellness Philosophy
Self-Care Priorities
Ariana emphasizes mental health as foundational to physical wellbeing. She prioritizes therapy, healthy relationships, and activities that bring genuine joy.
Sleep is crucial to her wellness routine. She’s discussed how proper rest affects everything from skin quality to emotional regulation.
Ariana practices mindfulness and meditation. These practices help her manage anxiety and stay grounded despite intense public pressure.
Sustainable Beauty Choices
Through r.e.m. beauty, Ariana promotes cruelty-free, vegan products. Her commitment to ethical beauty extends beyond marketing to genuine values.
She’s reduced reliance on extreme beauty treatments. Her current approach favors maintenance and enhancement over dramatic interventions.
Ariana advocates for people making choices that serve them personally. She rejects one-size-fits-all beauty standards in favor of individual expression.
Aging Gracefully
As Ariana enters her thirties, she’s spoken about accepting natural aging. She rejects pressure to look perpetually youthful through excessive interventions.
She’s observed that some changes in her appearance simply reflect getting older. Facial maturation is natural and doesn’t require correction.
Ariana’s approach balances self-care with self-acceptance. She maintains her appearance while embracing inevitable changes that come with time.
Ariana Grande’s Upcoming Projects and Appearance Evolution
Eternal Sunshine Tour 2026
Ariana’s upcoming tour will showcase her current aesthetic to live audiences. Fans anticipate seeing how her brunette hair and evolved style translate to stage performance.
Tour looks typically blend comfort with visual impact. Expect updated versions of her signature stage outfits reflecting her mature aesthetic.
The tour marks Ariana’s first major performance series since 2019. Her appearance has evolved significantly since the Sweetener World Tour.
Future Acting Projects
Following Wicked’s success, Ariana may pursue more acting roles. Different characters might inspire new appearance changes and style experiments.
She’s expressed interest in diverse roles beyond musical theater. Each project could bring new hair colors, makeup styles, and fashion choices.
Ariana’s proven ability to transform for roles while maintaining her essence. Future projects will likely continue this balance.
Continued Music Evolution
Ariana’s musical evolution typically accompanies aesthetic changes. Her next album era may bring entirely new visual concepts and style directions.
She’s known for reinventing herself with each album cycle. Fans eagerly anticipate what aesthetic the next musical chapter will inspire.
Ariana’s current natural, refined look might represent a lasting direction. Alternatively, she may surprise everyone with unexpected transformations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does Ariana Grande Look Like Now in 2026?
In 2026, Ariana Grande showcases a natural, sophisticated look with brunette hair, refined makeup, and elegant fashion choices. She’s returned to her natural dark hair color after years of blonde for Wicked. Her style emphasizes feminine elegance with vintage influences, featuring glowing skin, subtle makeup, and timeless wardrobe pieces that reflect mature confidence.
Did Ariana Grande Get Plastic Surgery?
Ariana confirmed in a 2024 Vanity Fair lie detector interview that she used fillers and Botox but stopped around 2018. She passed the lie detector test, confirming this was the extent of her cosmetic procedures. She supports anyone’s choice regarding cosmetic enhancements while being transparent about her own minimal use.
Why Does Ariana Grande Look Different Now Than Before?
Ariana looks different due to natural aging, makeup evolution, hair color changes, and weight fluctuations. Her transformation from teenager to adult in the public eye makes changes more noticeable. Professional styling, lighting, and photography techniques also affect how she appears in various photos and contexts.
What Is Ariana Grande’s Natural Hair Color?
Ariana’s natural hair color is dark brown, almost black. She’s worn this shade publicly in 2026 after years of dying it blonde for her Glinda role in Wicked. During her Nickelodeon days, she dyed it red for her Cat Valentine character, damaging it significantly.
How Tall Is Ariana Grande and How Much Does She Weigh?
Ariana Grande stands 5’0″ (153 cm) tall, making her one of the shortest major pop stars. She has not publicly disclosed her weight, and it’s inappropriate to speculate. Her petite frame is natural to her body type, and her weight has fluctuated naturally throughout her career.
Conclusion
What does Ariana Grande look like now reflects a journey of personal growth, professional evolution, and authentic self-expression.
In 2026, she embodies sophisticated natural beauty with her return to brunette hair, refined makeup choices, and elegant fashion sense that honors both vintage influences and contemporary style.
Her appearance has matured alongside her artistry, moving from the youthful energy of her Nickelodeon days through various pop eras to her current graceful aesthetic.
Ariana’s transparency about her beauty choices, including minimal cosmetic procedures and emphasis on self-care, sets positive examples for fans navigating beauty standards.