Britney’s mane moments: Charting the pop princess’ best hairstyles from the Oops! era to today

It's Britney, b**ch!  

It seems like just yesterday we were singing dramatic renditions of Lucky into our hairbrushes, so it kind of blows our minds to think that it’s been almost 20 years since Britney first made her chart debut.

It’s 2017 and we’re just as obsessed with her (and her enviable mane) as ever, so to mark the pop princess turning 36 this week, we’re taking a look back at her most unforgettable styles. From so-bad-they’re-good throwback looks to more recent red carpet hits, see Brit’s life in hair, below.

7 times we were slaves to Britney’s epic hairstyles

 

britney spears in a pink top with shoulder length blonde hair with bangs
This was all the hair inspo we needed in the ’90s. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Feathered bangs in 1999

Any girl who grew up during the ’90s will know that Britney’s shoulder-length cut and feminine feathered bangs were all that any of us could dream of.

Paired with her natural-looking dirty blonde hue, this soft and girly style fit perfectly with Brit’s sugary-sweet, girl next door vibes.

singer britney spears with her blonde hair crimped and curls
Crimped to perfection. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Crimped curls in 2000

When it came to noughties crimped hair, stars like Britney, Xtina and Melissa Joan Hart provided all the inspo we needed with an endless stream of crimped hair looks.

Here, instead of crimping her whole head, Britney managed to make our school disco favourite look way more wearable by only adding in a few accent crimps here and there to add a funky texture, without going too Crazy.

Editor’s tip: Crimp lovers, you’ll be pleased to hear that this retro look is having a resurgence this year, but remember to protect your hair before you get started to limit damage.

The VO5 Heat Protect Spray is great for crimp enthusiasts, as it adds a glossy sheen while protecting your strands up to 230 degrees – woohoo!

britney spears with layered medium length blonde hair with a pink baker boy hat
Baker boy hats aren’t a new thing, just look at Britney back in 2002! Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Baker boy hats in 2002

Britney was #hairgoals long before Instagram was even a thing. Bloggers may be loving the baker boy hats right now but Britney was waaay ahead of the curve with this pink faux leather number back in 2002.

With her face-framing choppy layers and golden lowlights, this is hat hair done right.

singer britney spears with a golden brunette bob haircut
Britney was bobbin’ it long before the rest of us caught on. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

A-line bob in 2003

We’re so used to seeing Brit with long Barbie hair that we almost forgot the time that she rocked this adorable stacked bob! The chin-length look was oh-so cute and proved her style chameleon credentials, showing she could rock shorter strands just as well as flowing lengths.

Editor’s tip: Never tried short hair before? If you’re worried about your locks being too fine or flat, the TONI&GUY Root Lift Sculpting Powder is a must-try. Simply sprinkle into your roots and work it in for extra volume and oomph, with an undetectable matt finish.

britney spears at the 2008 vmas with wavy mermaid hair
Mermaid hair goals! Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Mermaid waves in 2008

Whether it’s for the beach or the red carpet, waves are always a good idea – not too polished, not too casual.

Ditching the usual glam Hollywood waves for these kinky mermaid waves, instead, it made for a more relaxed look that balanced out her shimmering gown. Well done, Brit, it perfectly complements all those awards 😉

singer britney spears in 2013 with long brunette hair
Who could forget the time Brit went brunette? Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Cocoa brown in 2013

Okay, this might come as a shock to some, but we’re just putting this out there: we actually love Brit as a brunette! And this light cocoa hue has to be her best foray into dark hair so far.

Mature and classy, the colour accentuated her big brown eyes and made her lengths look really full.

Editor’s tip: Whether you’re already rocking a similar hue to Britney or she’s inspired you to try out a darker shade, be sure to pick up the TONI&GUY Radiant Brunette Shampoo and Conditioner.

Designed especially for brunettes, this colour care combo helps to accentuate both natural and coloured highlights, for a shimmering, multi-dimensional look.

britney spears at the 2015 teen choice awards with unicorn dip dyed hair
Always be a unicorn. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Unicorn dip-dye in 2015

If you’re lacking inspiration in the colour department, look no further than Britney’s majestic unicorn-inspired style.

Sprucing up her trademark blonde tresses with a teal and lilac dip-dye, it added a fun pop of colour to the look that would be amazing for any festival or party. After all, who doesn’t want to party like Britney?!

 

What’s your favourite Britney look? If you enjoyed this post, don’t let the fun stop here! Be sure to sign up for our newsletter, below, to get more celebrity mane moments just like this sent straight to your inbox.

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