Kelly Ripa might be known for her signature honey-blonde hair, but one look at these throwback pics will tell you that the Live with Kelly and Ryan co-host has gone through quite the hair transformation. From layered blonde locks to blue bobs, the 52-year-old star has pretty much done it all. And now, we’re taking a moment to highlight her most memorable ‘dos to date. Keep reading for a complete timeline of Kelly Ripa’s hair transformation.
See Kelly Ripa’s Hair Transformation Throughout the Years
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Published Mar 23, 2023
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1991: Bangin' Blonde
At the beginning of her acting career, Ripa had long blonde hair and wispy bangs that screamed Saved by the Bell.
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1991: Jet Black Hair
At the beginning of her acting career, Ripa had long blonde hair and wispy bangs that screamed Saved by the Bell.
Ron Galella / getty
1993: The Pompadour
At the 20th annual Daytime Emmy Awards, Ripa is barely recognizable in her ’60s-inspired ‘do, which features a pompadour in a half-up, half-down style.
Ron Galella / getty
1997: The Chic Slick-Back
Ripa is all smiles at 25th annual Daytime Emmy Awards, showing off her facial features with this glossy, slicked-back style.
James Devaney / getty images
2005: The Side-Part Low Pony
Kelly Ripa went for a simple, low ponytail while filming her commercial with Regis Philbin in New York City—a style we rarely see on the famous host these days.
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1997: Maternity Bob
While she was pregnant with her first child, Michael Consuelos, Ripa stepped out on the red carpet in 1997 with short blonde hair and dark roots. If she only knew “shadow roots” would become a major hair trend down the road…
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2000: Brunette Goddess
Ripa skyrocketed to fame when she joined Regis Philbin as co-host on Live with Regis and Kelly. She sported a light brown hairdo that might surprise some people. But to All My Children fans, it’s reminiscent of Ripa’s early days as Hayley Vaughan.
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2001: The Classy Up-Do
The wife and mom got all dolled up, wearing her long hair in a tight bun with elegant curls on top. (Fun fact: At the time, she was pregnant with her daughter, Lola Consuelos).
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2003: Signature Color
Shortly after launching her talk show career, Ripa debuted her now-signature honey-blonde hair, which fell just below her shoulders.
Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images
2008: Layers, Layers, Layers
The actress maintained the sleek style for quite some time. But it wasn’t until 2008 that she started adding layers and curls for additional texture.
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2012: Long Hair, Don't Care
In 2012, Ripa stepped out wearing her longest hairstyle to date. She styled her locks in soft curls and even added small braids near her hairline, which act as a makeshift headband.
Peter Kramer/NBC/Getty Images
2014: Chopped
A few years later, Ripa chopped her long locks and debuted this stunning bob. Harnessing the power of a center part, the actress used soft waves to frame her face without adding too much volume.
2015: Pretty in Pink
Ripa debuted this bold new hue on her Instagram and, naturally, fans were obsessed. On her talk show (previously titled Live with Kelly and Michael), she explained the reason behind the bold choice: “Every time I go on vacation, I dye my hair a different color. It usually washes out and this will wash out. It’s part of my tradition—I like to have fun for a few weeks.”
2015: The Blue Bob
The TV host switched things up the following month by channeling her inner Coraline. After she showcased her trendy blue bob on Instagram, she revealed on her talk show that her kids loved the look and thought she looked like a superhero.
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2017: Chopped, Part 2
In 2017, Ripa was still donning short hair. But instead of experimenting with new colors, she styled her hair straight for a sleek result.
ANGELA WEISS / getty images
2017: It’s All About the Volume
At the 90th annual Academy Awards, Ripa stepped out in a stunning black dress and wore her bleach-blonde hair in full, voluminous curls. We need to know her secret...
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2020: Middle Ground
In 2020, Ripa bid farewell to the classic bob and opted for medium length style with soft waves.
Kevin Mazur / Getty Images
2021: Curls on Curls
At a 2021 red-carpet event, the star wore her blonde tresses in big, elegant curls that were the same length as last year.
Cindy Ord/Getty Images
2022: Relaxed & Velvety
While Ripa maintained the same length, she sported a middle part with softer curls.
Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic
2023: Bouncy Bombshell
At the 2023 Oscars, Ripa didn’t hold back on her hair’s volume and body. Her hairstylist, Ryan Trygstad, used Halo extensions (or something similar) to achieve Ripa’s desired look.
We have a feeling that Ripa will surprise us with plenty more hair looks in 2023.
