After the year she’s had—the year we've all had really—it looks like Demi Lovato is ready to shake things up. Fresh from hosting the People's Choice Awards on Sunday, the singer debuted an edgy new look: a side-swept undercut.
On Wednesday, Lovato posted a photo on Instagram showing the back of her head had been shaved and the rest of her hair cut short. “I did a thing…” she captioned the post. In addition to the fresh cut, she also dyed her naturally dark strands a bright, platinum blonde.
“YOU GOT MOXY KID.” commented hairstylist Paul Norton, who styled the popstar's hair after master stylist Amber Maynard Bolt did her cut and color (using Alfaparf Easy Lift Double Bond Lightener to maintain the integrity of her hair).
There are many different ways to rock undercut hair, and Lovato chose to take the style one step further with a two-toned pompadour, showing off her rocker side. Later, she shared a slideshow highlighting the hairstyle from different angles. Sporting a black leather jacket with sheer sleeves and chunky hoop earrings, she looks f-i-e-r-c-e.
So what exactly inspired the edgy new look? “The inspiration was change and growth,” Bolt told GLAM in an email after the transformation. “Demi has always been a bit of a chameleon. She is able to use her hair to tell her story; it’s a reflection of who she is. When I see this style on her, I see confidence and strength.”
Bolt continued: “What I love most about this look is its flexibility. You can style it so many ways. You can be both masculine and feminine. I think Demi pulls it off because she can encompass both.”
After posting the edgy new look, Lovato's fans immediately began speculating that she is “entering her Bangerz era” and that her seventh album, which is supposedly coming soon, will have a rebellious yet vulnerable vibe.
The rest of her glam squad seemed to confirm what fans are feeling. “And to the next chapter…” wrote her wardrobe stylist Siena. “LOVING THIS NEW ERA ALREADY,” photographer Angelo Kritikos added.
The album will come after Lovato’s highly publicized split from fiancé Max Ehrich in September. The two got engaged earlier this year after just a few months of dating. Around the same time as the split, Lovato also teased an album release date, saying new music would start rolling out in “the next month… or ish.”
Who knows, maybe the age-old adage is true: “A woman who cuts her hair is about to change her life.” Only time will tell. But one thing is certain, and it's that the 28-year-old popstar oozes confidence with this cool new look.
As for anyone else who wants to sport a similar undercut: “Do your research and find someone who is knowledgeable with short hair,” Bolt suggests. “Have patience and just know that this look is work.”
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