Bella Hadid's latest hair transformation has sparked an unexpected political debate online. After the supermodel appeared with platinum blonde locks, a noticeably bronzed complexion, and heavier makeup, some social media users accused her of embracing a so-called 'MAGA Barbie' aesthetic.
The look appeared in photographs from a Hockey Fights Cancer charity event at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, on 7 November. While Hadid attended to support cancer research, it was her dramatically different appearance that became the talk of the internet. Some fans questioned whether she had permanently ditched her signature brunette hair.
However, the 30-year-old model has since cleared up at least one part of the speculation. The blonde hair wasn't a dramatic salon transformation. It was a Halloween wig, and apparently, worn out of self-professed laziness.
Bella Hadid's Blonde Hair Sparks 'MAGA Barbie' Comparisons
Hadid shared photographs from the charity hockey event on Instagram, describing herself as a 'Colorado girl at heart' and highlighting the importance of supporting families affected by cancer. However, the internet's attention soon shifted to her appearance. Her long blonde hair, bronzed makeup, and noticeably different styling prompted comparisons to a beauty aesthetic some social media users associate with conservative American women.
Dubbed 'MAGA makeup' or 'Republican makeup' online, the look typically features a generous helping of bronzer, full-coverage foundation, heavily defined brows, dramatic lashes, and glossy lips. Add platinum blonde hair to the equation, and you've got the beauty formula that social media frequently associates with women in Donald Trump's political circle. As it seems, Bella's temporary makeover ticked enough boxes for the internet to start connecting political dots.
One X user described the combination of tanning and bleached blonde hair as giving 'republican beauty standard', while another accused Hadid of 'going full MAGA Barbie'. The reactions also coincided with speculation about Hadid's relationship with cowboy Nathan Lacy, who appeared in several photographs from the event. Some online users have questioned his family's political leanings.
The Blonde Transformation Was Actually a Halloween Wig
Rather than responding directly to the political comparisons, Hadid addressed the speculation surrounding her hair in an Instagram Story on Tuesday, 10 November. 'Btw yes guys it was a wig from Spirit Halloween', she wrote, adding, 'I was too lazy to do my hair', alongside a laughing emoji.
So, no emergency appointment with a colourist was necessary. Hadid's apparent bleach-blonde makeover was simply a temporary styling decision, courtesy of a Halloween costume retailer. The revelation also unplugs the intensity from the online debate. What some interpreted as a significant political symbol turned out to be a stylish solution to a potentially bad hair day.
What's Happening With Bella Hadid's Colorado Life?
Although the blonde hair isn't permanent, Hadid does appear to have a growing connection to Colorado. The model was photographed getting close to Lacy at the hockey event, fuelling speculation about a romance following her reported split from equestrian Adan Banuelos earlier this year. Neither Hadid nor Lacy has publicly confirmed their relationship status.
Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal reported that Hadid purchased a historic property in Crested Butte, Colorado, for $5.5 million (approximately £4.2 million). From the property purchase to her equestrian interests and recent appearances in Colorado, Hadid seems increasingly at home in the mountain state.
As for the blonde hair? Sometimes a wig is just a fashion statement, even when the internet insists on making it a political statement.
