Nicole Kidman's Natural Curls Made Their Red Carpet Return

A strawberry blonde icon.

Nicole Kidman Curls
(Image credit: Getty Images)

When I think of Nicole Kidman's hair, I think of straight blonde locks and Practical Magic—arguably the greatest hair movie of all time—where a red-headed Kidman and brunette Sandra Bullock play sisters with the sleekest locks ever. But for the greater part of the '90s, the 56-year-old was known for her curls. Today, I'm happy to announce they've made a triumphant return.

While most of us were sleeping on Wednesday morning, Kidman was walking the red carpet at a screening of her upcoming video series, Expats, in her home country, Australia. Instead of going for the straight, blonde locks she's typically seen with, she decided to take things back to basics for the event, wearing her hair in a tendril-filled updo, very close to her natural red hair color.

The style was created by Renya Xydis, an award-winning Australian hairdresser who, as you can see from her Instagram feed, has plenty of experience with redheads. To get the look, she used products from Dyson and Wella, pinning up the Big Little Lies actress's curls just tightly enough to hold a bun shape while tendrils cascaded down her face and back. While posing for photos in a Fendi gown, Kidman had plenty of fun with the texture, shaking her head to get the curls moving as she giggled with husband Keith Urban.

Nicole Kidman Curls

(Image credit: Getty Images)

During an interview she gave in her 40s, Kidman noted that she wanted to start embracing her natural curls to show her daughter, also a curly girl, how beautiful they were. “I almost never straighten it anymore; I let it go curly and wild,” she said. “It’s taken me 40-something years, but I embrace the curl.” Still, we rarely see the tendrils while she's out and about.

Here's to more natural texture in the new year, Nicole. It suits you.

Sophia Vilensky
Freelance Writer

Sophia Vilensky is a Freelance Beauty Writer at Marie Claire with a beauty, wellness, and entertainment journalism portfolio that includes contributions to Byrdie, Bravo, Teen Vogue, and Us Weekly. Growing up in a family of beauticians—and through her own personal studies—she developed an in-depth understanding of aesthetics, cosmetic product formulation, and beauty treatment development and has also held roles as a senior copywriter, content strategist, and proofreader for top beauty and wellness brands. Even so, you'd be hard pressed to find her with her hair and makeup actually done. Sophia is based in Minneapolis and is a 2019 graduate of the University of Minnesota, where she majored in English and minored in cinema studies. During her time at the university, she was the Arts & Entertainment Editor for the Minnesota Daily, earning the 2019 Editor of the Year award for her work. She connected deeply with the Twin Cities arts scene, collaborating with leading beauty professionals, designers, and artists. Graduating Summa Cum Laude, her thesis—a close-reading of Vanderpump Rules—was featured on NPR. When not immersed in writing or testing new products, Sophia enjoys watching reality TV, reading, and exploring the newest woo-woo wellness trends. Keep up with her on Instagram @sophiavilensky.