What is Dolly Parton Natural Hair Color?

Beyond the wigs and makeup, what shade hides beneath? Learn about Dolly Parton natural hair color and the fascinating story behind her signature blonde locks.

For more than five magnificent decades, the famous country singer-songwriter Dolly Parton has captivated audiences all around. Still, within her remarkable career, questions surround elements of her life. From her enigmatic tattoos, the topic of considerable conjecture in popular culture circles, to her vast wig collection, a mainstay of her renowned beauty regimen, there is much yet unknown. You’re absolutely not alone if you have ever attempted to picture Dolly without her signature platinum-blond hair. Often whispered in the fields of celebrity rumors, the mystery of  dolly parton natural hair color lends still another level of complexity to her fascinating image.

 

Dolly Parton, the legendary country singer-songwriter (Source: Remind Magazine)
Dolly Parton, the legendary country singer-songwriter (Source: Remind Magazine)

What Is Dolly Parton Natural Hair Color?

For decades, the great country singer-songwriter Dolly Parton has captivated her admirers; nevertheless, some of her life remains mysterious, including her elusive tattoos and brilliant collection of wigs. Though having a sandy color, many would be surprised to find that Parton is actually a natural blonde despite her legendary platinum-blond look. Her fans have become fascinated by this disclosure as well as by hints of her actual hair.

Using her memoirs and social media, Parton herself has illuminated her natural hair color. Parton’s account of her natural hair as akin to her wigs, falling just beyond her shoulders, gives the conversation more nuance. 

She expresses her natural affinity to the blonde identity by frank admission to bleaching her hair from an early age to get a brighter blonde. This knowledge of her hair journey helps supporters to better appreciate her distinctive style and change of image.

Why Does Dolly Parton Always Wear A Wig?

Dolly Parton’s passion of wearing wigs derives from the need for a professional image and pragmatism. Often wearing teased-up hairstyles, she discovered her unique hair and cosmetics look.

Parton’s love of wigs also goes beyond simple style; it’s a calculated decision to guard her hair from damage brought on by regular styling. In interviews, she says wearing wigs helps her to avoid the dangers of over-bleaching and teasing, therefore preserving her locks’ health and brightness. This disclosure not only shows her pragmatic attitude to beauty but also emphasizes her will to keep her famous appearance even if she hides her natural hair color.

Dolly Parton’s natural hair color, combined with her passion for wigs, basically captures her ongoing appeal and adaptability. She loves her natural hair color, but her always changing approach captivates viewers and shows that actual beauty goes beyond trends. Dolly Parton is still a symbol of authenticity and uniqueness whether she’s sporting her sandy-blond hair or her classic platinum wigs.

How Has Dolly Parton’s Hair Evolved Over Time?

1965

When we discuss Dolly, she obviously has been sporting wigs her entire career. This photo is from 1965, when she was just beginning her 21-year career as a Nashville, Tennessee musician. She clearly enjoys showing off the most voluminous hair around.

Dolly Parton in 1965 (Source:GETTY IMAGES)
Dolly Parton in 1965 (Source: GETTY IMAGES)

1977

Have you ever felt a flash of jealousy when someone’s hair, clothes, and essentially all about them seems effortlessly perfect? Well, we most definitely have. Looking at this picture of Dolly Parton at the 1977 Grammys, you will know exactly what we mean. Let’s start with her hair; those gorgeous blonde curls arranged into a stunning mane. And see that ribbon as well! Discuss next-level fashion. Not even starting on her jumpsuit will help us here. Have you ever seen something quite this spectacular? It’s satin, bright pink, and crystal bedazzled.

 Dolly Parton at the 1977 Grammys (Source: WIREIMAGE)
Dolly Parton at the 1977 Grammys (Source: WIREIMAGE)

1980

Many think that Parton’s 1980 9 to 5 premiere marks one of the best films ever produced. She started slinking toward larger spherical wigs during the 1980s, as this image shows.

Parton at the 1980 premiere of 9 to 5 (Source: GETTY IMAGES)
Parton at the 1980 premiere of 9 to 5 (Source: GETTY IMAGES)

1989

Parton’s wardrobe veered toward a rock ‘n’ roll look at the end of the turbulent ’80s, seen in her wig selection with enormous crowns and looser curls running beyond her shoulders. 

Parton's fashion leaned towards a rock 'n' roll aesthetic (Source: GETTY IMAGES)
Parton’s fashion leaned towards a rock ‘n’ roll aesthetic (Source: GETTY IMAGES)

1995

Say you are at LAX and you spot this image approaching? It’s enough to cause anyone to stop dead cold. On a more serious note, though, Parton walked the airport with flawlessly feathered bright blonde hair. Then, and more definitely today, an icon.

Parton in the airport (1995) (Source: WIRE IMAGE) 
Parton in the airport (1995) (Source: WIRE IMAGE)

2002

Early in the 2000s, Parton started choosing shorter, lighter wigs marked by more side volume than top. She preferred hairstyles with flared-out ends throughout this period, a look that was in vogue almost everywhere in 2002.

Parton began opting for shorter, lighter wigs (Source: WIRE IMAGE)
Parton began opting for shorter, lighter wigs (Source: WIRE IMAGE)

2014

Her predisposition toward somewhat more controllable (and clearly lighter) hair did not last, either. Parton has returned to her classic look by 2014: voluminous, long, feathered, bleach blonde, and anything from modest. Seen here singing at the Glastonbury Festival, she seems to get ideas from her own classic 1980s outfit.

By 2014, Parton had reverted to her signature style  (Source: GETTY IMAGES)
By 2014, Parton had reverted to her signature style  (Source: GETTY IMAGES)

2019

And here is Dolly Parton, seen at the 2019 Grammys highlighting the timeless appeal of the legend we have honored for more than 50 years. Having spent so much time in front of cameras, she has perfected the exact picture she wants to show. Thus, it is reasonable to assume that those dear wigs are not very popular anywhere very soon.

Dolly Parton, spotted at the 2019 Grammys  (Source: GETTY IMAGES)
Dolly Parton, spotted at the 2019 Grammys  (Source: GETTY IMAGES)

FAQs:

1. How Many Different Wigs Does Dolly Parton Have?

Dolly Parton clearly has a large assortment of individually made wigs. She said she had hundreds of wigs for the debut of the Netflix series “Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings,” explaining she wore one every day suggests she must have at least 365. 

She chooses to either auction her wigs off or donate them to her museum in Tennessee when they reach the end of their lifetime so that her constantly growing collection stays dynamic and vivid.

2. What Does Dolly Parton Look Like Now?

Embracing a range of vivid colors and strong makeup techniques, Dolly Parton is still a fashion and beauty star. Usually accomplished with her bespoke wigs, she stays true to her characteristic blonde style, while occasionally she shows flashes of her naturally light brown/dark blonde hair.

Final Thoughts

Although the brilliant wigs usually take the stage, a look at Dolly Parton’s actual hair reveals a grounded woman who values both utility and self-expression. Her path with her natural hair as well as her wigs highlights her adaptability, flexibility, and timeless appeal. 

Often characterized as light brown or dark blonde, dolly parton natural hair color adds still another level of mystery to her image, reminding us that the real Dolly shines through even under the most beautiful of wigs.

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