I can distinctly remember the first time I ever envied someone else’s hair. I was three years old when the original Annie movie came out, and Aileen Quinn made me wish my long, brown waves were short, red curls. I eventually got over my jealousy because—let’s be real—while it’s an iconic and instantly recognizable hairstyle, it’s not exactly one that everyone can pull off. But I’m suddenly finding myself wishing for short red ringlets again because Keke Palmer is pulling it off and then some.
It’s not exactly news that Palmer’s hair is red right now. It seems she and stylist Kira Dior decided that the press circuit for the actor and author’s new film, One of Them Days, was the perfect time to switch to and stick to a vibrant, rich auburn hair color. And even though she’s currently committed to this warm, scarlet hue, she has switched up the style nearly every time she makes an appearance. She eased into the color with a sharp bob and turned up the heat with long, voluminous ’90s supermodel waves.
And now, she’s going even bolder with a totally unexpected update: cropped red ringlets.
Palmer visited The Jennifer Hudson Show on Thursday, January 30, wearing the cutest, black, off-the-shoulder halter dress. She accessorized with a low-slung, gold chain belt that matched her gold jewelry. But no amount of ornamentation could outshine Palmer’s incredibly pretty curls. The layers helped to create plenty of volume, with the longest of her spirals hitting the back of her neck and the shortest giving her the cutest curly bangs.
BURBANK, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 30: Keke Palmer appears on “The Jennifer Hudson Show” airing January 31, 2025 in Burbank, California. (Photo by Chris Haston/WBTV via Getty Images). Check your local listings for timesWarner Bros. TV/Getty Images
