How Miley Cyrus’s Hair Colorist Brought Hannah Montana Back to Life in 2026

Miley Cyrus’ transformation into Hannah Montana 2026 is officially complete: On March 23, the singer debuted a blonde hair transformation at the film’s premiere. Hannah Montana 20th anniversary special. And as soon as we put down the tissues, we started digging for details.

Cyrus has subtly lightened her naturally brunette color over the past year, fueling rumors of a Hannah Montana reunion before the special is confirmed. But her current blonde—a light, buttery shade with root dimension, Y2K-coded highlights, and full bangs—made us all do a double take. It’s as light as Cyrus has made it since her platinum Bangerz era, but the look is a clear homage to her Disney Channel days.

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Hannah Montana wasn’t the only source of color inspiration, however. “It’s really about trying to channel a high fashion moment,” says Kenny Reed, Cyrus’ hair colorist. Charm. “I mean, Kate Moss is a really good reference. We were really reading this sunnier but powerful blonde.” Although he says the look primarily strikes him as “edgy,” he also sees a mix of ’70s rocker and 2000s pop star influence in the end result.

As for Cyrus’ contribution since the presidency: “She’s an artist, right? She very clearly has a point of view,” Reed says. “That’s one of the things I really loved about working with her, that she said, ‘I want something very personalized and individual to me and where I’m at.'”

Throughout the anniversary special, Cyrus constantly referenced her. Hannah Montana its roots as a living part of itself, not just a bygone era. “I think it’s about showing that evolution,” Reed says.

The concept behind Hannah Montana illustrates how hair and identity are closely linked. On the show, almost every time Miley Stewart reveals her double life to another character, she throws her blonde wig over her naturally dark waves (with comically perfect execution) to “transform” into Hannah for proof. But according to Reed, Cyrus’ current color isn’t a character choice or costume element.

If you ask him, he’s also here to stay. “I feel like we’re going to be in a bit of a blonde era because I don’t think she’s while trying,” Reed said. “I think she’s feeling. This seems very honest to me.