Emily Simpson has unveiled a dramatic hair transformation, revealing a darker, richer shade of brunette. The Real Housewives of Orange County star first teased her shift from chestnut brown to a deeper tone in November 2024, asking her Instagram followers for input on whether she should go lighter or darker. After much deliberation, she and her stylist decided on rich “coffee colors,” drawing inspiration from espresso and americano shades.
In addition to her new color, Emily also debuted a shorter haircut around the same time. On Christmas Eve, she shared a playful selfie showing off her new chop, joking, “Who cut their hair off on Christmas Eve? Me.” The last time Emily had this much shorter style was in May 2023, when she explained the decision as part of her effort to “simplify” her life. She later revealed that the major cut helped her cope with the loss of her beloved dog, Fisker.
In a heartfelt Instagram post from July 2023, Emily shared that the haircut was a way to handle her grief. “Two days later I had a hair appointment and couldn’t stop crying,” she wrote. “I asked her to remove all my extensions and cut my hair. I felt so heavy with grief that for some reason, cutting off my hair felt therapeutic.”
The 49-year-old also shared a touching family photo in her Instagram feed, posing with her three children outside their home. Her husband, Shane Simpson, took the picture. In the festive shot, Emily’s newly darkened hair complemented her black sweater and pants, blending seamlessly with the holiday decorations in the background.
Emily’s hair transformation quickly gained attention from her fellow Bravolebrities and castmates. “The hair!!!!!!!” exclaimed Gina Kirschenheiter. “Love!!!!!!!!!!!!” “Wow love your hair,” added Guerdy Abraira of The Real Housewives of Miami.
The following month, on April 6, Emily decided to go even darker, opting for a deeper brunette hue with hints of chestnut and espresso undertones. “Happy Sunday friends!” she wrote in her Instagram caption, crediting her stylist, Roya Falahi, for the stunning work. She asked her followers, “Dark hair or light? Which is your favorite?”
Her best friend, Gina Kirschenheiter, responded with “Dark!” while RHOC castmate Heather Dubrow complimented the change, calling it “Stunning!”
